Nizoral Shampoo for Treating the Loss of Hair : Nizoral shampoo is considered to be one of the top three treatments for hair loss, alongside Propecia and Rogaine. It’s active ingredient is 2% ketoconazole. The product is typically recommended for treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis due to its ability to treat different types of fungi.

However, various studies have shown that ketoconazole may also offer promise for those who are losing their hair to pattern baldness.

Nizoral Shampoo for Treating the Loss of Hair – Research On The Efficacy of Ketoconazole For Hair Loss

(1) The Swiss Journal, Dermatology published a study in 1998 comparing 2% ketoconazole to 2% minoxidil and a placebo. According to the results, the 2% ketoconazole performed comparably to the 2% minoxidil. in promoting hair growth.

(2) In 2002, the Journal of Dermatology also published a study which compared the effects of different combinations of hair loss drug. This included:

– ketoconazole and finasteride

– minoxidil and finasteride

– finasteride alone

– ketoconazole alone

Minoxidil and finasteride perfomed the best. However, what surprised the researchers was that ketoconazole and finasteride came in second.

(3) In 2005, the Journal of Dermatology published a study conducted by Japanese researchers. This involved two groups of mice where the hair was shaved off. One group topically received a ketoconazole shampoo. The other group received a placebo. The solutions were applied once a day for three weeks.

Hair growth in the mice who received ketoconazole was significantly greater than the placebo group

Nizoral Shampoo for Treating the Loss of Hair : How Ketoconazole Works In The Treatment of Hair Loss

Because ketoconazole is used as an antifungal agent, it does not seem likely that it can have any bearing on hair growth, or slowing down the rate of hair shedding. However, the results from the studies above suggest otherwise.

Ketoconazole is believed to work by:

(1) reducing inflammation

(2) decreasing sebum production in the skin

(3) blocking androgen receptors on the hair follicles

It is commonly realized that DHT causes hair follicles to shrink. But within this general picture, the damage inflicted on the hair structures can trigger the immune system which then instigates an inflammatory reaction. And this can inhibit the normal production of hair from the follicles.

Ketoconazole works as an anti-inflammatory agent. And this minimizes the extent of damage inflicted on the hair follicle.

Ketoconazole can also inhibit processes that lead to the production of sebum in the skin. This prevents the follicular ducts from become blocked and this optimizes the environment for new hair to grow.

Also, by binding to androgen receptors on the hair follicles, the drug prevents DHT from occupying these sites. And this further limits the damage that is inflicted on the hair follicles.

hair loss — patient losing hair to male pattern baldness

Nizoral As A Prescription

Currently, Nizoral shampoo 2% is available on a prescription basis . However there is a ketoconazole 1% shampoo available in the United States as an over the counter item. Although its main indication is for disorders related to skin infections, it may be used to help supplement an early stage medical hair loss treatment regimen. Nizoral by itself is not likely to be effective.

It will be important to discuss its usage with a doctor, as it is contraindicated for those who are allergic to any of its ingredients.

If you are loosing hair and wish to do something about it, consult Dr U online at no charge

To learn more about the larger picture of hair loss through pattern baldness.