Using nizoral correctly

[Hair today...]

I've been using nizoral 2% for the last two weeks, along with propecia for the last week.

My problem is that the itching on my scalp, particularly around the hairline area, still hasn't gone away. I thought nizoral was supposed to do this - so I'm wondering am I using it correctly. Here's what I do:

I've been shampooing my hair with nizoral. 3/4 times a week. I realise this is on the high side but is it ok for the first few weeks?

In between, I simply haven't washed my hair - I thought this would allow my scalp to recover somewhat from the nizoral. Is this sensible or should I be shampooing my hair every day when not using nizoral.?

I'm using about a 2cm diameter dollop in the palm of my hand for each wash - is this enough/too little/too much?

I try to massage and rub (not vigourously) the nizoral. into my scalp, particularly at/towards the hairline where the itching is worst. Then I leave it to absorb for about 5 minutes.

Would absorption and the benefits of nizoral. increase if I cut my hair really short. I feel my hair at the moment is getting in the way of the shampoo's penetration of my scalp.

What other products are available that augment the effects of nizoral? Does nizoral only really have an effect after a number of weeks use?

I'd really appreciate some feedback.

 

[Britannia]

I use Tricomin in rotation with Nizoral. Seems to work pretty well. You could try using a conditioner after you use your Nizoral to try and help the itch.

 

[Justlooking]

nizoral seemed to stop the itch for me... I use the same process as you in leaving a dab massaged into my hair for ~5 mins, but only do it once every 2-3 days(ie. 2-3 times a week). I also use tricomin, which has made my hair soft and skin much less irritated from all the minoxidil and other products. You're doing it right, not sure why its not working.

 

[jumpedthegun]

try rinsing and repeating. since you don't shampoo between using nizoral, you probably have a lot of oil in your hair when you do shampoo. that oil can "flatten" the nizoral and inhibit it's absorption. you'll find that the nizoral really lathers up much better on the second application when it doesn't have all that oil in its way.

personally, i found a rinse and repeat of nizoral alone to be too intense for me, so I use my daily shampoo first (Aveda Rosemary Mint) to cleanse my hair and scalp, then I apply the nizoral and leave for 5 minutes.

 

[SE-freak]

Use T/Sal for the first rinse and nizoral last. It makes an excellent combo.
Let both sit for about 5 min.

 

[misterium]

SE-freak: I did that today.. let the T/Sal lather and sit for about 3 minutes, then did my 4 - 5 minutes of Nizoral lather.

Feels great right now.. I just hope it doesn't come back to 'burn' me with itch later in the evening! :freaked:

note: I only use T/Sal 1x weekly.

I decided I will use it once before my Monday nizoral session each week, and see how it goes for awhile. I use nizoral by itself on Friday. The rest of the days I use T/Gel original formula or a gentle shampoo.. but I just bought some Head & Shoulders today so I'm going to rotate that for a bit.

.. trying to cover all angles.

 

[SE-freak]

Your skin might get irritated due to everyday shampoo bombardment.

That said, T/Sal+nizoral is an excellent combo for regrowth(not by itself obviously).

 

[misterium]

Yeah but I've always shampooed daily, before my thinning and everything.. it's just normal for me.

It's only the crown/thinning areas that are experiencing the itch sensations..

 

[SE-freak]

Did you give emu or olive oil a shot eventually?

 

[misterium]

I'm going to give the olive oil a shot.

I used emu oil all the time last year.. didn't do much for me. I even bought some jojoba and mixed it with my shampoo.. didn't help.

Do you think mixing T/Sal & Nizoral is better or do you think Using T/Sal first then nizoral is the best?

 

[SE-freak]

I prefer to use them seperate. The first rinse will get rid of excessive sebum and leave nizoral absorb better.

Probably it's the same thing though.

 

[misterium]

I agree, seperate is better IMO.

However, Dr. Lee's 'regrowth shampoo' is a combination of the two .. and I wonder if there is any kind of chemistry gages or measurements used in deciding a 'ratio' or proper 'mixture'.. .

 

[SE-freak]

I agree, seperate is better IMO.

However, Dr. Lee's 'regrowth shampoo' is a combination of the two .. and I wonder if there is any kind of chemistry gages or measurements used in deciding a 'ratio' or proper 'mixture'.. .

No rocket science here. Just poor the bloody stuff on you.

 

[Hair today...]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I've been busy so couldn't reply.

So it's ok to use nizoral. every other day, even as a permanent regimen? I have a combination skin with a T shape greasy area - forehead/nose/chin - and this includes my scalp which is quite greasy. If you have a greasy scalp is more frequent use of nizoral. recommended? Are its drying effects less severe as a result?

I've seen emu oil, olive oil and T/Sal mentioned in this thread - do any of these help with a greasy scalp? Should I be shampooing on the days in between nizoral. usage to keep my scalp dry?

The reason I'm asking all these questions in relation to 'greasiness' - don't worry I'm not a slime-ball - is that I've read that excessive sebum and sebaceous (?) glands in the scalp can contribute to MPD. Indeed, is itching/inflammation in part caused by a greasy scalp?

I've also noticed that the itch increases dramatically while wearing a wooly hat - so must be heat related.

Finnally, this is a concern I've had for some time. Does excessive rubbing/pulling of your hair while shampooing or even drying with a towel increase MPD or at least cause good hair to come out? I know, I know, sounds like an old wives tale but I worry that when lathering my hair - particularly at the hairline - that I'm damaging it (even rubbing it out!).