Nizoral shampoo is a medicated shampoo designed to treat fungal infections affecting the scalp, including stubborn dandruff, psoriasis, and more. It contains the broad-spectrum synthetic antifungal agent ketoconazole in a concentration of 2% in an aqueous suspension. Other ingredients include coconut fatty acid diethanolamide, disodium monolauryl ether sulfosuccinate, F.D.&C. Red No. 40, hydrochloric acid, imidurea, laurdimonium hydrolyzed animal collagen, macrogol 120 methyl glucose dioleate, perfume bouquet, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, and purified water.
Ketoconazole is scientifically linked to improvements in hair growth, making it worth using as a hair loss treatment option. However, the studies that reviewed ketoconazole as a treatment for hair loss tend to use the stronger ketoconazole 2% solution, which requires a prescription. The less powerful 1% version of ketoconazole shampoo is widely available over the counter.
Positive aspects of Nizoral shampoo for hair loss:
- Contains ketoconazole, which is scientifically linked to improvements in hair growth.
- Clinically proven to control dandruff and help control hair loss associated with dandruff when used regularly.
Negative aspects of Nizoral shampoo for hair loss:
- The active ingredient ketoconazole can be drying and can potentially strip color-treated hair.
- Possible side effects include hair discoloration and abnormal hair texture, removal of the curl from permanently waved hair, itching, skin burning sensation and contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity, angioedema, alopecia, rash, urticaria, skin irritation, dry skin, and application site.
In summary, Nizoral shampoo contains ketoconazole, which is scientifically linked to improvements in hair growth and is clinically proven to control dandruff and help control hair loss associated with dandruff when used regularly. However, it can have negative side effects and may not be suitable for color-treated hair.
