Psoriasis plaques can develop on any part of the body — but for about half of people with the condition, they appear on the scalp, causing flakes and itching (symptoms often confused with dandruff). If left untreated, the condition can cause hair thinning and hair loss. “The scalp can be the first area people notice psoriasis,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center and a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, who explains that the symptoms can also appear on the skin around the ears and the back of the neck, forehead, and hairline. Even if your symptoms are well managed by treatment — usually over-the-counter and prescription shampoos with coal tar or salicylic acid; lotions; topical treatments like steroids; biologic drugs; and light therapy — it can be challenging to brush and style your hair without aggravating the skin on your scalp, says Dr. Garshick. That’s why many people enlist the help of a hairstylist. But that solution gives rise to another potential problem: namely, that a trip to the hair salon — with a stylist who may not know much about the condition — can be anxiety-inducing. “Hairstylists who are not familiar with scalp psoriasis and similar scalp conditions may stigmatize it and may offend the client by giving wrong advice,” says Monica Davis, a hairstylist in Dallas and editor-in-chief of My Straightener. For example, a common mistake is a stylist thinking they need to scrub your scalp to “get rid of” the psoriasis flakes. “If your stylist has a look at your scalp and says something like, ‘We’re going to get your hair nice and clean,’ take that as a red alert,” says Ghanima Abdullah, a hair expert and cosmetologist at therighthairstyles.com. “[That person] is probably about to pile shampoo in your hair and scrub your scalp for all it’s worth… That’s a ticket to major irritation.” Still, it’s possible to have a good visit to the hair salon with scalp psoriasis — and a flattering haircut as well. Consider these tips before your next appointment.
Tips for an Effective Hair Salon Visit
Ideally, you’d work with a stylist who is familiar with scalp psoriasis. But if that’s not an option, there are other strategies you can try before your appointment. With the right care and attention, your hairstylist can help you look and feel your best with scalp psoriasis.
