Citace:
The Best Hair Loss Shampoos Have the Ingredient “Ketoconazole”
Summary
The best hair loss shampoos have the ingredient ketoconazole - it is clinically proven to inhibit the synthesis of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which cause male pattern baldness. While there are several shampoos that claim to prevent hair loss, only the formulas that contain ketoconazole will effective as preventing or slowing androgenic alopecia. Make sure you don’t waste your money, time or hair on a shampoo without ingredients that have not been proven to be clinically effective in peer-reviewed academic or professional studies.
Discussion
The best hair loss shampoos contain an ingredient called “ketoconazole”. According to the National Library of Medicine, ketoconazole is actually used to treat fungal infections. When topically applied (on to your scalp), it has been used for about a decade to treat dermatitis in various shampoos such as Nizoral.
It just so happens that ketoconazole was found to be clinically effective in inhibiting the synthesis of DHT in legitimate peer-reviewed medical studies, published in academic and professional medical journals.
DHT or dihydrotestosterone is the primary hormone that is responsible for androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. By inhibiting DHT on the scalp, in theory, your hair follicles will not undergo progressive thinning.
The first such study dates back to 1998, published in “Dermatology,” where Belgian scientists found that ketoconazole, when topically applied, was as or more effective than 2 percent-grade minoxidil at combating androgenic alopecia. Belgian researchers when recommended it for the “long-term treatment” of androgenic alopecia.
Subsequent studies confirm these findings as well.
A 2002 study in the “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” found the 1 percent-grade ketoconazole was superior to prevent “hair shedding” than more traditional anti-dandruff shampoos that contained 1 percent-grade piroctone olamine or 1 percent-grade zinc pyrithione – the active ingredient in Head and Shoulders.
A 2004 study in the publication “Medical Hypothesis” found that ketoconazole in combination with finasteride (generic for Propecia or Proscar) was more effective at combating androgenic alopecia than finasteride alone.
A study in the 2005 “Journal of Dermatology” found that ketoconazole could even stimulate hair growth.
To my knowledge, however, there are only 4 mainstream shampoos that actually contain ketoconazole. The first one, the eldest, is Nizoral. Nizoral is actually marketed as an anti-dandruff shampoo. While Nizoral is effective at combating androgen-related hair loss, since it is an anti-dandruff / anti-fungal shampoo, it can be harsh on your scalp. Especially if you commonly experience dry scalp.
The other 3 shampoos: Revita, Regenepure-DR and Perfect Image Solution’s Hair Regrowth Shampoo all contain ketoconazole as well. They also contain other ingredients such as emu oil, jojoba seed oil and cocamidopropyl betaine which moisturize your scalp and can help prevent flaking. They are marketed for to prevent hair loss and are viable to daily use since they should not irritate your scalp.
In my experience, these three shampoos are the best hair loss shampoos. Regenepure-DR has the highest ratings on Amazon.com by the most people. Perfect Image Solution’s shampoo has the same rating, but by less people. I currently use it and can vouch for its effectiveness.
There are a lot of other shampoos such as Nioxin or certain “organic” shampoos that are marketed to prevent hair loss that sell quite well. Unfortunately, these shampoos do not contain ketoconazole or absolutely any other ingredients that are clinically proven to combat hair loss. These types of shampoos have ingredients that may encourage hair growth – but will not prevent androgen-related hair loss. They may also give you a healthy scalp, the appearance of thicker hair or may reduce inflammation – but they will not be effective at preventing hair loss since none of the ingredients address the hormonal cause and pathway of hair loss (DHT).
For the best hair loss shampoos to prevent genetic pattern baldness, I encourage you to try a ketoconazole shampoo that is acceptable for everyday use. In combination with a minxodil and finasteride regimen, as of September 2011, this will be the most effective treatment to prevent or slow male pattern baldness.