Hair Loss Shampoo – How does it work

Hair Loss Shampoo: how does it work and how effective is it? 

2. How does a Hair Loss Shampoo work? 

Its main action is that of blocking DHT.  Let’s be more specific: thanks to its active ingredient (keto-conazole),  Nizoral 2% (or any ketoconazole 2% shampoos, some of which are even better – see explanation below) is a powerful anti-fungal shampoo and, for this reason, probably the most effective anti-dandruff shampoo; it’s an excellent scalp cleanser and, very importantly it prevents the harmful conversion of testosterone to DHT (which then would attach to and ‘attack’ your hair follicles); without this ‘DHT blocking’ property, DHT would bind to those follicles and increasingly ‘weaken them’ .  This shampoo, therefore, works in a similar way to topical Spironolactone and is therefore a unique shampoo and a powerful tool against androgenic hair loss (the most common form of hair loss affecting men and women).

3. How to use a Hair Loss Shampoo

Wash your hair with it, making sure you massage it thoroughly onto your scalp.  Then, leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, and rinse.

For best results frequency is key; it is therefore often advised that you use this shampoo at least 3 or 4 times a week, at least initially, later on reducing it to three times or twice a week.  If you use the 2% strength you may be able to reduce frequency of usage to twice a week eventually, but if you use 1% you may prefer to keep to 3 times a week as a minimum.  In some countries you can only purchase Nizoral 2% with a medical prescription whilst you can find the 1% strength in most pharmacy stores.  In Canada you can find the 2% strength everywhere and you will not need a medical prescription:  fantastic!

The most significant results are usually noticed after 6 months; however, we noticed that, if we used this shampoo really frequently (almost every day), the number of hair falling was dramatically reduced in a week or so.

4. Side Effects of a Hair Loss Shampoo.  No significant side-effects are generally reported.  You must avoid using this particular shampoo if you are allergic to its ingredients (such as sulphites), of course. I noticed, however, that Nizoral can leave my hair terribly dry (really, really dry); in different countries I have found different brands which seem to include some form of conditioner for the hair, so it does not dry it as much.

On a side-note, ketoconazole, the active ingredient of this shampoo, is also taken in pill form in order to treat severe cases of fungus infections of the skin.  Heavy oral use (ingested) of this ingredient has been linked to some form of liver damage.  This is probably the reason why in many countries you need a prescription in order to purchase the 2% strength (not in Canada).  However, since you would be using it on your scalp, the absorption of this ingredient by the rest of your body is really minimal and it can be argued that your liver should be fine even with prolonged usage of the 2% strength.  After all, there are many products which are relatively innocuous if taken topically (on your skin) but somewhat toxic if ingested!  We use Nizoral 2% without any concern; we have experienced no side effects and noticed some hair regrowth after only a couple of weeks of very frequent use!  But the choice is yours, of course, and being fully informed is always a good idea and the best way to make the right choices for your health and, in this case, your hair loss problems.

Having said this, if you are pregnant or suffer from liver damage already, you may want to ask your doctor before using this hair loss shampoo.  Alternatively, you can just buy the 1% strength wherever you are or talk to your doctor before you use it.  If in doubt, ask your doctor (especially if you are pregnant or suffer from liver damage, as mentioned).

The only cosmetic drawback, as I already mentioned, is that it slightly ‘dries’ your hair (not the follicles, which quickly flourish again with the use of this shampoo):  it renders your hair dry (or somewhat dry and brittle), especially if you are already bleaching, coloring it or have already used plenty of chemicals on it (such as perm, for example).  This is the only drawback if you already suffer from brittle hair, but in my view it’s better having to deal with ‘restoring’ your hair health with a good re-constructor after every wash than having no hair at all, or having very fine and sparse hair!  Basically, well, I’ll deal with my brittle hair problem but will not give up this wonderful, highly effective shampoo, especially because, since using it, I have had no need for any other hair loss treatment!   But, when I am in other countries, such as Southern Europe or India, I can find different brands (all that matters is that the ingredient is present in the right concentration, 2%) which are much less destructive on the hair (they don’t dry it anywhere near as much); in the United States you can only find 1% strength, but it does not seem to dry my  hair as much, which is good.  If you are a man and have short hair, and you don’t use any chemicals on it (such as hair coloring), you should be fine anyway.

This page follows our other page where we talk about anti-DHT shampoos.

A possible natural alternative to this wonderful shampoo? Natrum Sulphuricum.

News on Hair Loss discoveries:  go to Hair Growth New Discoveries.