‘A game changer’: Expert says anti-dandruff shampoo has this hidden benefit, too

A dermatologist has recently gone viral on TikTok after revealing an unexpected advantage of using anti-dandruff shampoo.

In a video that has since accumulated an impressive 4.7 million views, Dr. Shereene Idriss (@shereeneidriss), a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, spoke about the benefits of anti-dandruff shampoo. "No, it's not just good for dandruff," she said. "It's also great for hair loss."

According to Dr. Idriss, ketoconazole, an anti-fungal ingredient sometimes used in shampoo to treat dandruff, does more than just keep your scalp flake-free.

"Not only does it keep your scalp healthy and clear, it also has anti-androgenic activity," she said. In her words, it helps combat the testosterone that can contribute to hair loss.

According to Harley Street Hair Clinic, "While Ketoconazole is not marketed as a hair loss solution, that doesn't mean it won't work as one, and many people find it very effective at restoring hair growth. It works best for male pattern baldness; you'll need to use it consistently to see results."

Which anti-dandruff shampoo should you use, though? Dr. Idriss' personal favorite is Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo. "And no, I am not sponsored by the brand for all the skeptics out there," she assured viewers.

Nizoral contains 1% ketoconazole. On its website, Nizoral claims to be "the only over-the counter anti-dandruff shampoo that contains Ketoconazole, a clinically proven, powerful dandruff fighting ingredient." 

Dr. Idriss clarifies that prescription strength for ketoconazole is typically at 2% but adds that "something is better than nothing."

For those eager to put her "hack" to the test, Dr. Idriss offered a simple routine: "Apply it to your scalp; massage it in; let it sit for at least five or 10 minutes before your regular shower routine."

@shereeneidriss Replying to @Cerica Voigt Anti-dandruff shampoo can actually help with hair loss by promoting growth! For more hair hacks, check out my newest youtube video up now #hairloss #dandruff #oilyhair #hairlosssolutions #hairhacks #hairhack #nizoral #dermatologist #shereeneidriss #dridriss @ShereeneIdriss ♬ original sound - ShereeneIdriss

In the comments section, viewers quickly shared their own experiences with the shampoo, ranging from glowing endorsements to cautionary tales.

"100% I had female pattern boldness and a dermatologist recommended it, it helped," one commenter said.

"I've been using…less hair on the pillows and floor," a second added.

"This is the ONLY thing that worked for me! And I tried everything!" a third remarked.

However, not all experiences were as positive. One viewer wrote, "Anytime I use nizoral I find my hair falls out so much. I never touch that stuff anymore. ONLY if it's really dry and absolutely need it. No clue why it does the opposite for me."

"I feel like I started losing hair after using nizoral," another said. "I couldn't even finish the bottle bc I was scared."

The Daily Dot has reached out to Dr. Shereene Idriss and Arcadia Consumer Healthcare (the makers of Nizoral) via email for comment.

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