Nizoral

Hair Loss Shampoo

Nizoral Overview

Nizoral was originally developed as a dandruff shampoo with broad-spectrum anti-fungal properties. The active ingredient in Nizoral is ketoconazole, which is available over the counter in a 1% solution or by prescription at 2%. Both products have shown benefit in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, male pattern baldness. This product is not FDA approved as a hair loss treatment. Nizoral, like several other products, helps block the conversion of testosterone to DHT. In addition, Nizoral removes sebum deposits, which are fatty acids that lay on the scalp and appear to clog the hair follicles. It is difficult to remove sebum deposits with regular scalp cleansing methods. Both men and women can use this product. Nizoral can be used with other topical treatments such as Rogaine as it relieves any itchiness or dryness as well as dandruff.

Is Nizoral Safe?

Nizoral side effects can include mild irritation. In most cases Nizoral has shown benefit by having anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use Nizoral

Nizoral can be used by adults and children over the age of 12. The shampoo is applied to wet hair, generously lathered, thoroughly rinsed, and repeated. In trials which have shown positive response for hair loss, Nizoral was used 2-3 times a week for 6 months.

Nizoral Results

Dermatology magazines have reported the results of 2% Nizoral to be similar to the use of 2% Minoxidil (Rogaine). In recent studies (March 2001), a double-blind study used 1% strength Nizoral shampoo against a 1% zinc pyrithione shampoo. The results showed that hair diameter grew by over 8% in 6 months, the sebum excretion rate was reduced by over 6% and the number of hairs shed over a 24-hour period was reduced by over 16%. These results with the 1% Nizoral shampoo were similar to earlier trials using the 2% Nizoral solution. These reports show that Nizoral used at the 1% or 2% level, 2-3 times per week will have positive effects on hair growth in addition to dandruff control. The response from this product can be due to its anti-fungal properties or the anti-androgenic properties of the active ingredient ketoconazole.