Hair and scalp treatment systems that use shampoos and conditioners to treat hair loss need to contain a product with one of two ingredients, minoxidil or ketoconazole, to be effective. If they don't contain these agents, the products likely won't slow the progression of hair loss or encourage the regrowth of hair. They may contain ingredients that "feel" as if the products are working, but all they're doing is creating a tingling sensation to the scalp.
Minoxidil
One of two medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat hair loss, minoxidil is found in a number of hair and scalp treatment systems. These systems usually consist of three products to be used together to slow the progression of hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. They often include a shampoo, a conditioner and a topical spray containing minoxidil. Some also include a dietary supplement. However, without the minoxidil, the system isn't medically proved to treat hair loss.
Function
That being said, the effectiveness of the shampoo, conditioner and dietary supplement within these systems comes into question. If minoxidil is the ingredient that actually treats the hair loss, the other products aren't doing much more than cleaning, conditioning and improving the health of your hair. They aren't stopping hair loss or causing the regrowth of hair. For years, men and women have used minoxidil without special shampoos and conditioners with minimal to moderate success. The shampoos, conditioners and supplements in these systems are most likely just adding cost to your treatment.
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole is another ingredient found in shampoos that can help to treat hair loss, according to the American Hair Loss Association. This active ingredient can reduce the production of androgens in the body. The reason this affects hair loss is that pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a result of the androgen DHT binding to follicles in the scalp. When androgen levels are lowered, you have less DHT in the body, and can therefore slow the progression of hair loss.
Significance
The only caveat with ketoconazole is it only treats women suffering from hair loss, notes the American Hair Loss Association. Men must rely on minoxidil. Shampoos containing ketoconazole come in two different concentrations: 1 percent or 2 percent. The over-the-counter shampoo contains 1 percent ketoconazole. The 2 percent version is far more effective in treating hair loss, and it's only available by prescription.
Considerations
Since hair and scalp treatment systems using minoxidil can cost upward of $100, it can be more cost-effective to purchase a topical solution of minoxidil on its own. A three-month supply generally costs about $20. Men also should consider talking to a dermatologist about finasteride, an oral medication that inhibits DHT production and is proved effective in treating male-pattern baldness.
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