Is Head and Shoulders Bad for Your Hair?

Before investing in products such as shampoos and skincare items, consumers must do the necessary research. While most professional hair salons and stylists rarely recommend using drugstore shampoos, this doesn’t mean you cannot find a quality product outside of a salon. There are pros and cons to using Head and Shoulders, and most depend on your hair care routine and the current state of your hair and scalp.

Is head and shoulders bad for your hair?

Head and Shoulders products are not bad for your hair. While long-term use can cause dry or brittle hair in some people, the benefits of using Head and Shoulders outweigh the cons, especially for those suffering from the discomfort of chronic dandruff.

This article will tackle every question you’ve ever had about using Head and Shoulders. If you’re curious about key ingredients or who these products might work best for, keep reading to find out more.

Head and Shoulders: The Details

Head and Shoulders is a shampoo brand lining supermarket and drugstore shelves for the better half of a century. The shampoo ingredient list has evolved throughout the years, and today, it includes beneficial components like chamomile and keratin, promising to promote growth and restore damaged follicles.

Head and Shoulders is one of the most popular anti-dandruff shampoos on the market today. When used correctly, Head and Shoulders is safe, effective, and can significantly improve the health of your scalp and hair by removing excess buildup and dead skin cells.

Who Should Use Head and Shoulders?

Just one look at the product lineup will tell you that Head and Shoulders was formulated for people that struggle with a dry scalp. Many consumers that want to clarify and cleanse the hair follicles to promote strength might also choose to use Head and Shoulders. The product line has expanded dramatically since its inception, and while it promises to always battle flaking, they’ve integrated other benefits into the original formula.

Head and Shoulders works by removing dandruff and debris on the scalp, which can significantly improve the overall health of your hair. A few Head and Shoulders formulas are sulfate-free and gentle enough for daily use, but this does not apply to all, so if you want something completely free of sulfates, make sure you read the ingredient list on the back of the bottle.

Oily or Dandruff-Prone Hair

Anyone that wants to control damage and encourage healthy hair growth will likely find Head and Shoulders effective. The formula can also remove environmental pollutants, oil, and sweat from the scalp, which makes it an excellent option for those with oily hair. While others can use Head and Shoulders and see success, people that struggle with excess oil will love it.

Dry or Brittle Hair

Head and Shoulders may not be for you if you struggle with super dry hair. Since it strips the scalp of excess oil, you’ll likely find that your hair will become even drier after just a few washes. The brand has a formula that promises to remove dandruff while adding moisture, but some of the ingredients may still be too drying for already-thirsty locks.

Curly Hair

Curly-haired folks have to pay close attention to shampoo ingredients. Many (primarily drugstore) brands for curly hair contain sulfates, and they can strip the moisture right out of your curls, leaving them frizzy and dry. While Head and Shoulders offers a few sulfate-free options, it still controls dandruff and could potentially leave your curls looking less than bouncy.

Thin Hair

Head and Shoulders can be a bit of a catch-22 for those with thin hair. If your hair is thin and super oily, you’ll succeed with Head and Shoulders as it will dry your scalp, rid you of excess oil, and leave your typically-greasy hair feeling smooth and soft. Those with really oily hair can use Head and Shoulders daily.

On the other hand, if you’ve got thin, non-oily hair, Head and Shoulders may dry it out too much or weigh it down with moisture. Knowing your hair type is essential for making a haircare product purchase.

In short, Head and Shoulders works best for people with thicker, somewhat oily hair that often suffers from dandruff. Now, if you want to learn more about dandruff and what can work for you, I highly encourage you to watch the below video where DR. Maxfield and DR. Shaw tell you all about dandruff.

Does Head and Shoulders Cause Hair Loss?

Somewhere along the way, Head and Shoulders drummed up a bad reputation for causing hair loss. While this rumor isn’t true, there are a few potential reasons that people could have for believing it.

For example, some people could attribute their own hair loss to using Head and Shoulders, primarily if they haven’t done the proper research or are entirely unaware of their predisposition to hair loss. After all, if you begin to experience hair loss after using a specific shampoo, you might think the shampoo is the culprit.

Word-of-mouth is another reason that people believe Head and Shoulders cause hair loss. Listening to the opinions of others is acceptable and expected, but you must always ensure you do your own fact-checking and research, regardless of the significance of the situation.

There is no scientific evidence that Head and Shoulders cause hair loss. However, if you’re using a shampoo that makes your hair dry and brittle, which can happen in some people when using Head and Shoulders, it can result in fallout and breakage.

If you notice this, discontinue use and consult your doctor to determine the cause. Still, there is no direct correlation between Head and Shoulders and hair loss.

Head and Shoulders: The Key Ingredients

You must check the ingredients of every item you put on your body, from face foundation to shampoo. Many elements in well-known shampoos are notorious for causing damage to hair follicles. Some Head and Shoulders formulas contain sulfates, a type of surfactant found in shampoos to reduce the friction between the scalp and hair.

Sulfates can strip away natural oils that protect your hair from damage. Head and Shoulders is also high in alcohol content, which can cause hair to become very brittle. However, not all of the ingredients in Head and Shoulders are harmful. The brand uses glycerin as a humectant to retain moisture in the hair follicle and zinc carbonate to fight dandruff.

Still, it’s essential to know that even with the inclusion of moisture-adding ingredients, Head and Shoulders is not the best shampoo available to add and retain hydration in the hair. The ingredients they use to achieve that goal (glycerin, dimethicone, and Polyquaternium-10) aren’t good enough in the long run.

Using Head and Shoulders Regularly

Regular use of Head and Shoulders will not cause damage to your hair unless your hair tends to be on the dehydrated side. If this is the case, you’ll likely find that Head and Shoulders will make your hair brittle and unmanageable.

However, if you have normal to oily hair, Head and Shoulders is not bad for your hair and can be a fantastic addition to your hair care routine. Depending on your hair type, it’s safe for long-term and, in some cases, daily use. If you have any questions or concerns about adding a new shampoo to your existing process, discussing the pros and cons with a professional dermatologist never hurts!