Best Hair Detox Shampoo Drug Test: Our Top 5 Picks

Daniel Miller
By Daniel Miller

Ph.D Pharmacology, Drug Testing Specialist

Updated: 2022 May 11

In this article, I will explain how to choose the best detox shampoo for hair drug test. I’ll also list the best shampoos on the market.

These shampoos are not only effective but also safe to use.

You don’t need to bleach your hair, shave your entire body, or use harsh methods that could damage your hair or scalp.

You also don’t have to buy multiple products or spend a lot of money. So, you can keep your job opportunity safe.

I’ll explain how to use it to pass a hair follicle drug test.

If you’re not interested in how detox shampoos work and just want the list of the best shampoos, feel free to skip to the next section.

Pressed for time? Here is the best shampoo to pass a hair drug test.

Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo
  • Highly effective for drug tests
  • Effective for heavy users
  • Suitable for dreadlocks and dark hair
  • Used in Macujo and Jerry G methods.
GET YOURS

Do detox shampoos work for a drug test?

Yes, it’s all based on science, and studies confirm that detox shampoos can help you pass a drug test. However, not all shampoos designed for hair purification are effective.

Only special drug test detox shampoos can effectively remove drug metabolites from your hair, especially substances like marijuana, cocaine, and morphine.

Several studies have been conducted on how everyday products and detox shampoos can affect drug tests.

For instance, one study showed that various products, including a particular brand of shampoo, could reduce THC levels in hair by up to 65%.

The shampoo treatments were not visible to the naked eye and could decrease drug concentrations to undetectable levels. This suggests that using certain hair care products, along with other testing methods like urine analysis, could be beneficial.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9612008/

Another study looked at the effect of the Ultra Clean shampoo on drug levels in hair. Even after using the shampoo, drugs were still detectable, but there was a slight reduction in their concentrations.

For example, THC levels dropped by 36%, and morphine by 26%, indicating that while the shampoo helps, it doesn’t completely clear all drugs from the hair.

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12573803_Effect_of_the_shampoo_Ultra_Clean_on_drug_concentrations_in_human_hair

Furthermore, a research focusing on the alcohol marker EtG showed that detox shampoos could significantly reduce its concentration in hair.

Some shampoos decreased EtG levels by as much as 73% after long-term application under a swim cap.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30659779/

From these studies, it’s clear that while hair treatments cannot be visually detected, and although bleaching is more effective, it’s also more harmful.

If you want to pass a drug test without damaging your hair, using a hair detox shampoo is a safer alternative.

These shampoos can effectively reduce drug metabolites in your hair. This wraps up our detailed look at the science behind detox shampoos.

What to look for when selecting the best shampoo for passing a hair drug test

In this section, I will show you how to avoid marketing tricks and choose a hair detox shampoo that truly works for a drug test.

I’ll also explain how I selected the shampoos on my list and the criteria that make them effective for passing a hair drug test.

Is the product suitable?

There are many detox shampoos on the market. However, most people who use detox shampoos aren’t trying to remove drug metabolites from their hair.

They use these products to clear out environmental toxins.

For many manufacturers, the word “detox” is just a marketing strategy to boost sales. These shampoos often just restore hair structure and add shine.

But you need a shampoo that is specifically designed to remove drug metabolites. Such a shampoo must penetrate the hair structure and dissolve the drug residues. I have selected products that actually remove THC and other drug metabolites.

Safety

Some shampoos and treatments use harsh ingredients like bleach to dissolve drug metabolites in hair.

For instance, the Macujo method involves using laundry detergent and vinegar on the hair, which can severely damage both hair and scalp. Here’s what people say after using such methods:

  • “Wouldn’t wish that process on my worst enemy.”
  • “This really irritates your scalp.”
  • “Bleach makes your scalp burn terribly and causes hair and scalp damage.”
  • “Crazy scalp melting treatments.”
  • “So when I damaged my hair, I felt like my life was ruined.”
  • “After my test, I decided to cut my hair because I didn’t want to look like Patchy the Pirate, so I got a bald fade.”
  • “I had dandruff and pieces of my scalp were falling out for about a week and a half after.”

Moreover, a person cutting your hair will notice if your hair or scalp is damaged. This might cause suspicion, and they may take hair from another part of your body.

So, look for a shampoo that doesn’t damage your hair or scalp.

Bottle size

You will need a lot of shampoo. The more drugs you’ve used, the more often you’ll need to wash your hair. It’s recommended to use the shampoo at least 15 times before your drug test.

This is due to the complexity of removing drug metabolites from the hair shaft; it’s just not possible with one wash. Also, you can’t easily check your progress with a hair drug test like you can with a urine test using a test strip at home.

So, it’s better to be safe and wash your hair several more times than risk failing the drug test. Ensure you have enough shampoo to cleanse the drug metabolites thoroughly from your hair. On average, people use 10 ml of shampoo per use.

Therefore, it’s wise to have at least 150 ml of shampoo to pass the drug test. People with longer hair or dreads will need more. Again, it’s better to be on the safe side. In my list, I only include products that provide enough shampoo to pass the test.

Brand reputation

Always check the reviews of the shampoo.

Ensure the reviews relate to drug testing. Many detox shampoos have positive reviews for how they leave the hair looking, but you need to ensure that the shampoo has successfully helped others pass drug tests.

For each product on my list, I researched reviews and included only those proven to work for passing a hair drug test.

Best shampoos for passing a hair follicle drug test

Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo – Best Overall

old style aloe toxin rid shampoo

The Original Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo deeply cleanses your hair, removing medications, heavy metals, chlorine, chemical buildup, and other toxins from the hair follicle.

It’s a highly trusted and scientifically proven product designed to help you pass a hair test successfully.

Alongside it, you get a supportive shampoo called Zydot Ultra Clean, which is perfect for use on the day of your test to ensure maximum cleanliness.

For the best results, use the shampoo every day for 3-10 days before your test. If you’re short on time, consider taking multiple showers a day.

This deep-cleaning formula is gentle on your hair. It delicately removes residual buildup, environmental pollutants, chemicals, chlorine, hard water minerals, and hair-dulling impurities.

It uses advanced microsphere technology to provide a gradual release without harming your hair.

Step by step instructions

Use the shampoo every day before your test, ideally 3-10 days in advance. If you don’t have that much time, take multiple showers a day as needed.

During each wash, keep the shampoo lathered in your hair for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to use it the required number of times before your test to get the best results.

I recommend the following shampooing regimen: first, use your regular shampoo and rinse, then apply a dime-sized amount of Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo and let it soak, followed by your regular conditioner.

Focus on the scalp, where most toxins accumulate, to remove all the older layers of oil.

An important tip is to wash or avoid any previously used items that might contact your hair, like pillowcases, hats, beanies, headbands, etc.

This helps prevent the accidental reintroduction of toxins back into your clean hair.

How much Toxin Rid shampoo should I use?

I’ve calculated the required number of uses and the amount of shampoo needed for each usage type and hair type. You’ll find tables that detail how much ml of shampoo you need for your situation and the rationale behind these calculations.

Light users are those who use marijuana once weekly or less frequently. Light users need to apply the shampoo at least 8 times.

Medium users are those who use marijuana 2-4 times weekly. Medium users need to apply the shampoo at least 14 times.

Heavy users are those who use marijuana daily. Heavy users need to apply the shampoo at least 16 times.

Zydot Ultra Clean – best for light users

zydot ultra clean shampoo

Proven to work by scientific research, the Ultra Clean shampoo demonstrates effectiveness even after a single use.

According to a study sourced from PubMed, hair samples washed with Ultra Clean showed a decrease in drug concentrations such as cocaine by 5%, 6-MAM by 9%, morphine by 26%, and THC by 36%. However, these levels weren’t reduced enough to be undetectable.

This indicates that while the shampoo can reduce drug residues, a single use might not be sufficient for heavy users or to pass a test.

For light users, a single application might suffice. However, heavy users should consider multiple applications or combining it with Toxin Rid Old Style Aloe Shampoo for maximum effectiveness.

This combination is especially effective and works well on all hair types, including black hair. For those with dreads, multiple uses or the combined treatment is recommended to ensure thorough cleansing.

The great news is that this shampoo doesn’t damage hair or cause scalp irritation.

How to use

Step 1: Shampoo (packet #1)

  • Wet hair thoroughly.
  • Important: Apply only half of the shampoo (save the remaining half for after the purifier, packet #2).
  • Massage into your scalp and hair for 10 minutes to work up a lather.
  • Rinse well with lukewarm water.

Step 2: Purifier (packet #2)

  • Apply all of the purifier, massaging it into the scalp and the hair closest to the scalp.
  • Use a new comb to comb through the hair.
  • Leave it on for 10 minutes.
  • Rinse well.

Step 3: Repeat Step 1 using the remainder of the shampoo (packet #1)

  • Reapply the shampoo.
  • Massage into your scalp and hair for another 10 minutes to create lather.
  • Rinse well.

Step 4: Conditioner (packet #3)

  • Apply all of the conditioner, massaging it into the scalp and hair.
  • Distribute evenly and comb through the hair.
  • Leave in for 3 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly.
  • Style as usual.

Actually, the two shampoos mentioned above are the only effective, safe, and reliable detox shampoos that I recommend for passing a drug test. While I review other popular shampoos, please use them at your own risk.

Macujo Aloe Rid Old Formula Shampoo

Macujo-Aloe-Rid

This shampoo claims to be as effective as Toxin Rid Old Style Aloe Shampoo. It is said to have the same formula as the old Nexxus detox shampoo and is effective for moderate users. However, the reviews are mixed.

The instructions for this shampoo recommend using it with the Macujo method only. The Macujo method involves using vinegar and bleach, which can seriously damage your hair and scalp. Therefore, please use it cautiously.

Another downside is that the official website suggests using this shampoo up to 20 times before your drug test, but the bottle only contains enough shampoo for 17 uses. You will most likely need two bottles.

Additionally, this shampoo costs more than Toxin Rid Old Style Aloe Shampoo when considering the price per ounce.

Stinger Folli-Kleen Intense Hair Cleanser

FOLLI-KLEEN HAIR CLEANSER

While sometimes marketed for helping with passing hair drug tests, there’s no supporting information on the official website about its effectiveness in this area. The reviews are also not positive.

Here’s what the website claims about the shampoo: Stinger Folli-Kleen Hair Cleanser is designed to provide a deep and thorough clean. The product is meant for those who do not want to risk exposure to toxins and includes a proprietary supplement blend intended to promote a natural detox. The product is FDA registered, made in the USA, and comes from a facility with over 30 years of experience in detox formulation.

As you can see, it is a regular detox shampoo that might benefit your hair but is doubtful to help you pass a drug test. It might theoretically work for very light users, but again, use it at your own risk.

High Voltage Detox Shampoo

High Voltage Detox Shampoo

This is the cheapest detox shampoo available, priced at $17 on Amazon. The low price speaks for itself, and the reviews are not favorable. It may work if you have only used weed once. Use this shampoo at your own risk.

Tips for passing a hair drug test

Stop using drugs at least 48 hours before starting to use the shampoo. This is necessary to prevent new drug metabolites from entering your hair.

Also, avoid any items that have been in contact with your hair to prevent accidental reintroduction of toxins. This includes pillowcases, hats, beanies, and headbands.

Manage your time well; after about three days, drugs will be deposited into the newly grown hair shaft.

Homemade solution to cleanse hair for hair follicle test – the Macujo method

What you’ll need:

  • Rubber gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals.
  • Goggles to protect your eyes.
  • A sink or a tub with a water source.
  • Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo.
  • Clean and Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent (with salicylic acid).
  • White vinegar.
  • Tide liquid laundry detergent.
  • A shower cap or plastic bag to cover your hair.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Wear gloves and goggles: Before starting, put on rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes and hands.
  2. Wet your hair: Use warm water to thoroughly dampen your hair.
  3. Apply vinegar: Pour white vinegar over your head, massaging it into every strand of your hair and scalp.
  4. Add Clean and Clear Astringent: Without rinsing the vinegar, apply the astringent for full coverage.
  5. Cover your hair: Use a shower cap or plastic bag to cover your hair and let it soak for 30 to 45 minutes.
  6. Rinse your hair: Remove the cover and rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
  7. Wash with Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo: Lather a generous amount of shampoo into your hair and scalp, then rinse.
  8. Wash with Tide detergent: Apply a small amount of Tide detergent carefully to your hair and scalp, lather, then rinse thoroughly. Be very cautious to avoid contact with your eyes or mouth.
  9. Repeat if necessary: Some may choose to repeat this process several times before a drug test.

Warning: The Macujo method uses harsh chemicals that can damage your hair and scalp, possibly leading to irritation, burns, or damage.

Furthermore, using Tide laundry detergent can severely harm your hair and scalp. It’s an extreme treatment, and you should be prepared for possible damage.

A drug test collector might notice the damage and could opt to take hair from another part of your body.

Conclusion

I recommend using Toxin Rid Old Style Aloe Shampoo in combination with Zydot Ultra Clean as the most effective and reliable solution to pass a hair drug test.

For light users, Zydot Ultra Clean alone can be a reliable option.

Always consider the consequences of failing a drug test and avoid shortcuts or settling for less effective methods.