Believe us, it will not be difficult for you to find an anti-dandruff shampoo in a nearby pharmacy that has “disguised” a powerful agent to combat hair loss . To find it, look for the following name on the shampoo label: ketoconazole, there is also a different non-ketoconazole shampoo with a more common brand name: Pilexil.
This is not a novelty or a super revolution in science: since the 80s it has been there, on the shelves of pharmacies and markets, “camouflaged” in products for other health problems (perhaps you must have even used it, unaware of its “ secret powers ”).
Index
What is ketoconazole?
Ketoconazole is a synthetic substance with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties , widely used in products for the treatment of fungal infections, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, particularly in the form of creams, lotions and shampoos.
The systemic use of ketoconazole (in tablets) is only prescribed by doctors in cases of severe infections, when other treatments are not possible or effective, and after careful evaluation of the patient’s health status. This is because once in the bloodstream, the substance appears to be quite aggressive to the liver and adrenal glands . Many countries in Europe are discontinuing the use of ketoconazole tablets due to these side effects.
Since the use of topical products (applied externally such as creams or shampoos) does not allow ketoconazole to be absorbed into the body at significant levels, they are considered safe .
And what does this have to do with hair loss?
Some studies ( 1 and 2 ) – and many users – already attest to the effectiveness of ketoconazole shampoos in slowing the progress of baldness and increasing the density and thickness of the hair , but science does not yet know exactly how it happens.
One of the most accepted hypotheses is based on the fact that, in addition to acting as an antifungal, ketoconazole is capable of reducing the production and activity of certain hormones in the body, including testosterone and its variant most associated with alopecia androgenetic , dihydrotestosterone (DHT) . But this anti-androgenic (male hormone antagonist) action has only been observed to date with systemic (within the body) ketoconazole . There is still no scientific evidence that the performance of the product on the scalp is sufficient to combat the effects of DHT on the hair follicles.
Another hypothesis associates the effect of ketoconazole to reduce excess oil on the scalp . DHT is synthesized in various parts of the body, including the sebaceous glands that lubricate the hair, and it is considered very lipophilic, that is, it is easily associated with oily substances. Some professionals believe that the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in our scalp is rich in DHT, and eliminating its excess would mean a reduction in the amount of the substance that possibly enters the follicle and affects it.
A third possibility is that ketoconazole helps fight inflammatory conditions that may be interfering with the life cycle of the hair and causing excessive hair loss.
The fact is that, whatever the mechanism of their operation, ketoconazole shampoos have gained enough followers in recent years. There are several reports with good results, especially when the shampoo is combined with other types of treatments .
Using Pilexil and ketoconazole shampoo
In general, it is recommended that the shampoo be applied two to four times a week , leaving the product on the scalp for two to five minutes before rinsing. Many users report that using the shampoo more than four times a week does not seem to have an additional effect, and can actually irritate the scalp , so it is best not to abuse!
And it’s worth remembering: Ideally, you should always talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you (in addition to evaluating possible interactions with other products you are using, identifying any contraindications, and monitoring the progress of your case). Perhaps there are other alternatives that you can follow, such as using a sulfate-free shampoo.
Side effects of Pilexil / ketoconazole
Some of the possible reactions to ketoconazole are irritation, itching, oiliness changes (dry or oily scalp than normal) and, in rare cases, changes in the appearance of the hair (hair dyed or with chemical processes such as straightening or curling are the most affected in these cases). If you have any kind of adverse reaction, discontinue use immediately and inform your doctor.
As for the Pilexil shampoo, it has no side effects identified today
Best ketoconazole shampoos and which one should I use on my hair
Although science has yet to unravel how ketoconazole works, research results from its use and many users around the world suggest that it can be a valuable ally against hair loss . If you also suffer from dandruff , even better, you can treat both problems in one shot. Check out our article on the 65 causes of female and male hair loss .
The shampoos with ketoconazole are easily accessible and can easily incorporate into your personal care routine.
One way to check the effectiveness of the product for your specific case (always with the approval of your doctor) is to try it on a single area of the head for a while , to compare the results with the part that does not receive the ketoconazole shampoo . If there are no adverse reactions and the product has positive effects, it can become an inexpensive, non-invasive (no surgery or admission medication), and easy-to-use addition to your hair loss arsenal.
We leave you the best ketoconazole shampoos that we can find on the internet:
- Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo 60ml
- KETOPIROX DS CHAMP ANTI-DANDRUFF-GRA 200
- Rain ePure Dr Hair Loss Shampoo fertilizes hair loss and sheds 118 ml
- Regenepure DR – Hair and Scalp Treatment
Best Pilexil shampoos
Within the Pilexil brand , although more expensive, some people prefer them:
- PILEXIL ANTI-FALL SHAMPOO 500 ML
- Pilexil Forte Anti-Hair Loss Capsules, 100 + GIFT 20capsules
- Pilexil 150 Capsules
- PILEXIL ANTI-FALL SHAMPOO 300 ML
- PILEXIL 100 CAPSULES
- Pilexil Anti-Hair Loss Blisters
- PILEXIL SHAMPOO 300 ml ANTIFALL LAB. Lacer + 2 free FORTE ampoules
- PILEXIL FORTE SPRAY 120 ML
- Pilexil Anti-Hair Loss Spray, 120ml + Gift Shampoo, 100ml
- PILEXIL FORTE AMP 15 + 5
- PILEXIL ANTI-GREASE SHAMPOO 300 ML
- PILEXIL ANTIFALL 15 AMP 5ml
- Pilexil® Forte Anti-Hair Loss 15ampx5ml + Pilexil® Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo 300ml
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.