Fault zone head waves (FZHW) are seismic refraction waves propagating along an interface of varying physical properties. They carry abundant information about fault zones, and have provided a new method for analyzing the fine structure of the fault zone and its adjacent area. This paper mainly describes the generating principle, waveform characteristics, identification, and analysis methods of FZHW, and describes recent advances in the identification and utilization of the FZHW to analyze the characteristics of the fault zone. Aiming at fault zones with varying physical properties in a seismic risk area, fine structure detection and dynamics monitoring of a fault zone using FZHW and dense array observation technology is described. This review should improve understanding of potential seismogenic environments and mechanisms.