Often times, the problem will not go away on its own and requires continues treatment. A well-known agent for this is shampoo with Ketoconazole in high concentration. Multiple studies about the effectiveness of this substance have shown that it stimulates hair growth and helps against hereditary hair loss.

In the world of hair care, anti dandruff shampoos—including piroctone olamine shampoo and olamine shampoo—are widely used to treat patients with dandruff and scalp issues. Clinical trials have documented the efficacy of piroctone olamine in reducing dandruff severity, with over 15 studies involving several hundred patients. Piroctone olamine is a powerful anti-dandruff ingredient that helps to fight bacteria and soothe the scalp, and is often formulated at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 1%. Shampoos containing 1% piroctone olamine can be used daily, but those with sensitive skin may wish to use it less frequently. Beyond its primary anti-dandruff effects, piroctone olamine offers potential additional benefits such as improving hair quality and preventing hair loss, contributing to overall scalp and hair health. Some anti-dandruff shampoos also include salicylic acid as an exfoliant to help remove excess oil and loosen dry, scaly skin. For best results, a contact time of 5 minutes is recommended when applying an anti-dandruff shampoo, followed by thorough rinsing to ensure the scalp and hair are clean and free of residue.

Ketoconazole is most well-known, but it is not the only proven anti-dandruff ingredient in shampoos which stimulates hair growth. Piroctone olamine has a similar effect as Ketoconazole. Piroctone olamine is also listed under the brand name 'Octopirox'.

Ketoconazole vs. Piroctone olamine

In a study with 150 men who suffer from hereditary hair loss and dandruff, Ketoconazole and Piroctone olamine were compared*. Excessive secretion of sebum, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are often linked with hair loss and hereditary hair loss. The 150 men received a shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole or 1% Piroctone olamine. They had to use this shampoo 2 to 3 times per week for a duration of six months.

All treatments showed a reduction in itching and dandruff after 2 to 6 weeks. If we have a look at the effect of the treatments on various hair growth parameters, we see the following figures (in percentages):

• The severity of hair loss decreases (Ketoconazole: -17.3%, Piroctone olamine: -16.5%)
• The percentage of hairs in the growth phase increases (Ketoconazole 4.9%, Piroctone olamine: 7.9%)
• The effect on the hair diameter is increased by 5.4% with Ketoconazole and by 7.7% with Piroctone olamine.

Piroctone olamine has been shown to increase the proportion of hairs in the active growth phase (anagen) by 7.9% and the mean hair shaft diameter by 7.7%, while ketoconazole increased it by 5.4%. Piroctone olamine is often preferred for achieving the greatest possible effect on hair growth compared to ketoconazole. Both shampoos are effective in reducing dandruff, including severe dandruff, and can help protect the scalp and hair from further damage. Anti-dandruff shampoos can also help manage telogen effluvium and telogen effluvium related hair shedding by improving scalp health and reducing inflammation. Ketoconazole is available over-the-counter at 1% and by prescription at 2%, but can sometimes make hair dry or difficult to manage. Ketoconazole is cited as having stronger immediate antifungal activity against certain Malassezia strains.

Thus, the study shows that Piroctone olamine scores better in a number of areas in comparison to Ketoconazole**:

• Compared to Ketoconazole, Piroctone olamine ensures an increase in the number of hairs in the growth phase (anagen phase) by more than 10% in 33% of people.
• Piroctone olamine gives 88% of the people thicker hair, despite hereditary hair loss, whereby this is 78% with Ketoconazole.
• If we take a look at how many people experience a significant increase (more than 10%) of the hair diameter, this is 28% with Ketoconazole and as much as 34% with Piroctone olamine (10% larger diameter means that the hair became 20% heavier).

Shampoos against dandruff for stimulating hair growth

The above results show that both Ketoconazole and Piroctone olamine have a positive effect on multiple aspects of hair growth. They have a similar effect on itch and dandruff. Piroctone olamine generally scores better when it comes to hair growth.

Piroctone olamine shampoo is a powerful anti-dandruff ingredient that also helps to fight bacteria and soothe the scalp, contributing to overall scalp health and hair protection. Thus, the study shows that there is a preference for the use of 1% Piroctone olamine in order to achieve the greatest possible effect on hair growth. 1% Piroctone olamine can be found in the shampoo of Neofollics Hair Technology. In addition to Piroctone olamine, this shampoo contains many more proven effective ingredients, such as Ecklonia cava and Raspberry ketone.

* In this study, Zinc Pyrithione was included, which we will leave out of the picture seeing the minimal results that came forward.
** With the number of subjects that were used, it is not possible to significantly determine the differences between Ketoconazole and Piroctone olamine statistically.

Reference:

Pierard-Franchimont, C., Goffin, V., Henry, F., Uhoda, I., Braham, C., & Pierard, G.E. (2002). Nudging hair shedding by antidandruff shampoos. A comparison of 1% ketoconazole, 1% Piroctone olamine and 1% zinc pyrithione formulations. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2002, 24, 249-256.

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