Here is my version of Medicated Shampoos 101 for Newbies, Clif Notes version:
- Nizoral: An antifungal that helps keep naturally occurring fungus on your scalp in check. This fungus causes irritation, which, when combined with irritation from your body's immune response to male pattern baldness, act synergistically to accelerate the hairloss process. Keep the fungus in check, irritation subsides, and scalp health is maximized for regrowth. Reduces flaking over time. Additionally, Nizoral has a slight antiandrogen in it that can actually help hair growth on a chemical basis.
- T/Gel: Another antifungal. Improves scalp health and reduces flaking just as Nizoral does, but does not have the same antiandrogenic properties that Nizoral does. A good replacement for those whose scalps are sensitive to Nizoral, and a good thing for Nizoral users to mix in every now and then to keep the fungus 'off balance' and dead.
- T/Gel Extra Strength: Same as above, but twice the dosage.
- T/Gel Anti-Itch: Same as above, but also contains Menthol which is a mild topical anesthetic that calms outbreaks of irritation and makes your scalp tingle.
- T/Sal: NOT an antifungal, but a fruit acid-based exfoliant that removes built up dead scalp tissue. Reduces flaking. Anecdotally shown to improve the scalp's absorbtion of other topicals, such as Minoxidil.
- Head and Shoulders: Contains yet a third type of antifungal.
I suggest using Nizoral for all. Mix in some T/Gel and T/Sal, try to find a combination of the two or three, used sporadically between your regular shampoo, and find a good balance that keeps your scalp happy. Every scalp is different, tinker until you get it right.
