Does Nizoral Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss and scalp dandruff can be tough to manage both physically and emotionally. People use different methods and products to restore their healthy, shiny hair. Especially women who are willing to spend thousands of dollars and hours to restore their beautiful hair.

One product commonly used for dandruff is Nizoral. However, some people reported experiencing more hair loss after using this shampoo. Could this be true?

In this article, we will explain the function of Nizoral shampoo and its potential side effects. We will also explain whether Nizoral causes hair loss and how we can reduce hair shedding using this shampoo.

Nizoral is an antifungal medication containing ketoconazole. It works by inhibiting fungal growth. It comes in various forms, including creams, shampoos, as well as oral tablets. Actually, Nizoral is the brand name for ketoconazole shampoo.

It is effective against various fungal and yeast infections but it is most commonly used for scalp fungal infections. These medicines do not work well for bacterial or viral infections.

• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Athlete’s foot
• Jock Itch
• Ringworm
• Seborrhea

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition with flaky yellow and white scales. It can occur on the scalp, face, trunk, armpits etc. When it affects the scalp, it often produces dandruff.

Nizoral is primarily an antifungal medicine, there are some other uses as well such as promoting hair regrowth when combined with products like minoxidil and finasteride.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Nizoral Shampoo?

Nizoral is generally safe, but some users experience:

• Itching
• Extreme dryness or oiliness of hair
• Different hair texture
• Allergic reaction

If you experience these side effects, contact your healthcare professional. They are usually temporary and resolve on their own.

Some patients report increased hair loss after starting Nizoral shampoo, often described as hair shedding. This is often caused by shedding of weak or damaged hair first which gives the impression of increased hair loss.

Therefore, if you notice more hair in the shower drain after using Nizoral shampoo, it is possibly due to hair shedding.

So in simple words, Nizoral does not cause hair loss.

Hair shedding in the first few months of ketoconazole use is common. Other reasons for hair loss may be:

1. Seasonal Shedding: Hair loss may increase towards the end of summer.
2. Hair Loss Products: Products like minoxidil can interfere with the hair growth phase.
3. Ketoconazole Overuse: This can lead to irritation, scalp dryness, and hair loss.

Normal Vs Abnormal Shedding – What’s The Difference

Hair shedding is natural, we often see hair in the shower drain or on the hairbrush. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between normal and abnormal shedding.

How To Treat Hair Shedding With Nizoral?

Hair shedding is often a temporary side effect of Nizoral shampoo, and the following techniques may help reduce the amount of hair shed:

• Decrease Shampoo Concentration: For example, switch from 2% to 1% ketoconazole.
• Reduce Shampoo Usage: It is generally advised to use the shampoo 2-3 times per week and leave it on the scalp for 15 minutes. If it still causes irritation and itchiness, then use it 1-2 times per week and apply it only for 2-5 minutes.
• Use Conditioner: Use a conditioner after shampooing which helps to retain moisture, leading to reduced hair texture and dryness.
• Give It Time: It is a temporary mechanism that removes dry and fragile hair. As new hair replaces the old, hair loss will decrease on its own.