Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Intensive Itch Relief Shampoo, 400 mL
The strongest Head & Shoulders active for stubborn dandruff, with claims that rest mostly on maker data.
The short version
- People whose dandruff persists after using a regular zinc pyrithione shampoo
- Anyone who likes a cooling menthol feel on an itchy scalp
- Your flaking is mild and a standard anti dandruff shampoo already controls it
- You do not want to leave a long rinse time for color treated or permed hair
What owners like
- The maker reports clinical trial results showing better dandruff protection than 1% and 2% ketoconazole shampoos
- A P&G summary of a 2026 evidence review names 1% selenium sulfide as the strongest supported over the counter dandruff active
Common complaints
- The P&G review summary notes no head to head study of 1% selenium sulfide against 1% ketoconazole under identical conditions
- Treated, grey or permed hair needs a 5 minute rinse, per the label
Based on The FDA drug facts label on DailyMed, two Head & Shoulders product and ingredient pages, and a P&G press release on an evidence review. Independent owner feedback could not be read directly, so these themes come from maker and label material..
Research scores
Scored from the maker's specs and what owners report. Drew's own notes and photos will refine these.
Ownership
Drew's hands-on notes for this product are on the way. Long-term updates will be added to this timeline.
What it does
A 1% selenium sulfide dandruff shampoo with menthol, sold by Head & Shoulders for stubborn dandruff and itch; the maker's site now lists it as Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Relief.
- Uses 1% selenium sulfide, which the maker positions for severe or stubborn dandruff rather than mild flaking
- Menthol and mint oils for a cooling feel on the scalp
- Maker says it works 2 times faster against the main cause of dandruff than regular anti dandruff shampoos
- Maker describes the Clinical Strength line as pH balanced and color safe for regular use
- Label allows use every time you shampoo for maximum dandruff control
A sensible pick for people whose dandruff has not cleared with an ordinary zinc pyrithione shampoo and who want the strongest active Head & Shoulders sells over the counter. The trade-offs are a longer rinse on bleached, tinted, grey or permed hair, and the fact that most of the performance claims come from the maker rather than independent testing.
How it compares
Specs
- Active ingredient
- Selenium sulfide 1%, per the drug facts label
- Purpose
- Anti dandruff, anti seborrheic dermatitis, per the label
- Size
- 400 mL (13.5 fl oz)
- Cooling agents
- Menthol, peppermint oil and mentha arvensis leaf oil in the inactive ingredients
- Cleanser
- Sodium lauryl sulfate is listed as an inactive ingredient
- Color
- Selenium sulfide gives the shampoo a peach or orange tint, per the maker
- Also sold as
- A 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner version and a twin pack
Worth knowing
- For external use only.
- Ask a doctor before use if the condition covers a large area of the body.
- Avoid contact with the eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens or does not improve after regular use.
- Keep out of reach of children; if swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center.
- Shake before use.
Questions
What is the active ingredient in Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength?
Selenium sulfide 1%, according to the drug facts label.
How often should Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength be used?
The label says at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor, and every time you shampoo for maximum dandruff control.
Is it safe for color treated hair?
The maker calls the Clinical Strength formulas color safe. The label says to rinse for 5 minutes on bleached, tinted, grey or permed hair.
Why is the shampoo orange?
The maker says selenium sulfide particles are orange, which gives these shampoos a peach or orange tint.
Sources
- DailyMed: Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense Intensive Itch Relief (selenium sulfide) label
- Head & Shoulders: Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Relief Shampoo
- Head & Shoulders: What is selenium sulfide?
- Head & Shoulders: Do I really need a selenium sulfide shampoo?
- P&G: Scientific review finds 1% selenium sulfide and 1% zinc pyrithione the strongest evidence based OTC dandruff options
Researched 2026-10-02. We bought this product; our page is built from the maker's details and what owners report across reviews and forums. We never copy Amazon customer reviews.