Selenium Sulfide and Hair Loss - Is There a Connection?

In this video, we look at the connection between selenium sulfide and hair loss.

Transcription

There’s no doubt that conditions such as fungal infections and dandruff can cause hair loss. After all, such conditions alter the pH levels of the scalp which make it difficult for the hair follicle to produce strong, healthy hair.

Of course, treatment of such conditions should be top priority. But did you know that some of the more popular treatment methods on the market, like selenium sulfide, have also been linked to hair fall and may cause more harm than good?

Today, I’d like to discuss the side effects of selenium sulfide use – most notably, hair loss.

First, I’ll provide an overview of what selenium sulfide is and what over-the-counter products contain this harmful ingredient.

Second, I’ll show you the scientific data which proves that even one application of selenium sulfide can lead to hair root damage, even seen for up to 68 days after said application, and hair loss.

Third, you’ll learn of naturally-derived methods for fungus and dandruff so you can avoid selenium sulfide altogether.

What is Selenium Sulfide?

Selenium sulfide is a chemical compound found within many popular dandruff-fighting shampoos, including Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders, and Dandrex.

Sometimes referred to as selenium disulfide, this compound is used in a variety of over-the-counter and prescription-strength fungal treatments.

If prescribed by doctors and used by millions of people each year, then it must have some great results, right?

Well, it’s true that selenium sulfide is an effective treatment for fungal infections and hair loss. This doesn’t mean, however, that it’s the right treatment method for you.

Has Selenium Sulfide Been Shown to Cause Hair Loss?
While selenium sulfide has been shown to produce some not-so-serious side effects, including hair discoloration, there is one side effect which just cannot be ignored – hair loss.

Note: Hair discoloration due to selenium sulfide can be treated with the application of rubbing alcohol. Keep in mind, though, that alcohol is drying to the hair and scalp.

One particular study, performed by Archer and Luell in 1960, found that even just one application of selenium sulfide had a negative effect on the hair roots. This lead to increased dysplasia (damage) and hair loss.

Out of the four subjects undergoing the testing, increased levels of dysplasia from baseline were seen in days 6, 9, and 12 after the application of selenium sulfide shampoo.

For test subjects one, two, and three, this increase in dysplasia was still being seen 68 days after application!

Individuals with thick heads of hair may not be worried by the sudden increase in hair shedding.

Disclaimer
This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any disease

[carbonsteelbladetheorigina]

I used selsun blue medicated for mild dandruff (June 2024) I stopped using it on (9-8-24) after my barber told me my crown was thining "very lightly" while I was getting my "bi-weekly" haircut. I used that shampoo once a week. as of today, my crown is back to normal & my barber approved it. some people can use it for years without a single problem. some people can use it and experience hair loss. that's just the way the cookie grumbles.

[moriel]

*_Nope, I've been using shampoo with selenium sulfide for years and my hair is still thicker than most people I have met._*

[wilhelm]

It doesn’t cause hair loss. I had really severe dandruff because of seborheic dermatitis and head and shoulders selenium sulfide is the only shampoo that ever helped control it. My hair doesn’t fall out as much anymore

[ahmedemam]

bro 1960 they used selenium sulphide 2.5% for other medical conditions, now they use 1 % and you don't keep it on your hair for that long to cause an effect to your hair. Also they addedd additional ingredients like biotin and panthenol to overcome anyside effects, and i used selenium suphide once every month to overcome any dandruff. So maybe the lotion is harmful to your hair but a shampo wouldn't cause it only stays on your hair for like 4 mins, i'm pretty sure in 1960 they used a lotion for more than 9 hours so this video is misleading, you scared people, and most men lose their hair due too androgenic alopecia, or TE. so shampoo can't cause your hair to fall only if you are abusing it. like exposing to the sun is okay to your hair and and body, but overexposing to it will cause damage to your hair and skin.

[kaamilhuda]

This is a very stupid allegation. There are people who get hairfall even after using a normal shampoo. Had this been the case these products wouldn’t have satisfied so many people since so many years. Dont put up videos just to get views. Dont misguide people

[sumaiyakhan]

I used this shampoo about 3-4 times in last weeks and stopped it. Now my hair is falling very heavily. What should I do please suggest me something at least to minimize the hair fall

[danielx]

I'm watching this after using a selenium sulfide shampoo. It's like a horror movie! Thank you for this video.

[sirt]

Isnt selenium a supplement? I thought this was a good supplement for hair thickness

[thefreemodel]

It looks like you have fungal acne on your forehead in this video - I have had the same for last 37 years, which may have hastened my progression to Norwood 7 baldness, but now 50, recently, I have started taking a cocktail of oral and topical drugs and supplements, including selenium sulphide, and it has eliminated the fungal acne from my forehead - do you think as I have already lost my hair that there are any further dangers for me from including Selenium Sulphide in the mix? Might it damage the area causing difficulties for future hair transplants to grow? Or if they figure out injections of cultivated dermal cup papilla cells to grow into unlimited new hair, would they be less likely to grow through skin treated with Selenium Sulphide?

[abood]

I suffer from hair loss caused by Vichy anti dandruff shampoo that contains selenium disulfide, how can I treat that?

[professionallyunemployed]

It's true brooo, i lossed my thick hair

[nuwanranga]

Tell about side effect, , , how days, apply that continous

[semsemali]

Are kids' shampoos recommended for adults?

[ironlake]

Lol who are you ? Certified dermatologist ?

What shampoo are you using ? 🧐🤔

[albin]

It has a very medical smell to it, almost like those rubber gloves they have at the dentist.

[akshayak]

After yrs of suffering from dandruff, I am finally received from selenium sulphide and u r saying this?

[Cosmic_Code]

This has nothing to do with Selenium vitamin, does it? Make a video on Tugain 10%?

[saadrehman]

i am using almost 3 months ago it is heavily hair loss but didnot notice that that is beacause of this

[JAYBud]

You will have 500k susbs or more you are a great narrator

[shashanksingh]

I have used selsun shampoo for 3 days and after that i'm facing heavy hairfall .
Though I have got thick hair but still my hairs are falling heavily.
What to do now?