Head & Shoulders "Restoring Shine" Formula

Does This Shampoo Control Dandruff and Restore Shine?

Chris M. Carmichael
Head & Shoulders "Restoring Shine" Shampoo is a dandruff shampoo in the Hydrazinc Formula product line. Head & Shoulders has been one of the best known dandruff shampoos for many years. I have used their products off and on in the past for "dandruff emergencies." In the distant past, the typically blue shampoo seemed harsher on the hair than the new formulas. The old Head & Shoulders shampoo left hair free of dandruff for a while, but it also left hair dull and lifeless.

Head & Shoulders Restoring Shine is one of ten Head & Shoulders Hydrazinc shampoos. This is a mild scented shampoo containing pyrithione zinc --an ingredient which is used to control mild cases of dandruff. Intended for frequent use, Head & Shoulders Restoring Shine is supposed to be gentle on the hair.

The formula contains plant extracts including tea tree leaf oil, an extract broadly used in beneficial skin treatments and other products. Tea tree leaf oil is said to be good for controlling dandruff, and for use on acne, abscesses, fungal infections, insect bites, and other skin ailments. Camellia sinesis (tea) leaf extract is also an ingredient in this shampoo. Used topically, it is supposed to be soothing and healing.

Head & Shoulders Restoring Shine formula does make the hair feel softer for a while. However, I've never noticed my hair being shinier after use of this product.

This formula of Head & Shoulders does work well at controlling mild cases of dandruff. However, it left my hair limp and lifeless and at the end of the day. As with any shampoo, results will differ from person to person as we all have different hair types.

What I like about Head & Shoulders Restoring Shine Formula:

It does help control mild cases of dandruff.

It has a mild scent.

It does not appear to be overly harsh on the hair.

What I don't like about Head & Shoulders Restoring Shine Formula:

My hair feels limp and slightly greasy at the end of the day after using this shampoo.

The scent, though mild, could be better. It still smells medicinal.

This shampoo is not cruelty free.

Final Comments about this product:

I would not recommend this shampoo because the reasons I dislike it outweigh the reasons I like it. I am certain there is a better, more natural and healthful, option out there--and one that is cruelty free-- for controlling dandruff and I hope to find it.

Published by Chris M. Carmichael

Chris M. Carmichael writes on a wide range of topics and has a broad range of interests (and experience), including Screenwriting, Acting, Forensic Science, Pets, Martial Arts and Abnormal Psychology. Chris...  View profile

19 Comments

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  • Buyer Beware5/13/2008

    Have you ever noticed that a person WITHOUT a dandruff problem can use Head & Shoulders, and in a few days have a scalp full of what looks like dandruff? So, if a person WITH dandruff uses this product, the dandruff problem goes away, only to look like it returned in a few days--prompting the person to use this product again. Hmm.

  • Herstory9/27/2007

    Wow! Can't thank you enough for this most candid review!

  • Mary E. Coe9/20/2007

    Excellent write. thanks for the warning.

  • Mommy2Lots9/20/2007

    Excellent review! I had no idea this stuff wasn't cruelty-free. I will never use h&s. If I get dandruff I will use the natural stuff. Thanks for the info. :-)

  • Donna Porter9/20/2007

    I saw and H&S commercial, and since I don't watch TV much hadn't seen one in a long time. I instantly thought of your article - how's that for subliminal or rather associative marketing. :-) Good review. :-)

  • Chris M. Carmichael9/18/2007

    Thanks for the comments!

  • Layla Lair9/18/2007

    I love that your review gives the reasons for your dislike. Its the kinda thing girlfriends might share amongst each other :-)

  • Kassidy Emmerson9/14/2007

    Yes! Thanks for the warning about this product. Please let us know when you find a better product, Chris! :-)

  • Genie Walker9/8/2007

    Great review. I appreciate the warning.

  • dalifona9/7/2007

    Great review!To this day I have not found a shampoo that deals with dandruff that I like. If you find a better product please do write a review.

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