The finite element method (FEM) is a technology for numerical analysis which based on the development of the electronic computer, and also a more advanced biomechanical research method. Early FEM was applied in the fields of engineering science and technology. In recent years, FEM has been widely used for brain research in biomedical engineering. With the rapid development of traffic and transportation, the high incident of craniocerebral injury has become a serious threat to human health year by year. The biomechanical mechanism of craniocerebral injury can be well researched by establishing the finite element model of human head. In this review, establishment, development and application of human head finite element model are summarized, and the future research direction is discussed as well.