How To Use Ketoconazole Shampoo For Hair Loss Prevention

What Is Ketoconazole Shampoo?

Ketoconazole shampoo is an over-the-counter medicated shampoo used to treat fungal infections of the scalp like dandruff and helps manage conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasisⁱ  XAn autoimmune skin condition that causes rashes and inflammation and leads to scaly and itchy patches on the skin. . It helps control flaking, scaling, and itching and reduces inflammation by slowing down the fungal growth (2). This keeps your scalp healthy and helps manage hair loss issues.

In the next section, we have explained how ketoconazole may prevent hair loss.

Does Ketoconazole Shampoo Prevent Hair Loss?

The answer is perhaps yes. Your hair health depends on your scalp condition. Fungal infections and other issues often damage the hair follicles. Further irritation and itching can aggravate the condition and cause hair fall.

Chloe, a blogger, shared her experience of dealing with extreme dandruff and how she dealt with it. She writes, “[Using] an anti-dandruff shampoo with Ketoconazole, I was able to keep the condition at a level where it enabled new hair growth to come in like baby hair. Yay (i)!”

Ketoconazole shampoo or a topical solution can prevent infections, keep the scalp healthy, and prevent hair loss. It can also promote hair growth. Several studies have indicated the hair growth-promoting effect of ketoconazole:

• Topical ketoconazole was found to improve female pattern hair loss. Researchers found that 2% ketoconazole had a trichogenic effect (hair growth-promoting). However, compared to topical minoxidil, ketoconazole has a delayed effect (1).

• According to another pilot study, ketoconazole inhibits 5-alpha reductase (the enzymeⁱ  XProteins that act as biological catalysts and accelerate chemical reactions which speed up the body’s metabolism. that converts testosterone to DHT) and improves hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia (3).

• Animal studies reported that 2% ketoconazole shampoo stimulated hair growth and had a clinically therapeutic effect on androgenetic alopecia (4).

Although studies show promising results, more research is required to establish a correlation between ketoconazole shampoos and reduced hair loss.

Did You Know?

Ketoconazole belongs to a class of antifungal medications known as imidazoles. It works by slowing down fungal growth that can cause infections.

How To Use Ketoconazole Shampoo

• Apply it to your wet scalp and hair and massage.
• Leave it on for 2-3 minutes.
• Rinse the scalp and hair thoroughly.
• Follow your usual conditioning routine.

Note: Do not use ketoconazole shampoo on cuts and wounds.

Ketoconazole is also available in the form of creams and ointments. These are used for fungal skin issues like ringworm, tinea cruris(jock itch), and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) (2).

Ketoconazole may cause allergic reactions and other side effects. Let’s take a look.

The Side Effects Of Using Ketoconazole Shampoo

Ketoconazole shampoo may cause (1):

• Allergic reaction
• Change in hair texture
• Scalp irritation
• Oily or dry scalp

It may also cause serious side effects like:

• Hives
• Rashes
• Difficulty in breathing
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Pain or warmth on the area of application

Trivia

Ketoconazole in shampoo and cream form is relatively safer. The FDA has warned the public about oral Ketoconazole tablets as they can potentially cause fatal damage to the liver and other organs.

Nizoral is another shampoo that is often used to combat dandruff. Find out if it differs from ketoconazole shampoo in the next section.

Ketoconazole Shampoo Vs. Nizoral

Both ketoconazole shampoo and Nizoral essentially serve the same purpose. Nizoral is simply a brand name for a ketoconazole-based shampoo. The main difference lies in the branding and concentration. Nizoral contains a 2% concentration of ketoconazole and is often recommended for severe dandruff or fungal scalp conditions. Generic ketoconazole shampoos may have different concentrations and can be used as alternatives. It is essential to follow a dermatologist’s recommendation regarding the choice between Nizoral or other ketoconazole shampoos, based on the specific condition being treated, as the right concentration can make a significant difference in their effectiveness.

Infographic: Tips For Using Ketoconazole As Cream, Foam, And Gel

Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent used to treat scalp and hair issues. You can use ketoconazole shampoos to help solve hair loss issues and improve hair growth. Besides, it is also used as cream, foam, and gel to heal fungal infections on the skin.

Check out the infographic below to learn some tips for using ketoconazole as cream, foam, and gel.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss?

It depends on the severity of your condition. Follow a routine as prescribed by the doctor.

Who should not use ketoconazole shampoo?

Anyone allergic to ketokonazole should avoid using it. Also, avoid applying it to broken skin, as it may irritate.

Can you leave ketoconazole shampoo overnight?

No, you cannot leave it on overnight. Wash it off after 3-5 minutes.

Do I use regular shampoo after ketoconazole shampoo?

No. Do not use another shampoo after using ketoconazole, as that will rinse off the active ingredients from the scalp.

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Dr. Sergio Vañó GalvánPhD

     

Dr. Sergio Vañó Galván has 26 years of experience as a dermatologist, trichologist, and hair surgeon. He is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of the International Master’s Degree in Trichology and Hair Transplantation at the University of Alcalá. He is also a director of the Trichology Unit of the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital and the Trichology and...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches. She has also worked with a number of high-profile beauty brands on a freelance basis to upscale their businesses. Krati...more