About 1 in every 5 adults suffer from dandruff and 1 in 5 Americans are losing their hair so if you are also struggling with hair loss, dandruff, or any other annoying scalp conditions, you’re not alone.
Scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff are sometimes caused by some sort of fungal disease or yeast overgrowth, and unfortunately for some people, figuring out the exact cause of their itchy, flaky scalp isn’t always an easy diagnosis.
Sometimes scalp issues can be caused by using hair care products that contain known irritants. If you suffer from itchy, flaky, or inflammation on your scalp, try to switch to using natural hair care products instead of conventional hair care products which may contain ingredients that can cause a bad reaction.
As always, and especially if you have sensitive skin, try to look at what your products are made with. The ingredient lists can be intimidating but getting familiar with what goes into the products you put on your skin can help you avoid products that may cause you harm in the future.
In a rush? Here are our top picks:
- CLINICALLY PROVEN: Clinically proven to control flaking, scaling and itching from dandruff. Nizoral is so powerful it can even control severe dandruff.
- CONTROLS SCALP FUNGUS: Nizoral is different because it doesn’t just address the symptoms, it gets right to the root of dandruff as it kills the fungus that causes it.
- KETOCONAZOLE 1%: The only over the counter dandruff shampoo with Ketoconazole 1%, a clinically proven, powerful dandruff fighting ingredient.
- Hair Thinning Shampoo for Men and Women: If you are experiencing or are concerned with hair loss, hair thinning, or excess shedding Revita is for you. Revita by DS Laboratories is a leading shampoo to combat hair loss and thinning hair. Our shampoo starts acting on your scalp, from the first day revealing healthier, thicker, and more voluminous hair.
- Minoxidil Alternative Leave In Serum: Spectral.DNC-N is an effective alternative for men and women who do not want to use Minoxidil. Spectral.DNC-N is a leave-in serum formulated with 5% Nanoxidil a hair growth alternative to Minoxidil developed first by DS Laboratories. Nanoxidil works directly in the hair follicles, with a lighter molecular weight to enhance its efficacy. Our hair growth serum can be paired with Revita Shampoo and Conditioner to complete your routine.
- Improve Your Hair Appearance: Revita improves the look, feel, and texture of your hair. From the first use you will notice hair feels healthier, thicker, and has more volume. Revita works to not only support hair growth, but to strengthen hair from the root to prevent future breakage and give you your healthiest hair yet.
What Is Ketoconazole & What Is It Used For?
Ketoconazole, pronounced kee toe KON na zole, is used to treat a variety of skin infections caused by fungus or yeast. Used as a topical treatment, ketoconazole can kill the fungus or yeast and prevent the fungus or yeast from growing.
Ketoconazole can come in different forms to treat different issues. Ketoconazole foam or ketoconazole gel is generally used to treat itchy, flaky skin or scalp often related to seborrheic dermatitis or stubborn dandruff.
It also comes as a cream or ointment that can be used to treat skin issues like Athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch.
Ketoconazole shampoo is a medicated shampoo made to help those suffering from fungal infections or yeast overgrowth on the scalp.
Shampoos containing 1% or less ketoconazole can be found over the counter, and shampoos containing 2% or more ketoconazole can be prescribed by a doctor for more stubborn scalp conditions. If you’re not entirely sure what concentration you should use or if ketoconazole is new to you, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor or dermatologist before trying this out.
Ketoconazole Shampoo for Hair Loss
This one is still up for debate and further research needs to be done in order to determine whether or not ketoconazole shampoo can help with hair loss.
One pilot study published on the National Institutes of Health website was done with 15 patients who suffer from male pattern baldness (MPB), also called androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and the result of the study found that ketoconazole may be a helpful treatment for those suffering from hair loss and that ketoconazole may be able to improve hair regrowth.
Who Can Use It? What Are the Risks And Side Effects
In addition to its effective advertised effects, ketoconazole may cause unwanted side effects for some people. Most people who use a ketoconazole shampoo for dandruff, psoriasis, or any other scalp condition will not experience any negative side effects, and when used as directed, ketoconazole in any form is generally considered safe.
When the ketoconazole shampoo is lathered up on the scalp, most people report feeling a tingling or burning sensation… kind of like you ‘can feel it working its magic.’
This should only be a slight irritation, but if you experience anything more than a slight irritation, it’s probably best to wash the shampoo out with warm water and consult with your doctor or dermatologist.
Although very rare, it’s important to note that using ketoconazole can cause an allergic reaction for some people. Avoid using any other products when using the ketoconazole shampoo to avoid the possibility of making your skin or scalp more irritated or sensitive.
If you experience any unusual redness, itching, swelling, etc. when using ketoconazole, do not continue use and consult with a medical professional.
So who can use ketoconazole? Because studies haven’t been done to prove its safety, it’s best to avoid using ketoconazole shampoo if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to Use Ketoconazole Shampoo
Proper use is very important when using ketoconazole shampoo so please use it as directed by your doctor or as the directions for use are stated on the shampoo.
Recommended use is slightly different depending on the concentration of ketoconazole in the shampoo.
Using 1% OTC Ketoconazole Shampoo
- Wet your hair and scalp well
- Apply the ketoconazole shampoo and work up a good lather. *be sure to massage the (medicated) shampoo over your entire scalp
- Rinse hair and scalp with warm water
- Repeat
Use every 3 or 4 days for up to 8 weeks to treat dandruff. After you’ve gotten dandruff under control, use it only as needed.
If your skin condition doesn’t get better after the 8 weeks, you might want to consult with your doctor to discuss alternative treatments for your skin.
Using 2% Prescribed Ketoconazole Shampoo
- Wet your hair and scalp well
- Apply the ketoconazole shampoo and work up a good lather
- Massage the shampoo onto the affected areas and be sure to cover the surrounding areas as well
- Leave in place for 5 minutes
- Rinse your hair and scalp with warm water
- Dry your hair
The prescribed 2% ketoconazole shampoo is a one-time use treatment.
Be patient. This treatment can take some time to work.
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
