Why does head and shoulders ruin my hair?

Author: Mason O'Reilly  |  Last update: Monday, September 29, 2025

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.

Do Head and Shoulders cause hair damage?

No, contrary to what others may have said, Head and Shoulders does not cause hair loss and it's not a strong shampoo.

Is it bad to wash your hair with Head and Shoulders?

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!

Why do Head and Shoulders make dandruff worse?

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.

What shampoos have been linked to hair loss?

Shampoos and hair products linked to hair loss lawsuits
  • Unilever TRESemmé keratin shampoo and conditioners. ...
  • Johnson & Johnson OGX shampoo. ...
  • Straight Arrow Products Mane 'n Tail shampoo and conditioners. ...
  • WEN hair products. ...
  • DevaCurl hair products. ...
  • Brazilian blowouts.

The Secret to Fixing Oily & Dry Hair

What is causing my hair to thin?

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.

What dry shampoos cause hair loss?

Research doesn't seem to show that dry shampoo itself directly causes hair loss.

Is head and shoulders a bad shampoo?

No – in fact, Head & Shoulders has been proven to take care of your scalp and keep it – and your hair – healthy. Dandruff is a sign that your scalp isn't at full health. As well as flakes, you can also experience itching and dryness as dandruff causes damage to the scalp's outer layer of skin cells.

When I scratch my scalp, I get white stuff in my nails.?

Not only does your scalp have a plethora of sweat glands, but it also has an abundance of sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce oily sebum. Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.

Why do people say head and Shoulders is bad for your hair?

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.

What can cure dandruff permanently?

Dandruff
  1. Pyrithione zinc shampoos (DermaZinc, Head & Shoulders, others). ...
  2. Tar-based shampoos (Neutrogena T/Gel, Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo, others). ...
  3. Shampoos containing salicylic acid (Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo, Baker P&S, others). ...
  4. Selenium sulfide shampoos (Head & Shoulders Intensive, Selsun Blue, others).

Should you wash your hair with hot or cold water if you have dandruff?

While hot water may feel great, it's going to strip the natural moisture. So, if you are among those who have 'How to reduce dandruff and hair fall home remedies' in your Google history, you might want to set the ideal bathing water temperature just slightly higher than your body temperature at about 40° C or 100° F.

How damaging is head and shoulders?

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.

Does dandruff cause thinning hair?

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.

Which shampoo is most effective for dandruff?

Dandruff Top Brands
  • Dot & Key,
  • Plum,
  • Minimalist,
  • L'Oreal Paris,
  • L'Oreal Professionnel,
  • The Derma Co,
  • Wishcare,
  • Dove,

What is the white stuff on my hair when I pull it out?

The white bulb at the end of your hair is essentially a bundle of protein, known as keratin. The role of the white bulb is to help the hair follicle root to the scalp, which then allows the hair to grow until it is shed.

How often should you wash your 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.

What is the red scalp syndrome?

'Red scalp syndrome" is a condition which occurs in individuals who have persistent scalp redness that is not explainable by any other condition. The condition was first described by Drs Thestrup and Hjorth Patients with the Red Scalp Syndrome may have itching and burning but typically do not have scaling or flaking.

Do dermatologists recommend head and shoulders?

Our products will never make you choose between safety and performance, because we know that you care about being kind to your skin as much as you care about finding an effective solution to dandruff. That's why Head & Shoulders is kind to your skin and can be used every day and is recommended by 9/10 dermatologists.

Is it OK to use head and shoulders shampoo every day?

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!

What happens when you stop using head and shoulders?

There is no cure for dandruff, so if you stop using your anti-dandruff shampoo then it's likely your dandruff will come back. Often, people use an anti-dandruff shampoo to treat the symptoms and, once they see an improvement they go back to their cosmetic shampoo again.

How to reverse hair loss from dry shampoo?

Does Dry Shampoo Cause Hair Loss? 5 Tips to Reverse Hair Loss From Dry Shampoo
  1. Other Factors Contributing to Hair Loss.
  2. 1: Proper Application Techniques.
  3. 2: Choosing the Right Dry Shampoo for Your Hair Type.
  4. 3: Regular Scalp Care Routine.
  5. 4: Limiting Frequency of Dry Shampoo Use.

How often should I wash thinning hair?

Proper washing can promote scalp health, which is essential for maintaining overall hair health, especially in the case of hair thinning. How many days a week should you wash thin hair? The ideal washing frequency for thin hair varies but aim for every 23 days and adjust based on your specific needs and hair type.

Previous article
How long until a scar is permanent?
Next article
How long does it take for scar tissue to break down?