Is Head and Shoulders Bad For Your Hair? Experts Discuss

Written by Cassandra Pardini, PharmD, MS | Reviewed by Maria Robinson, MD, MBAUpdated on May 17, 2023print_outlinedemail_outlined

Key takeaways:

• Dandruff is a common skin condition. It causes white flakes of dead skin to shed from your scalp into your hair or onto your shoulders. 
• Head and Shoulders is a popular brand of hair care products. Head and Shoulders products effectively help manage dandruff and improve scalp health. They aren’t considered bad for your hair.
• There are two main Head and Shoulders active ingredients to be aware of. Pyrithione zinc is found in the Everyday product line, and selenium sulfide is found in the Clinical Strength line.

Table of contents

Active ingredientsSide effectsHair lossHair damageBottom lineReferences

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Have you noticed white flakes in your hair or on your clothes? Has your scalp been really dry and itchy lately? If so, you’re in good company. About half of adults worldwide have some degree of dandruff. 

This health condition is characterized by an itchy or oily scalp and white flakes of dead skin that shed into your hair or onto your shoulders. It doesn’t cause any serious medical problems, but some people find it to be unpleasant or inconvenient. And while it isn’t linked to poor hygiene, as is sometimes stated, bad hair care habits, along with cold winter air and puberty, can worsen dandruff.

Fortunately, anti-dandruff shampoos are safe, effective, and accessible. The brand Head and Shoulders offers many products that can treat dandruff, for example. These items are sold over the counter (OTC), and there are also generic equivalents available.

Although OTC products aren’t technically FDA approved, they’re still regulated for safety. Despite this, rumors sometimes circulate that anti-dandruff shampoos, like Head and Shoulders products, can damage your hair.AdvertisementAdvertisement

What are the active ingredients in Head and Shoulders shampoo?

Head and Shoulders markets several products with different formulas. Although these products vary, Head and Shoulders active ingredients target Malassezia, a fungus that causes dandruff. This fungus feeds on the oils naturally present on the scalp and, in turn, produces an irritant called oleic acid. The resulting irritation can lead to scalp inflammation, itchiness, and shedding flakes of dead skin.

There are two active ingredients found in Head and Shoulders products: pyrithione zinc and selenium sulfide. Both of these ingredients help manage dandruff symptoms and fight Malassezia.

Pyrithione zinc

Pyrithione zinc is found in the Head and Shoulders Everyday product line. These products contain 1% pyrithione zinc. And they are recommended for daily use and mild-to-moderate dandruff cases. 

Pyrithione zinc fights against Malassezia, removes scalp irritants, and helps prevent irritant formation.

Selenium sulfide

Selenium sulfide is found in the Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength product line. It’s an antiseborrheic, a medication that works by decreasing skin cell production and inhibiting fungal growth. 

As they provide the strongest protection, Clinical Strength products are recommended for more severe cases of dandruff. Products that contain 1% of selenium sulfide are available OTC, while products with a higher concentration (e.g., 2.5%) are available with a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Unlike the classic Everyday products, Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength hair care products should be used in addition to your regular daily shampoo. It’s recommended to apply Clinical Strength products 2 times a week for the first 2 weeks, then once weekly for 2 to 4 weeks — depending on your response to treatment.

Side effects of Head and Shoulders

Just like other OTC and prescription treatments, Head and Shoulders products can cause side effects.

Head and Shoulders Everyday products generally have fewer side effects than the Clinical Strength products. Still, products containing pyrithione zinc can be irritating. So it’s important to only apply them to your scalp and keep them away from your eyes, ears, and nose. 

Since the Clinical Strength collection contains a more intense medication, selenium sulfide, side effects are more common. But they’re generally mild and go away as your body adjusts to the product. Common side effects include skin irritation, temporary hair discoloration, and a dry scalp.

Another thing that’s helpful to know is that Head and Shoulders products can damage silver, gold, and metallic jewelry. So it’s best to remove jewelry prior to hopping in the shower.

Does Head and Shoulders cause hair loss?

If you’ve noticed hair loss while using a Head and Shoulders product, you may be wondering if it’s causing more harm than good. But don’t fret; it’s unlikely that the Head and Shoulders product is at fault.

Hair loss

Based on current research, there isn’t a link between pyrithione zinc products and hair loss. In fact, data suggests that this ingredient actually promotes hair growth in some people who have severe dandruff. It may help improve scalp health, which is essential for healthy hair growth.

The research is more mixed on selenium sulfide, however. Two early, small-scale studies found that people using selenium sulfide experienced increased hair loss. In one of the studies, which was conducted in 1960, prescription-strength selenium sulfide use was found to have a negative effect on hair roots in a small number of people. The other study, published in 1956, found similar results, with hair loss stopping once the product was no longer being used. 

However, another, slightly more recent study found no significant hair loss or growth in people using selenium sulfide. Since the data has been mixed, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect with a selenium sulfide product if you have questions.   

Why hair loss might happen

Hair loss is common among people with dandruff. But why? There are a few explanations that may shed some light on this.

First, it could be the condition itself. Severe dandruff can cause itching and scratching, thus resulting in damage to the hair follicle and hair loss. In one study, scalps with dandruff were found to lose twice as many hairs compared to healthy scalps. This generally doesn’t occur in cases of mild to moderate dandruff.

Another explanation for increased hair loss is the ingredients in anti-dandruff treatments. In addition to containing active ingredients, these products also contain inactive ingredients. Some people may develop contact dermatitis, or a rash, in response to these components. Sensitivities to anti-dandruff treatments can lead to itching and irritation, and eventually hair loss, if left unmanaged.

Do Head and Shoulders products damage your hair?

No, there is very little evidence that suggests Head and Shoulders products could cause damage to your hair. In fact, research has shown that these products may help work to improve hair and scalp health when used as directed.

In some cases, Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength products can sometimes discolor hair and make the scalp become dry or oily. But these effects can be minimized or prevented by thoroughly washing your hair and scalp with clarifying shampoo and conditioner between treatments.