It’s a popular active ingredient in manyflake-fighting shampoos, helping to address various symptoms associated with dandruff.
How often can you use it:Episodically, only to treat dandruff.
Don’t use with:Ketoconazole, another anti-dandruff ingredient that performs the same function.
Ohlamour Studio / Stocksy
What Is Selenium Sulfide?
Can Selenium Sulfide Cause Hair Loss?
It’s not clear-cut, unfortunately.
As a general rule of thumb, any hair loss is typically a result of multiple factors.
In short, there are already problems happening with your scalp that can be contributing to hair loss.
(Though all of this only applies if you actually do have dandruff or a fungal scalp infection.)
“Think of it as a branch on a tree becoming dried out.
Any mechanical disturbance of that area will cause the branch to break.
“Use it episodically,” recommends Yates.
Then, once the condition is better, stop using it.
In between uses, supplement with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
How Often Should You Use Selenium Sulfide?
You should only use selenium sulfide around twice a week.
Remember, excess use can cause more harm than good.
Once you start to see your original issues (e.g.
dandruff) subside, start weaning your use to once a week.
After that, only use it if you notice any flare ups.
Yates adds that it’s actually banned in both the EU and Japan for this very reason.
