Getting Your Hair Styled With Scalp Psoriasis: Tips for a Positive Salon Visit

Getting Your Hair Styled With Scalp Psoriasis

If you have scalp psoriasis, the thought of scheduling a haircut or other salon treatment can seem stressful. The itching, flaking, scaling, and redness caused by psoriasis means navigating stylist visits requires some extra planning and communication. However, with the right strategies, you can help hairdressers understand your needs so they can provide a comfortable, positive experience.

Educate Your Stylist About Scalp Psoriasis

The first priority is making sure your stylist knows about your scalp psoriasis before starting any treatment. Explain that it is not contagious or caused by poor hygiene but is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cell buildup and inflammation. Share your main symptoms and triggers and point out any visible areas of your scalp affected.

Show Photos If Needed

Images of your scalp psoriasis can help the stylist understand the severity better. Search online for photos that match your condition and appearance. Focus on how it looks at its worst so they see what you manage day-to-day.

Discuss Your Goals and Concerns

Explain your goals for your hair and any anxieties you have about styling and products bothering your scalp. Be open about pain, bleeding, areas to avoid, etc. This allows them to suggest the best approach to meet your needs.

Ask About Their Experience

Inquire if they have worked with scalp psoriasis clients before. Choose a stylist who has training and understands how to handle it sensitively. Look for recommendations from others with psoriasis.

Come Prepared with Treatments

Bring any prescription shampoos, ointments, or other products you use to manage outbreaks. Explain how you use them and ask if they can incorporate into your service.

Skip Styling Products If Sensitive

Let them know if hair gels, mousses, sprays, or color dye irritates your scalp. Opt for dry cuts only or gentler organic products. They can suggest alternatives that won't worsen psoriasis.

Scalp Psoriasis-Friendly Hairstyles

Certain hairstyles work better than others if you have scalp psoriasis. Keep these style suggestions in mind for your next salon visit:

Keep It Short

Shorter hair tends to minimize rubbing and friction on the scalp. Crops, pixies, bobs, and other short looks also allow you to access and treat the scalp easily. Go shorter if your scalp is very inflamed.

Avoid Extensions and Weaves

Hair extensions and weaves sew, glue, or bond hair to your scalp, potentially causing pain and irritation. Give your scalp a break by avoiding added hair until flare-ups clear.

Be Wary of Chemical Services

Perms, straightening, bleaching, coloring, and other chemical services may worsen scalp psoriasis. Ask for gentler organic dyes or semi-permanent options if coloring.

Style Hair Off Your Scalp

Updos, braids, buns, and ponytails that lift hair off the scalp prevent rubbing that can provoke itching and flaking. Use gentle hair ties.

Talk to Your Doctor

If your scalp is extremely inflamed or sensitive, check with your dermatologist before any chemical or heat styling that could cause a negative reaction.

What to Expect During Salon Visits

Preparing your stylist means they can take steps to maximize your comfort and minimize any pain or irritation during scalp treatments. Here is what to expect:

Gentle Handling

They will handle your scalp and hair very gently, especially around sore spots. Speak up if something causes discomfort.

Careful Washing

Shampooing will be done cautiously if the scalp is inflamed, using lukewarm water and a mild formula. Medicated shampoos can be incorporated.

Limiting Heat Styling

Blow dryers, curling irons, and hot styling tools may be avoided or minimized to prevent aggravating the scalp.

Watching for Reactions

Your stylist should continuously observe your scalp for any reactions to products. Speak up about sensitivities or pain.

Gentle Styling Products

Any gels, mousses, sprays, or finishing products will be specially chosen for sensitive scalps and psoriasis-prone skin.

Soothing Treatments

Salon options like tea tree oil, aloe vera, or moisturizing treatments can provide soothing relief for an aggravated scalp.

Post-Salon Care Tips

How you care for your scalp after leaving the hair salon also impacts comfort. Use these tips:

Continue Medicated Shampoos

Keep using any prescriptions like clobetasol, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid shampoos as directed by your dermatologist.

Stick to a Gentle Routine

Use lukewarm water, fragrance-free shampoos, and massage scalp gently when washing hair for a week after a treatment.

Apply Medicated Creams

Use any topical steroids, moisturizers, or other soothing products to protect the scalp as recommended by your doctor.

Avoid Chemical Processing

Hold off on perms, dyes, bleaching, or straightening for 2-4 weeks until the scalp recovers fully from salon services.

Check for Reactions

Watch closely for any worsening of symptoms like increased redness or itching. Call your dermatologist if you have concerns.

Protect Scalp Outdoors

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or scarf outside to shield scalp from sun, wind, and cold air which can worsen psoriasis.

Adjust Your Style

Opt for loose updo's or braids that don't rub on the scalp until any irritation calms down.

Use a Silk Pillowcase

A silk pillow slip creates less friction overnight. Change frequently to avoid irritating flakes buildup.

Finding the Right Stylist for Your Scalp Psoriasis

Choosing a hairdresser knowledgeable about scalp psoriasis makes a huge difference. Look for these indicators:

Specializes in Sensitive Skin

Many salon websites will indicate if they have experience with conditions like psoriasis or alopecia. Prioritize these places.

Comes Recommended

Ask around in your psoriasis support groups for stylist referrals. Fellow patients can recommend who handles it well.

Will Consult Before Booking

A good option will have a consult first to discuss your needs and determine if they can accommodate sensitively.

Uses Natural Products

Look for salons emphasizing organic, plant-based hair care lines. These tend to be gentler on sensitive scalps.

Offers Therapeutic Treatments

Seeking places that provide tea tree, moisturizing, or medicated scalp treatments means a soothing experience.

Has Ongoing Training

Choose a stylist who regularly participates in continued education on hair and scalp disorders to stay up-to-date.

Makes You Feel Comfortable

The right stylist will listen attentively and make you feel relaxed. Trust your instincts if someone seems lacking in empathy or skill.

When to Reschedule Your Hair Appointment

While proper precautions make salon visits possible with scalp psoriasis, severe flare-ups may warrant rescheduling. Postpone if:

• Your scalp is cracked, bleeding, or extremely painful
• You are experiencing a psoriasis outbreak for the first time
• You have severe scaling covering over half your scalp
• You recently started a new treatment and are adjusting
• You have an active scalp infection that hasn't cleared

Don't feel obligated to tough it out if your symptoms are especially angry. Give your scalp time to heal before subjecting it to salon services. You want your visit to help you feel better, not worse.

Embrace the Pampering

Having scalp psoriasis means you deserve some extra pampering during salon treatments. Here are some ways to enhance the experience:

Add a Scalp Massage

A gentle head and scalp massage can reduce pain and soothe irritation. Bonus: it feels amazing.

Treat Yourself to Extras

From paraffin dips to foot massages, take advantage of special treats offered at salons to maximally relax.

Make Time to De-Stress

Allow enough time so you don't feel rushed. Deep breathing during services also diminishes stress.

Enjoy the Attention

Allow yourself to be pampered and cared for. You and your scalp deserve it.

Focus on How You Feel After

A good cut and styling makes you look and feel better. Remind yourself the investment is worth it.

Have an Action Plan If Things Go Wrong

While most salon visits go smoothly, be prepared in case your stylist reacts negatively or causes issues. Have a plan to:

• Politely end the service if you become uncomfortable
• Assert yourself clearly and leave if they refuse to listen or accommodate you
• Report unprofessional conduct to salon management
• Leave a review describing your experience to inform others
• File a complaint with the state licensing board for extremely bad behavior
• Have contact information for your doctor to call with any concerns

Thankfully major problems are unlikely with proper communication upfront. But occasionally people make mistakes or reveal poor character. Always listen to your gut and be ready to stand up for yourself if necessary.

Don't Suffer in Silence

Coping with scalp psoriasis symptoms like itching and flaking can make trips to the hair salon nerve-wracking. But with the right stylist who understands your needs, it is possible to have an enjoyable, pain-free experience. Discuss your condition openly, manage expectations, provide instruction, and extend grace to yourself and your stylist. While psoriasis presents challenges, you can still pamper yourself with professional hair care. With a few extra precautions, your next salon visit can be rejuvenating, not stressful.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.