Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) originates primarily from the mucosal epithelium of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, representing the most prevalent malignant tumor in the head and neck region. Current therapeutic approaches for HNSCC encompass surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Chemotherapeutic agents have seen significant advancements, leading to a diverse array of combination therapies utilizing various cytotoxic drugs for the treatment of HNSCC. Cisplatin stands out as a commonly employed chemotherapy agent in HNSCC treatment. However, the emergence of resistance to cisplatin, poses a significant challenge in the management of this disease. Patients with HNSCC often develop drug-resistant tumor cells following chemotherapy, which exhibit heightened aggressiveness, recurrence, adaptability, and resistance to treatment. The precise mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance in HNSCC remain elusive, with ongoing research indicating potential involvement of cancer stem cells. Consequently, there is a pressing need for enhanced comprehension of the molecular pathways driving cisplatin resistance in HNSCC, as well as the identification of novel therapeutic targets to enhance treatment efficacy. In this paper, the research progress of cancer stem cell in HNSCC cisplatin resistance are reviewed.