Head scored six in his only bat during Australia's 10-wicket win in Galle, battling through a tough evening session on day one before falling early the next morning.
The left-hander was also the one Australian batter to not get going in Pakistan in March, averaging 22.66 and failing to score above 30 on more friendly pitches.
That prompted some questions over his spot in the team for matches on spinning Asian wickets, with sub-continent specialist Glenn Maxwell the back-up batter on tour.
But Head is adamant he has the game to perform.
He backed up his Pakistan disappointment with scores of 101 and 89 in the one-day series, before hitting 110 in a game against Sri Lanka A and 70no on a big-spinning ODI wicket.
"Pakistan started with the Test series and I started a bit lean, then finished off with the one-dayers where I felt like the way I did play was really positive," Head said.
"I made a mistake (in the first-innings in Galle), simple as that.
"I felt my lead-up was really good.
"The way I eyed the ball up, the way my hands were working and whatnot was good.
"I've played well on spinning pitches in Australia.
"These are different, I've never played on a wicket like that, so it's another one to take into consideration over the next few days."
Aiding Head's cause for the second Test in Galle is what he offers with the ball, producing unpredictable turn with his 4-10 in the second innings to kill off any Sri Lanka revival.
Australia's quick victory will also work in Head's favour.
Players enjoyed Saturday off, but Head will have a clearer build-up for the second Test after battling a hamstring injury before the series opener.
The left-hander does not believe anything technically has to change with his batting, knowing the error he made trying to work Dhananjaya de Silva through the legside and offering up a leading edge.
"I was a bit square on it, a ball spinning away, something I didn't want to have in my plans," Head said.
"It's either straight back to the bowler or you try and sweep it.
"Talking to the people closest to me, I just need to keep doubling down on that plan and keep backing it in and try to execute it.
"When you second-guess yourself or try to change things for the next Test, you get yourself in more trouble."
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