Nizoral is an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains a substance known as
ketoconazole. This is a synthetic antifungal agent, which stops dandruff by killing off the fungal infection that causes it.
Nizoral shampoo can be effectively used twice a week, between regular shampoos with any other brand of hair product. This makes it an economical and easy solution for dandruff control and it is indeed a very popular product, used by both men and women.
Nizoral shampoo for hair loss
Ketoconazole has been suggested as a possible hair loss cure, mainly in the treatment of androgenic alopecia in both men and women. A small-scale test was conducted in 1998 that showed some promising results when ketoconazole was taken orally. However, the FDA concluded that further tests need to be performed before Nizoral can be deemed an effective hair loss cure.
Ketoconazole / Nizoral is seen to be potentially useful as a hair loss treatment because it acts as an androgen inhibitor, reducing the levels of testosterone in the blood. As excessive testosterone is seen as the cause of this form of alopecia, it could indeed have a beneficial effect, although in the case of Nizoral, the effect has been shown to be quite weak. Used as a shampoo, ketoconazole could perhaps inhibit testosterone topically, reducing its effect on the follicles.
Nizoral shampoo for treatment of traction alopecia and thinning hair
Nizoral is predominantly an anti-dandruff shampoo and its direct effects as a hair loss shampoo are, at least for the moment, unsubstantiated. Since traction alopecia is not caused by an excess of testosterone, it’s questionable whether there would be any direct benefit from the use of Nizoral for treatment of this particular form of hair loss. However, there is some evidence that dandruff can contribute to hair loss, as the inflammation can have a damaging effect on the follicles, which, in the case of traction alopecia, are already traumatised. Since Nizoral shampoo is considered one of the most effective dandruff treatment shampoos that can be used in conjunction with other shampoos, it can be a useful addition to a hair loss treatment regimen in between washes with a daily or weekly use hair loss shampoo.
Nizoral shampoo is also deemed particularly suitable for the needs of black women, as it is suitable for use with chemically relaxed hair, is gentle and only requires two washes a week to be effective.
How to use Nizoral shampoo
For dandruff control, Nizoral should be used every 3–4 days for up to 4 weeks. It can be used in between washes with your normal hair loss shampoo or during the same wash, after shampooing with your other chosen hair product. As a hair loss shampoo for treating androgenic alopecia, continued weekly use may be effective. The manufacturer of Nizoral recommends consulting a health professional if use of the product for 4 weeks does not result in the clearing of dandruff.
The verdict
Although Nizoral may have some beneficial effect in assisting with the prevention of hair loss, direct results are not yet substantiated. However, as an indirect treatment for hair loss, it can be an effective addition to the treatment regimen in order to cover all angles and keep the scalp infection free.





