Ketoconazole Shampoo vs Other Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
First, it helps to understand what’s actually causing dandruff—because that’s key to knowing how treatments work. The exact cause isn’t fully understood...
Read more ›
For scalp care · Anti-dandruff treatment
Clinically proven anti-dandruff treatment. Rapid relief from itching and flaking, soothing inflammation and leaving your scalp genuinely clean.
Results
Visible improvement in 2-4 weeks
Size
Dandruff isn't just dry skin - it's most commonly caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia on the scalp. Most shampoos mask the symptoms. Ketoconazole treats the cause.
2%
Ketoconazole concentration
2-4
Weeks to visible improvement
88%
clinical improvement according to studies
0
Fragrance added
That's all it takes. Just swap it into your existing shower routine in place of your normal shampoo. Only use a maximum of 1-2 times a week, for up to 4 weeks, while using your normal shampoo in between.
1
Step 01
Wet your hair and apply a small amount of shampoo directly to your scalp. Work through with your fingertips.
2
Step 02
Massage into your scalp to create a good lather. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes - this is when the active ingredient works.
3
Step 03
Rinse thoroughly. Use twice a week for 2-4 weeks to clear active dandruff, then once every 1-2 weeks to prevent it returning.
Disrupts the cell membranes of Malassezia - the scalp fungus that causes dandruff
Most dandruff shampoos just mask symptoms. Ketoconazole works in two distinct phases - actively treating the problem first, then preventing it from returning. So that when they're gone, they stay gone.
Treatment phase - clear it
Use twice a week (every 3-4 days) for 2-4 weeks. This clears active dandruff, flaking and scalp inflammation at the source.
2-4 weeks · twice weeklyPrevention phase - keep it clear
Once dandruff is under control, drop to once every 1-2 weeks to stop it coming back. Ongoing maintenance keeps your scalp balanced.
Ongoing · once every 1-2 weeks
| Ketoconazole | Anti-dandruff shampoos | |
|---|---|---|
| Targets the cause | ✓Clinically proven to treat the underlying cause | ✗Only reduces visible flakes |
| Fungal targeting | ✓Targets Malassezia, the yeast linked to dandruff | ✗Doesn't target the fungal cause |
| Long-term relief | ✓Treats and helps prevent recurrence | ✗Mainly short-term relief - symptoms can return |
| Speed of results | ✓Improves scalp health within 2-4 weeks | -Variable, symptom-dependent |
At Sons, our main mission is to help men take on hair loss. But in helping 400,000+ men with their hair, we've learned how important scalp health is to achieving the best results.
That's where Ketoconazole comes in. By reducing yeast overgrowth, Ketoconazole reduces scalp irritation and inflammation - leaving the scalp in better shape for healthy hair growth.
Everything you need to know about Ketoconazole Shampoo.
Most people tolerate Ketoconazole shampoo very well. A small number may experience mild irritation, itching or dryness at the application site. These effects are usually temporary. If irritation persists or worsens, stop use and consult a pharmacist or your GP.
Yes - you can continue using your regular shampoo and conditioner on other days. If you're using other medicated scalp treatments, it's worth checking with your prescribing team first to avoid any interactions.
Most people notice a meaningful improvement in dandruff and scalp health within 2-4 weeks of regular use. For persistent or severe symptoms, it may take slightly longer. If you haven't seen any improvement after 4 weeks, consult a doctor.
If you have dandruff or any other scalp condition caused by yeast and fungi (such as Malassezia - often the cause of dandruff), seborrhoeic dermatitis, or scalp psoriasis, Sons Ketoconazole can help. Do not use if you are allergic to ketoconazole or any of the shampoo's ingredients. If you have a severe scalp condition or open wounds, consult a healthcare professional before use.
Each 100ml bottle contains Ketoconazole 20mg/g (2%) as the active ingredient, plus cleaning agents, collagen, stabilisers, emulsifiers and preservatives. Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested. Suitable for adults and children over 12.
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Ketoconazole Shampoo vs Other Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
First, it helps to understand what’s actually causing dandruff—because that’s key to knowing how treatments work. The exact cause isn’t fully understood...
Read more ›
How to Get Rid of Dandruff: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips
Even though dandruff is very common, estimated to affect about half of all adults, the cause isn’t yet fully understood. What scientists...
Read more ›
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Dandruff
The root cause is usually an overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungi called Malassezia, which everybody has on their scalp. The fungus feeds on natural oils on the scalp, breaking them down into fatty acids like oleic acid, which some people...
Read more ›Sons Ketoconazole Shampoo is available as an add-on when purchasing any Sons treatment plan for the prevention of dandruff and overall scalp health. Start your free online consultation to find the right plan for you.
How we are regulated
Careforsons Northern Ireland is a UK company registered with Companies House (no. NI684000 ). Our
registered office is 1 Glassdrumman Road, Poyntzpass, BT35 6SZ, Northern Ireland. We are approved to sell
medicines online by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Our Partner Pharmacy
Chemist Connect is a registered pharmacy with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (no. 567).
Chemist Connect are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Our partner pharmacy is
fully compliant with the EU GDPR directive. Superintendent Pharmacist: Aaron Carlyle (PSNI: 4889)
