A study in mice indicated that ketoconazole may have a stimulatory effect on hair growth. Nizoral shampoo is a ketoconazole hair loss shampoo that has shown to be beneficial in men suffering from androgenic alopecia. One 1998 study showed that Nizoral 2% worked just as well as minoxidil 2% (brand name Rogaine) in men with androgenic alopecia. Both medicines increased hair thickness and increased the number of anagen-phase hair follicles on the scalp. Researchers were guarded about the meaning of these results, saying that more rigorous studies on larger groups of men should be done to confirm the findings, both to evaluate the ideal dosage and formulation, and to assess the desirability of routine treatment in this condition. Nizoral Shampoo is only FDA approved for the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, so although Nizoral may be one of the useful hair loss solutions, it cannot be endorsed or marketed as one to the general public.

Results so far indicate that both the Nizoral 1% and Nizoral 2% dosages have hair loss benefits and are possible hair loss solutions; however, the more potent Nizoral 2% formulation could have better results. Excessive usage of either formulation has not been shown to produce better results. The results produced in these studies are based on usage once every third day and leaving the shampoo on the scalp for 3–5 minutes before rinsing, as with the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It has been stated that medications capable of maintaining the existing hair population should be regarded as effective treatments for androgenic alopecia. The present data suggest that ketoconazole should enter this group of drugs as a hair loss shampoo and one of the viable hair loss solutions.