Thinning on 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, skin expert Dr Amana Adel said.
Speaking to her 1.7 million TikTok followers, Dr Adel said the shampoo boasts far more benefits than beating 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 again.
It does this by reducing inflammation within the scalp tissue that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
One 2019 study showed it can reduce hair loss just as well as other more common treatments like monoxidil (also known as Regaine), which costs between £15 and £35 per 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, like male and female pattern baldness. But other types such as hair loss caused by stress or an illness, can be temporary.
The brand of dandruff shampoo treats hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a male hormone that can cause hair loss and thinning
There is a downside to using Nizoral — available at Boots, Superdrug and Savers — however.
Massachusetts- based dermatologist Dr Neera Nathan, said on social media that it can leave hair feeling ‘dry as a bone’.
However, she suggested a simple fix: using coconut oil alongside the shampoo.
The oil, which is also used in cooking, can penetrate the hair shaft to protect it from moisture loss.
Dr Nathan advised ‘oiling’ with coconut oil 30 minutes prior to shampooing.
Do this by taking a small bit of oil in your palms and working it into the ends of your hair before working your way up the the roots, she said.
Then, shampoo roots and scalp with Nizoral concentrating it on the scalp and leave on for two to three minutes before rinsing off and using conditioner as normal.
She explained that this simple routine makes it possible to help increase hair growth and regrow bald spots without drying out the hair.
Although most hair loss isn’t caused by anything serious, those that experience hair loss that is not normal for them, such as bald patches and clumps of hair falling out, should visit their GP or dermatologist, according to NHS advice.
