Does Head and Shoulders Strip Hair Color? Exploring the Myths vs. Facts

Head and Shoulders is one of the world’s most popular anti-dandruff shampoo brands. But a common myth suggests that Head and Shoulders can cause hair dye to fade faster than regular shampoos.

Is there any truth to the claims that Head and Shoulders strips hair color? Or is this just an unfounded myth?

In this article, we’ll examine the facts about the ingredients in Head and Shoulders and whether they actually remove hair dye. Read on to learn the truth about using this anti-dandruff shampoo on colored hair.

The Myth – Head and Shoulders Fades Hair Color

Across beauty forums and social media, a prevalent myth suggests that Head and Shoulders shampoo will strip and fade colored hair more quickly than regular shampoos.

Some people believe that the active ingredients added to Head and Shoulders formulas to fight dandruff must be harsh on hair and remove hair dye molecules.

The thinking goes that anti-dandruff shampoos like Head and Shoulders must contain drying sulfates or chemicals that strip color in order to effectively remove flaky scalp buildup.

So does Head and Shoulders actually cause hair color to fade faster? Is this myth rooted in fact or fiction?

The Reality – Head and Shoulders Does Not Remove Hair Dye

The good news is that the belief that Head and Shoulders strips hair color more aggressively is just a myth not supported by any scientific evidence.

Head and Shoulders shampoos are specifically formulated to be gentle on hair and contain moisturizing ingredients to maintain hair health. The formulas do not include any ingredients that would remove hair dye.

Here are the facts:

• Head and Shoulders shampoos use the same gentle cleansing and conditioning agents found in regular shampoos.

• The active ingredients added for fighting dandruff do not strip or fade hair color.

• Ingredients like piroctone olamine remove scalp buildup but do not affect hair dye.

• Head and Shoulders is safe for regular use on color-treated hair when used as directed.

So while Head and Shoulders shampoos effectively eliminate dandruff flakes and itchiness, they are designed to be non-drying and will not cause excessive color fading.

Examining the Active Ingredients

To understand why Head and Shoulders does not remove hair color, let’s take a closer look at the key active ingredients that are added to fight dandruff:

Piroctone Olamine

• Anti-fungal agent that helps control the fungus Malassezia that causes dandruff
• Reduces scalp irritation and inflammation
• Does not fade or strip hair dye

Selenium Sulfide

• Removes dead skin cell buildup on scalp
• Prevents flaky dandruff formation
• Does not affect hair color molecules

Pyrithione Zinc (ZPT)

• Some Head and Shoulders formulas use ZPT instead of piroctone olamine
• Also anti-fungal and anti-yeast to treat dandruff
• Can potentially fade hair dye over time if used excessively

The main ingredients that actually pose a hair dye risk are sulfates, bleach, ammonia and high alkalinity. Head and Shoulders contains none of these harsh chemicals.

Typical Causes of Hair Color Fading

It’s totally normal for hair color to fade gradually over time after dyeing. But what actually causes hair