Hair Alcohol Testing: A Reliable Way to Detect Long-Term Alcohol Use
Hair alcohol testing is one of the most dependable and science-supported methods for identifying long-term alcohol use. With a detection window of up to 90 days, it is commonly used for court-ordered testing, probation monitoring, family law cases, child custody matters, and personal accountability programs. This extended lookback period offers insights that short-term tests cannot provide, giving individuals, families, and legal professionals the clarity needed to make informed decisions.
If you need a hair alcohol test for a legal requirement or personal reasons, you can schedule your test online or learn more about our court-ordered testing services.
What Is Hair Alcohol Testing?
Hair alcohol testing is designed to detect patterns of alcohol consumption over a long period of time. Unlike urine or breath tests, which only capture recent use, a hair analysis detects alcohol biomarkers that become embedded in the hair shaft as hair grows. This makes the test ideal for situations where long-term behavior, sobriety tracking, or past alcohol use needs to be evaluated.
How Hair Alcohol Testing Works
During a hair alcohol test, a small sample, usually from the crown of the scalp is collected and analyzed for two key alcohol metabolites:
- Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG)
- Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE)
These markers are produced in the body after alcohol is consumed and are incorporated into the hair as it grows. Because hair grows approximately 1.0 to 1.5 cm per month, a standard 3 cm sample reflects roughly 90 days of alcohol use. This method is widely recognized by laboratory toxicologists and forensic experts as a reliable tool for evaluating long-term consumption.
To explore other testing options, including urine and breath alcohol testing, visit our Alcohol Testing Services page.
Why Courts, Probation & Family Law Programs Use Hair Alcohol Testing
In legal and monitoring environments, accurate long-term detection is essential. Courts and probation officers often rely on hair alcohol testing when evaluating:
- Compliance with sobriety requirements
- Probation or parole conditions
- Child custody or family court matters
- Pre-trial and diversion program requirements
- Cases where abstinence must be proven over time
Hair alcohol testing offers a more complete picture of an individual's drinking patterns compared to short-term tests. This is why many courts and monitoring programs prefer hair analysis when determining compliance, verifying sobriety, or assessing long-term behavior.
Benefits of Hair Alcohol Testing
- Extended 90-day detection window
- Difficult to dilute or cheat compared to some other methods (observed collection)
- Reliable documentation for legal and family law cases
- Trusted by courts, probation programs, and monitoring agencies
- Useful for individuals who want proof of sobriety
Whether required by a judge, a probation officer, an attorney, or a family member, hair alcohol testing provides a non-invasive, accurate, and professional means of evaluating long-term alcohol use.
Hair Alcohol vs. Urine Alcohol Testing
Hair and urine alcohol tests both play important roles, but they answer different questions. The comparison below can help you and your legal or clinical team choose the most appropriate test. For help deciding which test you need, contact our team or visit our Alcohol Testing page.
| Feature | Hair Alcohol Test | Urine Alcohol Test |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Long-term alcohol use patterns over weeks to months | Recent or short-term alcohol use |
| Typical Detection Window | Up to ~90 days, depending on hair length | Hours to a few days, depending on test type |
| Common Uses | Court-ordered cases, probation, custody, monitoring, sobriety documentation | Post-incident testing, workplace testing, recent use confirmation |
| Sample Type | Small hair sample cut close to the scalp | Urine sample collected in a specimen cup |
| Resistance to Adulteration | More difficult to dilute or substitute | Higher risk of dilution or tampering without proper controls |
| Best For | Showing patterns of drinking or abstinence over time | Showing whether recent drinking may have occurred |
| Result Time | Generally a few business days after lab receipt | Often same day to a few days, depending on method |
Schedule a Hair Alcohol Test with Accredited Drug Testing
Accredited Drug Testing makes testing simple, confidential, and accessible. With more than 20,000 testing centers nationwide, you can schedule a hair alcohol test quickly, whether you need it for a court order, a probation requirement, a custody case, or personal verification of sobriety.
- Nationwide testing centers near home or work
- Certified professional collectors
- Fast laboratory turnaround times
- Court-admissible results and documentation
- Easy online scheduling or phone registration
To find a location close to you, visit our Drug Testing Locations page and choose your city or state.
Schedule Your Hair Alcohol TestOur team is ready to help you choose the right test, understand the process, and get results quickly and accurately.
FAQs: Hair Alcohol Testing for Court, Probation & Personal Use
Below are some of the most common questions we receive about hair alcohol testing. If you have additional questions, please contact Accredited Drug Testing for assistance or visit our Court-Ordered Testing page.
1. What is a hair alcohol test?
A hair alcohol test uses a small hair sample to identify long-term patterns of alcohol use by measuring specific alcohol-related biomarkers.
2. How long does a hair alcohol test look back?
Most standard hair alcohol tests provide approximately a 90-day lookback period, depending on hair length and laboratory cutoffs.
3. Is a hair alcohol test accepted in court?
Many courts, attorneys, and probation departments accept hair alcohol testing as part of their evaluation of alcohol use or sobriety. Always confirm with your court or legal counsel.
4. How much hair is needed?
Typically, a small lock of hair (about the width of a pencil lead) cut near the scalp is sufficient. If head hair is not available, body hair may sometimes be used.
5. Can I still test if I have short hair?
Yes, in many cases. The laboratory and collection site will determine if your hair length is adequate. Body hair may be considered when scalp hair is too short.
6. Will hair dye or styling products affect the results?
Normal hair care products usually do not prevent testing. Laboratories use validated procedures to help account for everyday hair treatments.
7. How quickly do I get my results?
Most hair alcohol test results are available within a few business days after the specimen reaches the laboratory. Turnaround times can vary based on the test panel and case needs.
8. Is hair alcohol testing more expensive than urine testing?
Hair testing is often more costly than urine testing because of the specialized analysis and longer detection window, but it provides valuable long-term information.
9. Can I order a hair alcohol test for myself?
Yes. Individuals frequently order hair alcohol tests for personal reasons, legal proof of sobriety, or to prepare for court or custody hearings.
10. How do I schedule a hair alcohol test today?
You can schedule a hair alcohol test online or call Accredited Drug Testing to speak with a representative who will help you select a convenient location and time.
About the Author
John Burgos, CSAPA is a nationally recognized expert in drug and alcohol testing, compliance solutions, and testing program management. As the VP of Accredited Drug Testing, Inc., John has trained thousands of industry professionals and developed nationwide testing programs for employers, individuals, courts, and government agencies. His work focuses on accuracy, education, and delivering accessible testing solutions across the United States.