Does the engine head need gasket sealant when refitting the head?

You shouldn't need a sealant, but a new gasket is recommended

cv
October 2014

Very probably yes.
And to be sure, it's highly recomended to also use a new gasket if possible: Removing the head involve a great risk of breaking the gasket.
At least that's the thing to do I've seen in every books and other documents I've ever seen about opening any gas engine and reassembling it.

Electro
September 2014