Dealing with dandruff can be a headache, especially if you need to know what kind of product you need. In this article, we will discuss why the Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo is one of the best solutions for dandruff. I’ll explain how it works, its benefits, and its side effects and give you some Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo Reviews to help you decide if this product is for you!
What is Nizoral Shampoo?
When you say Nizoral shampoo, it generally refers to Nizoral’s A-D (Anti-Dandruff) shampoo. It is the best-selling anti-dandruff shampoo produced by Johnson & Johnson.
The Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo features a potent formula with 1% Ketoconazole as the star ingredient. Ketoconazole is a powerful and clinically proven antifungal treatment that helps control the dandruff problem. Ketoconazole shampoos are especially effective in dealing with dandruff caused by fungal infections.
What is Nizoral Shampoo for?
In addition to treating dandruff, Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo also treats the itchiness that comes with dandruff infections. No longer will you have to spend every few minutes scratching your scalp. This antifungal shampoo leaves your scalp feeling fresh, cool, and soft.
Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo Ingredients
The main active ingredient in Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is 1% Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is an antifungal compound used to treat yeast and fungal infections. It is clinically used to treat athlete’s foot, candidiasis, and ringworms.
Ketoconazole for Dandruff
Research studies have shown it to be super effective for dealing with some fungi that cause dandruff. It does so by compromising the cell structure of yeasts and fungi. Ketoconazole prevents the formation of ergosterol, which is required by fungi and yeast to hold the cell membranes together. Without ergosterol, the cells will slowly weaken before they die altogether.
The beauty of this ingredient in this over-the-counter shampoo is that it tackles the underlying cause of dandruff, not just the symptoms. This is why Nizoral A-D Shampoo stands out. Unlike other products that temporarily treat itchiness and flaky scalp, the effectiveness of Ketoconazole in Nizoral Anti Dandruff treatment shampoo permanently deals with the root cause to give you long-term results.
You don’t have to take my word for it; online user reviews are more evidence of how brilliant this product is. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 after over 12,000 reviews, it’s clear that Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is your best shot at tackling this dandruff once and for all.
Nizoral 2% Ketoconazole Shampoo
Nizoral also offers a more potent shampoo that contains 2% Ketoconazole shampoo for people with more severe fungal infections. In some countries, the Nizoral 2% Ketoconazole Shampoo is available OTC in 6ml packs and called Nizoral Ketoconazole “Maximum Treatment.” However, the 2% Ketoconazole Nizoral shampoo is not available over the counter in the U.S.; you need to get a prescription to purchase this product.
1% vs 2% Ketoconazole
This shampoo is pink and has a stronger smell than the 1% Ketoconazole. It is advised to let it sit on your scalp for 5 minutes to allow it more time to kill fungi and yeast on your scalp.
Regarding efficacy, the Nizoral 2% Ketoconazole is more effective in treating fungal infections than the 1% Ketoconazole Nizoral. But it causes more side effects like itching, hives, and headaches, so a doctor’s prescription is required to buy this product.
Nizoral Shampoo – Other Ingredients
Besides Ketoconazole, Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo also contains several inactive ingredients, including sodium Laureth sulfate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, cocamide MEA, Acrylic acid polymer (carbomer 1342), polyquaternium-7, butylated hydroxytoluene, FD&C Blue #1, quaternium-15, sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid, sodium chloride, water, tetrasodium EDTA and fragrance.
Nizoral Ketoconazole Shampoo Benefits
Here’s a complete list of all the benefits you can get from using the Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo:
- Cleanses Hair
- Kills scalp fungus
- Removes flakes and build-up
- Relieves Itching
- Can help with hair loss
How to Use Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo works for both men and women. It can be used by anyone who’s over 12 years old. Here’s how to use it:
- Start by running some water through your hair and scalp. The shampoo works best on wet hair, so this step is very important.
- Remove the excess water and leave just enough to make your hair damp.
- Pour some shampoo on your hands and apply it on your scalp.
- Massage the shampoo throughout your scalp to form a rich lather.
- Leave the shampoo on your head for 3 minutes or so, then rinse it off thoroughly.
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo should be used two times per week. You are free to use other shampoos on the other days.
The shampoo should be used for up to 2 months. This should be enough time to get the dandruff issue under control. Afterward, you can use it only when you feel like the problem is coming back again. Remember that this is for external use only and keep it somewhere out of reach of children.
Nizoral AD Shampoo Hair Loss
Can Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Help with Hair Loss?
Some hair loss products include Ketoconazole in their formulas as well. That’s because fungal infections can irritate the scalp and cause hair loss. If you’re losing hair because of fungal infections, Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo can alleviate this problem and target the root cause of your hair loss.
Does Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Cause Hair Loss?
Because of its effectiveness in removing itching and flakes, most users tend to overuse the shampoo. Using it more than the recommended dose of 2 times a week can result in scalp irritation which can lead to hair loss.
Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo Side Effects
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a safe product that works perfectly well for most people, but not everyone. A few individuals have reported several mild to severe side effects. Some of these side effects include:
- Itchy skin
- Skin redness
- Dry scalp
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dry hair
- Scalp irritation
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo should not be used on broken skin. Don’t apply it if you have any cuts on your scalp.
You need to go through the label and check for any ingredients that you might be sensitive to. In case you experience the above side effects, stop using the shampoo right away. You may also want to consult a medical practitioner if the side effects are severe.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult a physician before using this shampoo.
Where to Buy Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo is available in online stores, including Amazon. You can also find it on Walmart, Target, and Walgreens.
Nizoral A-D Anti Dandruff shampoo is more expensive than your average shampoo. The prices usually range from $15.00 to around $21.00.
- CLINICALLY PROVEN: Dandruff stays off your head & shoulders with this dandruff treatment shampoo that helps relieve itchy & flaky scalps. When using your regular shampoo and conditioner use twice a week between washes. Works on all hair types & gray hair.
Nizoral AD Shampoo Pros and Cons
Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo Pros
- Tackles dandruff at the source
- Helps resolve hair loss caused by dandruff
- Uses proven ingredients
- You only need to use it twice per week for 8 weeks
- Long-lasting
Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo Cons
- It’s quite expensive
- Some people may find the smell too strong
- It only works best for dandruff that’s caused by fungi
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Reviews
The following are some of the top positive and negative testimonials from other users of this shampoo:
“This stuff is absolutely amazing. I was one step away from going to the dermatologist. I had severe dandruff that was so bad I could shake my head, and it would come off. With just a few uses per week, I got rid of all of my flakes. My scalp also stopped burning from dryness. My hair has never been healthier. (I bought this product using my own money. I was not paid or given anything free for this review. This is important to me when reading reviews, so I thought I would mention it.)” By Moo Moo
“I’ve suffered with dandruff my whole life and have tried everything under the sun; prescription shampoos and serums, smelly vinegar and mouth wash, salt, scrub brushes. Nothing worked like this shampoo! It’s my miracle worker. I’ve even got my flake-infested friends hooked on it. I don’t even have to use it every wash, just every 3rd wash or so, and I stay flake free. If you’ve tried everything and nothing works, definitely give this a try!” By Katie M
“This shampoo has rave reviews, but no product works for 100% of the people. I guess I am in minority as this shampoo did not work for me. AFter using consistently as directed for the past few months, I have declared this as a failure. In fact, it has resulted in an increase in dandruff” By Sehgal
Nizoral Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner
As mentioned above, the Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo can only help fight fungal infections. If you have psoriasis, dermatitis, or other auto-immune skin problems, the much suitable product for you is the Nizoral Psoriasis Shampoo and Conditioner.
The Nizoral Psoriasis shampoo and conditioner’s main active ingredient is Salicylic Acid. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent that helps break down and exfoliate dead skin cells, including thick psoriasis spots. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties making it the best solution for people with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Other ingredients include tea tree oil, a powerful natural antifungal; green tea, beneficial for hair loss; and Vitamins E, C, and B5 that help nourish and protect your hair from damage. Unlike the Nizoral A-D shampoo, this shampoo can be used at least twice a week or daily and already works as a hair conditioner. But I don’t recommend using these types of shampoo regularly as they can dry your hair and scalp.
Nizoral Shampoo Psoriasis Reviews:
This is my 2nd review after a couple weeks of using this product. My head is almost completely cleared up. By Jenn Fuerte
This shampoo/conditioner is effective in reducing the discomfort of scalp psoriasis. But it is not a cure. I’ve been using it to clean/treat my scalp almost every day for about 2 months and it helps reduce the itching and some of the scaling, but if I stop using it for a couple of days the problem returns. By Little Louie
This product got very good reviews. I have been using it for over a month, and must say I am disappointed. I was expecting the Psoriasis to improve and go away, but that does not happen for me. My scalp feels good after washing and 2 days later it is itching again. Product says wash twice a week, but for me it needs more. I will use it until the container is empty, if no improvement I will be trying something else. By Tessa
Nizoral Shampoo Reviews Seborrheic Dermatitis:
So I have such bad seborrheic dermatitis that I decided to buy both shampoos. I researched for months trying to find the best solution and nothing ever worked! After using both now I am blown away by the results!! I have 0 flare ups and no itch!! Everything that my Derm gave me never worked, but this was the real deal for me and I’m so thankful. No more snowstorm here! By Amazon Customer
This shampoo works. I have been dealing with seborrheic dermatitis for a few years and nothing seemed to work. In one wash, this shampoo eliminated alot of the itching and flaking. I recommend that you let you hair air dry the first few times you use it. And do not use any other heavy products other than a light hair oil. If you have a tighter coil hair suck as 4c, you should place your hair in loose braids after washing it and let it dry that way. By Amazon Customer
Extremely drying made my seborrheic dermatitis 10 times worse made my scalp flake and itch like crazy this is garbage along with the original nizoral brand will never use again!!! By Midnight Blackheart
FAQs about Nizoral A-D Shampoo
Does Nizoral Shampoo Work with Any Hair Type?
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is tough on the fungi but gentle to the scalp and hair. The shampoo works very well with different types of hair, including colored and chemically treated hair. Nizoral Anti Dandruff shampoo helps resolve dandruff without affecting the color of your hair. It also works well on hair with different textures.
Is Nizoral Shampoo Safe?
The Nizoral Anti Dandruff shampoo is safe to use topically for all types of hair, even color-treated and gray hairs. Use it 1-2 times a week only to avoid possible side effects like allergic reactions and scalp damage.
Is Nizoral Shampoo Good?
I’ve used Nizoral Anti Dandruff shampoo before, and it definitely works in removing flakes and build-up. In fact, I would love to use it daily, but because of its potency, manufacturers, and dermatologists advise against it.
Why is Nizoral so Expensive?
Nizoral shampoo is a medicated product, that’s why it’s more expensive compared to your other regular shampoos.
How Long to Leave Nizoral on Scalp?
Leave the Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo on your scalp for 3 minutes before rinsing your hair. Do not leave it for more than 30 minutes as it may dry and damage your scalp.
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: Verdict
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is quite costly, but it is, without a doubt, a great choice for treating dandruff that’s caused by the fungus Malassezia. The powerful shampoo deals with the problem from the source, which allows you to enjoy incredible long-term results. If you want a more potent product, consult your doctor for a prescription for the Nizoral 2% Ketoconazole. Take note that these 2 anti-dandruff shampoos may not work on psoriasis. See if their dedicated psoriasis shampoo works for you instead.
The Nizoral shampoo is supposed to be used only twice per week, so you can use the whole bottle for quite a long time. Finally, the overwhelming customer reviews make a very compelling case. In summary, the Nizoral AD anti dandruff shampoo is a great shampoo that gives you a real shot at putting an end to dandruff, itchiness, and flaky scalp.
Diana used to work as an Assistant Salon Manager in Los Angeles, CA before she started writing for Union of Barbers. With over 10 years of experience, she has tried hundreds of hair care products and has seen, styled, and treated all types of hair. Now, she shares all of the things she has learned in the hair industry and gives advice on everything about hair. When she’s not writing, you can find Diana at the beach on her yoga mat!
