Best Shampoos, Conditioners, & Rinses for Scalp Psoriasis + Irritated Scalps
If we’re being honest here, living with Psoriasis a drag. Living with scalp psoriasis and constantly dealing with looking like you have dandruff - DOUBLE drag. Sure, wearing beanies and hats can help, but they can’t hide the pain and frustration one goes through when they experience scalp psoriasis. Trust me when I tell you I have tried all types of shampoos for my scalp psoriasis. Tar shampoo, Selsun blue, tea tree shampoo, “all-natural” shampoos, T/Sal, you name it. My hair is pretty thin and fine, so I can’t use anything that is TOO moisturizing or heavy or I end up looking a stuck my head in a big ol pan of grease. After years and years of trying out different hair routines I have finally found a few products that help keep my scalp psoriasis under control.
Note: all words that are bold and underlined contain links to product.
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Favorite Shampoo
PURA D'OR Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo
When finding a shampoo to use on an already irritated scalp, one that contains no sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, etc is a must. When a scalp is inflamed these added ingredients will only cause more irritation. This was the first thing that drew me to wanting to try this brand. I love that these products are plant-based, this shampoo containing ingredients that include organic argan oil to strengthens and nourishes the hair, organic cedarwood bark oil brings the moisture, and organic rosemary help with shine. When it comes to scalp psoriasis, many also experience extreme thinning and hair coming out in clumps (I see you and I am so sorry you are experiencing this), and this product also contains natural ingredients to help stop this - biotin, pumpkin seed, black cumin seed and other plant-based ingredients that allow the product to be gentle and effective. What I love about this product is it is nourishing and helps to heal your scalp while not being too thick and weighing down the hair, which is exactly what my thin baby hairs need. On top of loving this shampoo, the company plants a tree for every bottle purchased!
Favorite CONDITIoner
PURA D'OR Healing Argan Oil Conditioner
Still staying on the clean product Pura D’or train, I LOVE THIS CONDITIONER Y’ALL. It is also 99% plant-based, it includes lavender oil and vanilla extract to nourish the hair and scalp, along with argan oil and aloe vera to help replenish and keep your scalp and hair moisturized. Again, as a thin-haired gal, conditioners can get really tricky because I need something that will really moisturize and nourish my hair/scalp, but conditioners can get way too thick really quickly. This product does a good job of deep conditioning without being too heavy. My hair post-shower feels SO soft and healthy and I could not have more good things to say about it.
apple cider vinegar rinses
dpHUE’s ACV rinse
I remember the first time I tried dpHUE’s ACV rinse. It was 2016 and I had just moved to Portland, was coming off of a biologic, and my psoriasis was FLARING UP. I can’t remember how I found it but boy oh boy I have been a true believer ever since. This product includes apple cider vinegar (obviously) which helps sooth the scalp and remove impurities without stripping the color or natural oils that are imperative to a healthy scalp, along with lavender extract, aloe vera, and argan oil which all help to nourish and moisturize the scalp. I typically use this 2ish times a week in between washes and I truly love how my hair feels after I use. So much so that if I have an event I will use this the night before/day of because it really just makes you hair feel SO PERFECT. This product is super gentle, doesn’t smell *too* bad, and is my favorite hair care product I use. Feel free to bury me with it when it’s my time to go.
Cantus ACV Root Rinse
Another ACV option that is less expensive but still works wonders is Cantus ACV Root Rinse. This product is only around $8, which is a more affordable option than the dpHUE ACV, and you can sometimes find it in your local Target or Walmart. Similar to the dpHUE rinse, this product will act as a scalp detox while also providing the nourishment our irritated scalps need. I really love that this product has tea tree oil in it, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, and is exactly what my scalp needs when it gets flared up.
While there are plenty of shampoos out there claiming to help scalp psoriasis, those of us living with it daily know that not every shampoo is created equal. I have been using these products for over two years and always keep coming back to them. I hope this post helps you find some relief, and remember, we are so much more than our outward appearance. Keep up the good fight, y’all.
xx,
