Thinning at the top? An £8 bottle of shampoo could be the ultimate answer to hair loss, according to dermatologists.
Nizoral, which is marketed as an anti-dandruff product and contains anti-fungal ingredients, should be in everyone’s bathroom cupboards, said skin expert Dr Amana Adel.
Speaking to his 1.7 million TikTok followers, Dr. Adel He said the shampoo offers many more benefits than fighting dandruff: it also helps acne and hair loss.
The product contains ketoconazole, which destroys the fungus that causes dandruff, but studies show it can also help thinning hair grow back.
It does this by reducing inflammation within the scalp tissue that can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss.
one 2019 study showed that it can reduce hair loss as well as more common treatments such as Monoxidil (also known as Regaine), which costs between £15 and £35 a bottle.
Ketoconazole also treats hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that can cause hair loss and thinning.
Some types of hair loss are permanent, such as male and female pattern baldness. But other types, such as hair loss caused by stress or illness, can be temporary.
The anti-dandruff shampoo brand treats hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that can cause hair loss and thinning.
However, there is a downside to using Nizoral, available in Boots, Superdrug and Savers.
Massachusetts-based dermatologist Dr. Neera Nathansaid on social media that it can leave hair “dry as a bone.”
However, he suggested a simple solution: use coconut oil along with shampoo.
The oil, which is also used in cooking, can penetrate the hair shaft to protect it from moisture loss.
Dr. Nathan recommended “lubricating” with coconut oil 30 minutes before shampooing.
Do this by taking a little oil in the palms of your hands and applying it to the ends of your hair before reaching the roots, she said.
Next, wash the roots and scalp with Nizoral concentrating it on the scalp and let it sit for two to three minutes before rinsing and using the conditioner as usual.
He explained that this simple routine can help increase hair growth and make bald areas grow back without drying out the hair.
Although most hair loss is not caused by anything serious, those who experience hair loss that is not normal for them, such as bald patches and falling out hair strands, should visit their GP or dermatologist, according to NHS advice.