Nizoral Ketoconazole Shampoo

A few posts ago, I discussed the Big 3 Hair Loss Regimen.  The Big 3 Regimen consists of Minoxidil, Nizoral Shampoo, and Propecia.  I made a few posts in regards to minoxidil, and now its time to discuss Nizoral for hair loss.

Nizoral Ketoconazole Hair Loss Shampoo

The active ingredient in Nizoral Shampoo is ketoconazole.  Ketoconazole is an antifungal drug used to prevent and treat skin and fungal infections.  Ketoconazole is sold as a shampoo, topical cream, and oral tablet under the trademark name Nizoral shampoo.  It is marketed as an anti-dandruff shampoo,  however, many use Nizoral for hair loss.  It is well known to hair loss sufferers as a hair loss shampoo.

Nizoral Shampoo does come in 1% and 2% strength.  Nizoral 1% is sold in retail stores and is much easier to find.  Nizoral 2% is available by prescription only in the United States, however, it is an over the counter product in many countries including Canada.  You will be able to find the product for sale on various online stores and may be able to purchase the product without a prescription in many places.

Nizoral Shampoo For Hair Loss

Nizoral shampoo is known for its hair loss benefits.  The following information is from Wikipedia in regards to ketoconazole;  ketoconazole shampoo used 2-4 times weekly was nearly as effective as the proven hair loss treatment minoxidil 2%. While ketoconazole’s mechanism of action in hair loss is still unclear, it has been postulated that both hormones and the immune system act synergistically to cause injury to the hair follicle.  Anecdotal reports indicate that both the 1% and 2% dosages have hair loss benefits; however, the more potent 2% formulation may produce better results. Excessive usage of either formulation has not been shown to produce better results. The results produced in the one study in men are based on 2% ketoconazole shampoo, used once every 2-4 days, and leaving the shampoo on the scalp for 3–5 minutes before rinsing (as with the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis). It has been stated that medications capable of maintaining the existing hair population, even in the absence of hair regrowth, should be regarded as effective treatments for androgenic alopecia. The present data suggest that ketoconazole should enter this group of drugs.

Using Nizoral for hair loss is part of many hair loss sufferers hair loss regimen.  Although, the effectiveness of using Nizoral as the sole product to combat hair loss is questionable.  Using it in conjunction with minoxidil and/or Propecia has shown to work for many.

For those who question whether or not to start using the product along with their daily hair loss routine, giving it a try wont hurt.  You can always use the product, give it the proper time to evaluate if its working for you and then deciding from there on whether to continue usage or to cut it off.