Nizoral Shampoo Review for the Treatment of Traction Alopecia

Nizoral is a shampoo prescribed for seborrhoic dermatitis, dandruff and tinea versicolor (rash caused by fungus) but has been shown to have very positive effects on hair loss. Both men and women suffer from traction alopecia, and the use of Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo shows promise in helping to treat both the symptoms and aid in the regrowth of lost hair.

Nizoral shampoo has ketoconazole, a synthetic antifungal preparation, which is used to treat dry scalp and dandruff. Preliminary studies suggest that the use of Nizoral shampoo, containing ketoconazole, beneficial in helping to increase the regrowth of lost hair.

It is thought to work by cleansing the scalp, removing pore blocking material and increasing circulation to the scalp. It reduces the effect of inflammation- caused by pulling the hair, and allows the hair follicle to receive essential nutrients that are needed for hair growth. Inflammation is also responsible for deactivating the hair follicle, which is why hair follicles afffected by traction alopecia remain in the dormant (telogen) phase.

Ketoconazole which is the active ingredient in Nizoral shampoo helps to reduce the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at the skin level. DHT when not removed from the scalp combines with other chemicals causing hair follicles to become permanently dormant.

Properly used a minimum of twice per week, Nizoral will keep the scalp clean and hair follicles active. While helping to increase the production of hair, the shampoo will also eliminate dandruff and relieve dry, irritated scalps. The shampoo also has a thickening effect on the hair. This is partly due to its effect on inflammation which ultimately results in the retention of more hair.

Nizoral Shampoo and its active ingredient, ketoconazole, make no open claims to regrow hair. Only that it has shown itself to be an effective addition to other treatments for traction alopecia hair loss and thinning hair.

Ketoconazole has few side effects other than occasional skin irritations to those with sensitive skin and those who attempt to overuse the product. It is always best to check with your doctor before starting any treatment and to test a small area of your scalp for a reaction prior to shampooing the first time. Nizoral can have a bit of a drying effect on hair and should be followed with a moisturing conditioner if you have dry hair. It is one of a few hair loss shampoos that can compliment other topical treatments for traction alopecia. If you have sensitive skin, a gentle stimulating herbal shampoo would probably be better suited to your scalp.

Hair growth occurs at the rate of approximately half an inch per month and so many people who begin treatment with Nizoral see a significant difference in as little as 30 to 60 days of use.