Thanks to genetics, I have mild scalp psoriasis (among a few other skin issues), which is BEYOND frustrating to deal with. Unfortunately there is no cure , but there are ways to manage these issues. Let me say that dry scalp is a little different than having psoriasis or eczema…it’s more mild and usually flares up due to weather changes. But the other two are usually ongoing, but can really flare up at times.

I have tried a million potions, creams, shampoos, conditioners, and prescriptions and unfortunately not a whole lot has worked for me. My scalp psoriasis is like a nagging little bitch that just will not go away! If you suffer from any of these issues, you have probably tried it all too.

While I haven’t cured myself, I have discovered a few ways to keep my scalp psoriasis in check over the last 6 months or so. Yes, it took me 20 freaking YEARS to figure this out!

USE COCONUT OIL

For years, my mom would bathe my scalp in baby oil to make those pesky, disgusting flakes go away. A few years ago, my dermatologist told me that baby oil is actually very drying for people who have scalp psoriasis and that coconut oil would work a lot better. I have been using coconut oil on my scalp ever since, and it truly works. What kind? Make sure it’s unrefined coconut oil – Costco sells a huge tub of this stuff for $20! Make sure that you store it in a cool, dry place. 

Keep in mind that a little goes a very long way. take a teaspoon amount and then from there, take a very small amount, rub it between your fingers, and apply directly to the scalp. Try to avoid getting too much of the oil in your hair. Because it will be a fucking nightmare to wash out! If you’re short on time, leave it on as long as you can, or even better, sleep with the oil on your scalp and then wash your hair in the morning. Not only will your scalp feel amazing, but your hair will also be silky smooth. I recommend doing this at least once a month, or more if you have the time.

EXFOLIATING SHAMPOO

Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo is AH-MAZING! I cannot tell you how many shampoos I’ve gone through. All natural shampoos, homemade shampoos, prescription shampoos, dry scalp shampoos…99% of them do not work for me. As an aside: if you can avoid it, do not use a steroid shampoo (AKA a prescription). While these work, the risks are so not worth it. 

I bought the Briogeo shampoo a few months ago, thinking it was not going to work. Well, it has consistently worked for me and I can’t sign its praises enough. Never have I used a shampoo with exfoliating beads before! The ingredients are pretty cool: charcoal, peppermint, tea tree oil, and coconut oil..among others. I love that when I wash my hair, dryness doesn’t appear 10 minutes after washing (that was a consistent theme for me for years and years). 

Not only does it smell so good, it feels good too! Your scalp and hair will feel so clean, but not stripped.

WASH AT LEAST EVERY OTHER DAY

This one is kind of sad, for me at least. If you’ve read this blog for awhile, you might know that I used to go a VERY LONG TIME without washing my hair…and for awhile, it was okay because my hair was so dry. 

Honestly, I hate(d) the itchy feeling and started washing my hair every other day, and now my hair is accustomed to that pattern. If I go any longer, my hair gets so greasy and extra itchy. It’s just gross. The lazy girl in me hates this, but I also love it because nothing beats feeling clean and fresh. 

LIMIT HEAT STYLING

99% of the time, I let my hair air dry, and then I will use a flat iron or a curling iron. The point is to avoid direct heat on the scalp (blow drying). 

Do you deal with any of these issues? What has helped you?

SHOP