Shampoo Selection for Hair Fall Management

Diagnosis and Treatment

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends diagnosing the underlying cause of hair fall, such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, or seborrheic dermatitis, before selecting a shampoo 1, 2
For androgenetic alopecia, the guideline society suggests prescribing ketoconazole 2% shampoo used 2-3 times weekly as an adjunct to medical therapy, such as topical minoxidil for women or oral finasteride for men, with a strength of evidence based on clinical trials 4, 1
The British Association of Dermatologists recommends using gentle shampoos with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents for telogen effluvium or general hair fall, and avoiding harsh surfactants that may further stress compromised hair follicles 3, 2

The National Institute of Health recommends checking serum ferritin, vitamin D, and zinc levels if deficiency is suspected, with optimal levels being ≥60 ng/mL for hair growth, and supplementing deficiencies according to standard protocols 1, 2
The guideline society suggests using anti-dandruff shampoos with antimicrobial agents targeting Malassezia species for scalp conditions with scaling, such as tinea capitis or seborrheic dermatitis, with a strength of evidence based on clinical trials 3, 5

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends instructing patients to shampoo and detangle before any scalp treatment sessions, applying no styling products, to ensure effective treatment and minimize complications 6, 1
The guideline society suggests counseling patients that shampoo changes alone will not reverse established hair loss patterns, and that they must pursue evidence-based medical treatments while maintaining good scalp hygiene, with a strength of evidence based on clinical trials 1, 2