Abstract A catalytic polarographic method has been proposed for the accurate determination of selenium in human hair. This method is based on the formation of Se(0)-GSH complex in alkaline medium which gives a catalytic reduction wave in polarography. The current observed is directly proportional to the amount of selenium present. The method has been applied for the determination of selenium in human hair and the recovery of added selenium from hair is found to be 97.5 to 102%. A suitable mechanism for the reduction process involving the catalytic reduction of oxidised glutathione is proposed.