Head to head

A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Ketoconazole 1%) vs Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening Shampoo

NizoralA-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Ketoconazole 1%)8.4

OlaplexNº.4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening Shampoo7.6vs

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Ketoconazole 1%) edges out Olaplex Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening Shampoo, 8.4 to 7.6. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening Shampoo is stronger on texture and feel.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Ketoconazole 1%)

Olaplex Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening Shampoo

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

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Nizoral

A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Ketoconazole 1%)

Highest score

Olaplex

Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening Shampoo

Beauty score

8.4Great

7.6Good

Results30% of score

8.8

7.8

Formula & ingredients20% of score

8.6

8.1

Texture & experience15% of score

6.8

8.2

Value20% of score

8.6

6.4

Community love15% of score

8.9

7.7

Community

No ratings yet

PriceTypical, checked by our editors

$16.88/ 7 fl oz / 200 mlDrugstore

$34.00/ 8.5 fl oz / 250 mlMid-range

Price per ounceLowest wins

$2.50 / oz

$4.02 / oz

What it does

Dandruff
Scalp care
Flaking relief
Soothing

Damage repair
Split ends
Frizz control
Shine

Made for

All hair types, Color-treated hair

Straight hair, Wavy hair, Curly hair, Coily hair, Thick hair, Color-treated hair, Damaged hair

Key ingredients

Ketoconazole

Bond builders Biotin Panthenol Argan oil Hyaluronic acid

Format

Shampoo

Texture

Pearlescent shampoo with a soft look and feel (brand FAQ)

Concentrated shampoo with an abundant, creamy lather (brand description)

Fragrance-free

No — contains fragrance

Claims

—

Vegan, Dermatologist-tested, Sulfate-free, Paraben-free

Brand origin

🇺🇸 American beauty

Video reviews

Best for

• Persistent flaking and itching that zinc or selenium shampoos have not controlled
• A twice-weekly scalp treatment alongside a regular shampoo

• Bleached, colored or chemically treated hair
• Medium to coarse hair that needs softness and shine
• Anyone already using the Olaplex bond treatments

Strengths

Contains 1% ketoconazole, an antifungal active aimed at the yeast linked to dandruff
Only needed every 3–4 days, so a bottle lasts for months
Brand says it is safe on color-treated, chemically processed and gray hair

Sulfate-free, color-safe cleanse built around Olaplex's patented bond-building ingredient
Reviewers report softer, shinier and less frizzy hair, especially on bleached or colored lengths
Concentrated formula; brand says 250 ml lasts up to 100 washes

Watch-outs

Sulfate (SLES) base can leave lengths feeling dry without conditioner
Strict usage schedule and drug-label warnings, including a doctor check for children under 12

$34 for 250 ml is expensive for a daily shampoo
Some users find it too gentle for oily scalps or heavy product buildup

Where to buy

Check price on Amazon Buy from the brand$16.88 ✳See it at Walmart

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

Check price on Amazon Buy from the brand$34.00

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Ketoconazole 1%) or Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening Shampoo?

Which is better value?

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Ketoconazole 1%) works out to about $2.50 / oz and Olaplex Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening Shampoo to about $4.02 / oz, based on typical non-Amazon retail prices when we last checked.

How do you score them?

Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.