Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) for the analysis of intact hair is a powerful tool for the detection of drugs of abuse in toxicology and forensic applications. Here we present a quick, easy, and reproducible method of preparing longitudinal sections of single hairs. This method improves the accessibility of chemicals embedded in the hair matrix for molecular imaging with mass spectrometry. The images obtained from a single, sectioned hair sample show molecular distributions in the exposed medulla, cortex, and a portion of the cuticle observed as a narrow layer surrounding the cortex. Using MALDI‐MS/MS imaging, the distribution of cocaine was observed throughout five longitudinally sectioned drug‐user hair samples. The images showed the distribution of the product ion at m/z 182, derived from the precursor ion of cocaine at m/z 304. MetA‐SIMS images of longitudinally sectioned hair samples showed a more detailed distribution of cocaine at m/z 304, benzoylecgonine the major metabolite of cocaine at m/z 290 and other drugs such as methadone which was observed at m/z 310. Chronological information of drug intake can be obtained more sensitively. The chronological detail is in hours rather than months, which is of great interest in clinical as well as forensic applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. High spatial resolution MetA‐SIMS imaging is used to have a closer look at the internal distribution of drugs of abuse that are incorporated into the hair. A device for fast, easy and reproducible preparation of longitudinal sections of single hairs is presented. Using high spatial resolution techniques, provides more detailed chronological information of drug intake, with better precision.