How Long Does Molly/Ecstasy Stay In Your Hair?

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D.

Updated on June 5, 2026

Molly (MDMA/ecstasy) is an illicit drug with hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. Long after it leaves the urine, blood, and oral fluids, MDMA can be detected in hair follicles for up to three months after ingestion.

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Of all the drug testing methods available, hair follicle testing has the longest detection window, capable of identifying drug use going back up to 90 days after the last use. This makes it one of the most comprehensive screening tools available, and it applies to a wide range of substances including MDMA, also known as molly or ecstasy, as well as methamphetamine, opioids, and cocaine.

MDMA, formally known as methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic drug with both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties that is used by millions of people each year, often in social or party settings. While many people perceive molly as a relatively low-risk recreational drug, it can be habit-forming, is frequently adulterated with other substances, and can cause serious physical and psychological harm with repeated use.

How long molly remains detectable in hair depends on a range of personal and biological factors, but the 90-day window applies broadly regardless of how the drug was taken.

Molly Detection Time In Hair

Millions of people each year use hallucinogenic drugs like molly, formally known as methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and sometimes referred to as ecstasy. Hair testing methods can detect illicit drug use for up to 90 days after your last use of the drug.

This applies to MDMA use, as well as other common drugs, such as methamphetamine, opioids, and cocaine.

What Factors Can Affect How Long MDMA Stays In Your Hair?

Hair tests generally have a long detection window. Certain personal and biological factors, however, can affect the amount of time MDMA can stay in your system.

These factors that can affect molly detection times include:

  • amount of molly used
  • frequency of use
  • drug dependence
  • overall health
  • body mass index (BMI)
  • taking multiple drugs (e.g. other hallucinogens, cannabis)

Styling, dying, or washing hair will not affect drug detection times.

What Happens During A Hair Test?

Hair tests can be performed in a clinical setting or at home. With an at-home hair kit, the individual must mail samples of hair to a lab for confirmation drug testing.

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Within a clinical setting, a lab technician will take 100-120 strands of hair from the crown of the head. If there is no scalp on the head, hair may be taken from another area of the body.

Why Are Hair Tests Used For MDMA?

Compared to other drug screenings, hair tests can be useful for identifying a pattern of substance use. This is due to its long detection window.

A drug test can be ordered by a healthcare provider, employer, or legal entity. Hair testing can detect the use of multiple drugs over a long stretch of time.

How To Get MDMA Out Of Your System

Letting molly leave the body naturally is the only way to get it out of your system. For people who use molly once, or infrequently as a party drug, this can be easy. But this might not be easy for everyone. People who take molly regularly can become dependent on it through frequent use. This can cause withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and depression.

In addition, MDMA is sometimes abused with other drugs. In this case, seeking professional help through a detox program is the safest way to get sober.

Treatment For Molly Addiction

Molly, like any drug, can be abused. Molly boosts levels of the “feel good” chemicals dopamine and serotonin, which can produce a sense of happiness and well-being.

Signs of molly addiction can include:

  • hiding or lying about drug use
  • taking higher doses of molly over time
  • taking molly often
  • continuing to take molly despite negative effects on health, employment, or general well-being

Some people may abuse molly as a form of self-medication. Treatment for molly addiction may involve detox, behavioral therapy, and mental health counseling. This can be found in an inpatient or outpatient drug rehab program.

Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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