The shampoo will help to fight inflammation, but is not gonna really do anything for dht. Yes, the ingredients in the shampoo are much in the same as the topical. However, fatty acids, zinc, azealic acid, etc have to sit on your scalp for an extended period of time. At least three hours. The time that you leave the revivogen shampoo on might help with inflammation. Just like nizoral you should leave the shampoo on for the duration of your shower (a good five minutes).