A method of increasing the amount of anagen hair in a human comprising applying an azole or zinc pyrithione, or mixtures thereof to an area of a human where an increase in the amount of anagen hair is desired. Also provided is a method of reducing the shedding of hair in a human comprised of applying an effective amount of an azole or zinc pyrithione to an area of a human where such a reduction is desired. Further provided is a method of increasing the diameter of a hair shaft comprising topically applying an effective amount of an azole to an area of a human where an increase in the diameter is desired.