The question:
Can anti-dandruff shampoo help with hair loss?
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Science:
On Instagram and TikTok, some dermatologists promote off-label use of certain anti-dandruff shampoos – to combat hair loss. But while these shampoos can help promote hair health, they are not considered a cure-all.
Some over-the-counter and prescription anti-dandruff shampoos contain ketoconazole, an ingredient that may help fight certain types of hair loss, including those caused by chronic inflammation and hormone sensitivity, some dermatologists said.
“Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and anything that reduces inflammation or improves the health and well-being of your scalp will ensure your hair is optimized,” said Arash Mostaghimi, vice president of trials clinical practice and innovation in the Department of Dermatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Mostaghimi is not among the dermatologists recommending these products on social media.
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication approved to treat seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory disease that causes red, itchy, and flaky skin. In rare and severe cases, scratching and inflammation can affect hair growth, some dermatologists said. The disease is associated, among other factors, with an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called malassezia, which can be controlled with ketoconazole.
Although shampoos containing ketoconazole can be very effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis and creating an optimal environment for healthy hair growth, they will not reduce hair loss for everyone, said Oma N. Agbai, clinical professor. associate professor of dermatology and director of multicultural dermatology and hair. Loss Disorders at the University of California at Davis School of Medicine.
There is also limited research showing that ketoconazole may be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss, including male and female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is partly linked to hormones called androgens. High levels or increased sensitivity to the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can shrink hair follicles, leading to thinning hair, as well as shorten the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. Inhibiting DHT can help combat baldness.
A 2019 systematic review of animal and human studies found that, in humans, hair shaft diameter increased after topical ketoconazole use. The authors noted that although treatment with topical ketoconazole appears promising, randomized controlled trials are needed. Although other studies have also shown positive results, most have looked at the 2 percent dose of ketoconazole (compared to the 1 percent available in some over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos), often in combination with well-studied therapies. .
Using a shampoo containing ketoconazole as part of a broader hair loss regimen prescribed by a dermatologist may be helpful, said Adam Friedman, professor and chairman of dermatology at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
“But as a solo therapy,” he said, “it’s a pipe dream.”
For people experiencing hair loss who want to try it, some dermatologists recommend lathering a shampoo containing ketoconazole and gently applying it to wet scalp with your fingertips, then letting it sit for several minutes before applying it. rinse. Repeat every other wash, usually one to three times per week, they said.
Some dermatologists have warned that in some people, especially those with dry or very curly hair, shampoos containing ketoconazole may cause increased hair dryness and brittleness, especially with overuse. This can contribute to hair breakage and loss, Friedman said. Those who experience adverse effects such as increased dryness or itching should consult a dermatologist.
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What else do you need to know:
From scalp massagers and microneedling rollers to hair masks, oils and serums, there are plenty of other at-home hair loss treatments circulating on Instagram and TikTok. Among these, essential oils appear to be a popular alternative to prescription drugs on social media.
— Rosemary oil, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, has the potential to improve circulation and stimulate hair growth, some dermatologists said. A 2015 study showed that a topical solution of rosemary oil was as effective as 2% minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia in men. However, Friedman noted that 2 percent minoxidil is a low dose and studies vary in terms of purity, potency and blends containing rosemary oil, making it difficult to draw a conclusion on effectiveness. oil.
— Pumpkin seed oil has been shown in mice to have inhibitory activity against 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, said Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a Dallas-based dermatologist. One study showed that men with androgenetic alopecia had increased hair growth when they took pumpkin seed oil capsules. Another study, comparing pumpkin seed oil with 5% minoxidil foam to treat hair loss in women, found that hair regrowth increased significantly after treatment.
— Other essential oils such as peppermint and lavender may also promote hair health, Agbai said, but randomized clinical trials are needed to prove the effectiveness of these hair loss treatments.
“I am not aware of any hair loss patients benefiting significantly from these treatments,” Agbai said in an email. “That doesn’t mean they don’t benefit from it; we simply don’t have enough studies to prove their effectiveness.
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The essential :
Anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole may help with certain types of hair loss, especially when used in combination with prescription medications intended to treat these conditions, but more research is needed.
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