Learn about shampoos that can help relieve discomfort from scalp psoriasis, and the correct shampooing routine.

Scalp psoriasis often shows up as thick, scaly patches that itch, burn, or feel tight. Washing your hair can sometimes make symptoms feel worse if products are too harsh or if you scrub too aggressively. With a gentle technique and appropriate medicated shampoos, many people find their scalp feels calmer and their hair easier to manage over time.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

How to use psoriasis shampoo?

Medicated psoriasis shampoos usually contain ingredients such as coal tar, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide. These can help soften scales, slow skin cell buildup, and reduce irritation. How to use psoriasis shampoo depends partly on the specific product, but most work best when they have some contact time on the scalp rather than being rinsed off immediately.

Start by gently detangling your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb before you get it wet. In the shower, use lukewarm water, because very hot water can dry out the skin and increase itching. Apply the shampoo directly to the scalp, not just the hair length, and massage with the pads of your fingers in small circles. Avoid using your nails, which can scratch or break the skin.

Many psoriasis shampoos need to stay on the scalp for about 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing, unless the label says otherwise. This gives the active ingredient time to work on the plaques. Some people use their medicated shampoo a few times per week and a gentle, fragrance-free non-medicated shampoo on other days. Always follow the package directions and any advice from your dermatologist.

How to treat psoriasis?

Scalp shampoos are usually one part of a broader plan for how to treat psoriasis. Because psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that involves the immune system, treatment often combines topical care, attention to triggers, and sometimes prescription medicines.

On the scalp, doctors may recommend medicated solutions, foams, or ointments containing corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs (such as calcipotriene), or combination products. These are typically applied directly to plaques in a thin layer. For more widespread or severe psoriasis, healthcare professionals may suggest light therapy (phototherapy) or systemic treatments such as oral medications or biologic injections, depending on the individual situation.

Lifestyle choices can also support scalp health. Managing stress, avoiding harsh hair products or frequent chemical treatments, and protecting the scalp from sunburn may help limit flares for some people. Because triggers and responses to treatment vary widely, ongoing discussion with a dermatologist is important to fine-tune a plan.

Which 5 psoriasis shampoos are more effective?

There is no single product that is more effective for everyone, but several medicated shampoos are widely used to help relieve discomfort from scalp psoriasis or similar flaky scalp conditions. Below is a comparison of five commonly used options available in the United States. Effectiveness and tolerability differ from person to person, so professional guidance is recommended.

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

When deciding among shampoos, consider the active ingredient, your hair type, and how sensitive your scalp feels. Some people rotate between products, such as using a coal tar shampoo on some days and a salicylic acid shampoo on others, while using a mild, fragrance-free regular shampoo in between. If you notice burning, worsening redness, or significant hair shedding after starting a new product, stop using it and contact a healthcare professional.

How to prevent hair loss caused by psoriasis?

Hair loss with scalp psoriasis often comes from inflammation, scratching, and aggressive grooming rather than from the hair follicles permanently shutting down. In many cases, hair regrows once the scalp calms. Still, it can be distressing, so understanding how to prevent hair loss caused by psoriasis is important.

Gentle care is central. Try not to pick at scales, even if they feel thick or itchy, because pulling them off can remove attached hairs. Instead, let medicated shampoos and prescribed treatments gradually soften and loosen plaques. Use the lightest touch possible when shampooing and rinsing, and avoid tight hairstyles that put tension on the hair shaft.

Heat styling and harsh chemical processes, such as frequent coloring or straightening, may increase breakage when the scalp is already inflamed. Spacing out these treatments or pausing them during flares can reduce stress on the hair. If you use accessories like hats, scarves, or wigs, choose soft, breathable materials and ensure they are not rubbing against sensitive areas of the scalp.

A dermatologist can also help distinguish between temporary shedding linked to scalp inflammation and other causes of hair thinning, such as certain medical conditions or medications. Bringing a list of all hair and scalp products you use can help them identify possible irritants.

As you adjust your shampoo routine and overall scalp care, keep notes about what products you use, how often you wash, and how your skin feels. Over time, patterns may emerge that help you and your healthcare professional refine your plan. With a combination of suitable medicated shampoos, careful washing habits, and broader psoriasis management, many people find that both scalp discomfort and hair changes become easier to handle.