The bottom line Head and Shoulders is a brand of hair care products that help alleviate dandruff. These anti-dandruff products are not considered bad for your hair. And there is very little evidence to show that they cause hair damage or hair loss — especially at over the counter (OTC) strengths.
No, contrary to what others may have said, Head and Shoulders does not cause hair loss and it's not a strong shampoo. Old fashioned, medicated, coal tar products have cursed all antidandruff shampoo as harsh and damaging, when that no longer needs to be true.
You should only use head and shoulders every so often as it is deep cleaning, so if you use it too regularly you will dry out your hair and scalp and will be left with even more dandruff than usual!
Using Head & Shoulders shampoo every day is generally safe for most people, especially if you have dandruff or an oily scalp. However, daily use of any shampoo can lead to dryness or irritation for some individuals, particularly if you have sensitive skin or dry hair.
Clinical research has shown that Head & Shoulders with zinc pyrithione is as effective for men and women at reducing flaking and itch-related histamine levels. Just as dandruff is a non-discriminatory condition, Head & Shoulders is an anti-dandruff solution for all.
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength contains an ingredient that can be harsh on the hair and has been linked to hair loss in some cases if not used properly. That's why it's important to check the label and follow directions (FDA, 2022-a; MedlinePlus, 2017).
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.
Dandruff itself does not cause hair loss. However, severe dandruff can cause a person to scratch their scalp so hard that they injure it. Repeated inflammation in the hair follicles can cause damage and scarring, slowing or stopping hair growth. This can cause weak or thinning hair.
If you have fine or naturally straight hair, or an oily scalp, wash your hair often. For example, you may need to shampoo daily and use your dandruff shampoo twice a week. If you have coarse or naturally curly or coily hair, wash your hair when needed, and use your dandruff shampoo about once a week, if tolerated.
Anti-dandruff shampoos contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, coal tar, and zinc pyrithione that can dry out the scalp and cause irritation. If you have dry or sensitive skin, these shampoos exacerbate the problem, stripping the scalp of its natural oils leaving it dry, itchy, and flaky.
Just Water Method
By wetting your hair you're still technically washing it, but you're avoiding exposure to potentially dehydrating ingredients like sulfates. A good time to use the “just water” method is when it's the end of the day and your hair is looking like a bit of a mess.
At Head & Shoulders, we have 2-in-1 products for any hair type! If you're unsure which one is right for you, you can take our hair product quiz or look below for some of our favorites!
Therefore, hair care products, specifically shampoos, with active Malassezia inhibitory agents, such as zinc pyrithione, tend to reduce premature hair loss, besides the known benefits in treating specific dermatologic scalp pathologies, and therefore should represent an integral part of every treatment regimen for hair ...
Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.
Despite anecdotal evidence available online, there is nothing on the Head & Shoulders shampoo and conditioner ingredient lists that would cause hair loss in a person with healthy hair, as long as the products are used correctly. On the contrary, it contains many substances that can promote hair health.
Unfortunately, in most cases, an itchy scalp doesn't mean hair growth. In fact, an itchy scalp is more commonly linked with hair loss and scalp problems. But there are dozens of potential causes of an itchy scalp according to the NHS.
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp.
Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are used as hair detergents, which clean your hair. While the former has often been linked to hair loss, there is no real evidence to support the claim. But it is considered more damaging/irritating to your scalp than sodium laureth sulfate.
There's no limit to how often you can use Head & Shoulders – it's pH balanced and gentle on hair, so you can use it every day. You don't have to stick to exactly the same Head & Shoulders shampoo, either – mix it up!