Ketoconazole Shampoo
Also known as Nizoral
An antifungal that treats dandruff properly and may offer a small side benefit for scalp hair.
$10–25 per bottle, lasts months at 2–3 uses per week.
How it works
Inhibits fungal ergosterol synthesis, reducing Malassezia populations that drive seborrhoeic dermatitis. It also has weak antiandrogenic activity at the scalp, which is the basis for the hair-loss claims.
How it's used
1% OTC or 2% by prescription, two or three times weekly. Lather and leave on the scalp for 3–5 minutes before rinsing — contact time is what does the work.
Trade-offs
In favour
- Genuinely effective for dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Reduces scalp inflammation, which supports a healthy hair environment
- Cheap and easy to add to an existing routine
Against
- Hair-loss benefit is a minor adjunct, not a treatment
- Drying to the hair shaft
- Needs consistent use
Risks and side effects
- Scalp dryness or irritation
- Hair texture changes with frequent use
How good is the evidence?
Strong evidence for seborrhoeic dermatitis; weak and limited evidence for any direct androgenetic alopecia benefit.
Sources
Sources point to guideline bodies and literature searches rather than single papers, so they stay accurate as the evidence moves.