Anti-dandruff shampoo adverts from the mid-2000s are to be believed, black turtlenecks can never make it to the closet of people with flaky scalps. But a couple of visible flakes on your clothes is the least of your worries with dandruff. A flaky scalp, whether it’s dry and itchy or oily with seborrheic dermatitis, can lead to redness and inflammation. Sometimes triggered by excessive oil production, severe dandruff can even cause some hair loss. And while picking up anti-dandruff hair care products at random can get the job done – label-checking to seek it out can get to your goal scalp health sooner.
What is ketoconazole?
An antifungal ingredient that is used in shampoos and scalp cleansers, ketoconazole addresses underlying fungal and yeast infections to target dandruff at the root. Unlike other trendy antifungal hair care ingredients like green tea and menthol, ketoconazole is a synthetic compound that it is not directly derived from a natural source. It’s developed through chemical synthesis; its targeted action is highly effective and backed by experts almost unanimously.
The main ketoconazole benefits for hair includes:
- Antifungal action: Microorganisms like fungi and yeasts, including Malassezia, contribute to the flaking, itching, and inflammation of the scalp. Inhibiting their growth, ketoconazole helps keep the root cause of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis at bay.
- Reducing scalp inflammation: Like your face, inflammation on the scalp can lead to discomfort and flakiness. Afterall, scalp is also skin! So, an anti-inflammatory with like keto can be a good addition to your hair care routine.
- Enhanced hair health: With fungal infections and inflammation out of the picture, ketoconazole can help maintain a healthier scalp environment, which is important to maintain for strong and healthy hair. The ingredient has also been associated with hair that feels thicker and has more volume owing to arrested hair loss.
- Managing other scalp conditions: Scalp conditions with a fungal or yeast component, such as tinea versicolor, can also be targeted with this ingredient for swift resolution.
How to incorporate ketoconazole in your hair routine
Often prescribed by healthcare professionals, over-the-counter shampoos containing ketoconazole with a concentration of 1% are also available for use. As for the frequency and duration of use, it can vary depending on the condition:
- For dry dandruff and mild scalp conditions, over-the-counter shampoos can be used 2-3 times a week for about 2-4 weeks. You can reduce the frequency or even stop completely once these conditions are alleviated.
- For severe scalp conditions or fungal infections, you will have to opt for prescription topical solutions and for a longer duration. It is always best to consult a dermatologist or trichologist for these concerns instead of self-medicating with ketoconazole.
While ketoconazole is suitable for most scalp types, it can have potential side effects like irritation, dryness, changes in hair texture like increased dryness or brittleness, and allergic reactions, which is rare but possible. This is why it's essential to follow the instructions to the T, do a patch test before trying a new product and consulting an expert for detailed guidance.
