Hair loss is a problem that mainly afflicts men; this is probably due to the relationship of testosterone to its sister convertion- dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the cause of the development and growth of body hair and yet may be responsible for the loss of hair from the scalp.
Groups of individuals have discovered that Nizoral (when used regularly) is a very useful alopecia treatment.
Nizoral contains a chemical called ketoconazole, it is known that when ketoconazole is ingested orally that it inhibits the binding of androgens to receptors in the body and this would include the binding of DHT to hair-follicle receptors.
However the use of oral ketoconazole is NOT recommended for many reasons, mainly because this method would present itself as a toxin and ultimately damage the liver. But topical ketoconazole (as contained in Nizoral shampoo) shows itself to have a "weak" anti-DHT binding affect in the scalp.
Furthermore positive results with Nizoral shampoo are often noted within a few weeks, whereas a pure anti-DHT affect may take a few months. It is therefore likely that Nizoral exhibits another method to its anti-hair-loss effect.
One such theory of Nizoral’s anti-alopecia effects may be on its activity upon sebum. Sebum is a fatty substance that accumulates in the scalp around the hair follicles. It’s possible that the removal of sebum may help "unclog" the hair follicle and expose it to more nutrition from an improved blood supply. It is known that Nizoral can remove and reduce sebum deposits.
I use the 1% during cycles and I notice less hair loss. If I don't use the Nizoral, I find lots of hair on my pillow or in the sink.