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 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, this could indeed be 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
Nizoral is predominantly an anti dandruff shampoo and its direct effects as a hair loss shampoo are, for the moment at least, unsubstantiated. As traction alopecia is not caused by an excess of testosterone, it’s questionable whether there would be any direct benefit from 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. As Nizoral shampoo is considered one of the most effective dandruff treatment shampoos and as it can be used in conjunction with other shampoos, it can be a useful addition to a hair loss treatment regime in between washes with a daily or weekly use hair loss shampoo.
Nizoral shampoo is also deemed to be particularly suitable for the need 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 washed with your normal hair loss shampoo or during the same wash, following a shampoo 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 regime, in order to cover all angles.
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