Hi all. I have quite bad scalp psoriasis for which I’ve recently resumed taking methotrexate which has previously worked well for me.. Unfortunately it hasn’t really helped so far and I may need to increase the dose when I next see the specialist in a few weeks time.
In the meantime, Im desperate to get my haircut but I’m too embarrassed to go as I’m afraid of the reaction I might get when they see my scalp. This morning I asked my hubby to photograph my scalp in the hope that I’d discover that it wasn’t as bad as I’d thought. Unfortunately it was worse than I’d feared in might be.
I was wondering if there are any hairdressers that actively welcome clients with psoriasis either in salon or home visits. I’ve looked on the internet but haven’t found anything there.
I’d love to know how others deal with this situation.
Thanks in advance DC
I have had plaque psoriasis since 1980, although my scalp has been largely clear since about 1985 apart from occasional patches. In 2018 I came out in guttate psoriasis all over my trunk and scalp.
I phoned my hair-salon and asked them how they deal with psoriasis, as I usually have my hair coloured. They were familiar with what psoriasis is, and they invited me in to be seen for a few minutes by one of their senior stylists, befoe my actual appointment. The stylist inspected my scalp and said they werte perfectly comfortable to go ahead with my usual cut and colour. I took my own shampoo in for them to use .
I would suggest that you phone around if you do not have a regular hairdresser. I would expect the better salons to be famililiar with scalp psoriasis.
Good luck!
1Posted Sat 27 Nov 2021 17.29 by lizziep (edited Sat 27 Nov 2021 17.31 by lizziep)
Hi Dawn - I know just how you feel, and all of us with scalp psoriasis go through this. I spend the week before I go working on getting rid of the plaques - I have a specialist shampoo from my GP and if drag my comb though my wet hair. I then grit my teeth - tell them it isn't infectious and doesn't hurt and give them a good tip. It's still cringeworthy, though, but you aren't alone. Luckily my scalp isn't too bad at the moment. Funnily enough, if I'm having my hair coloured, it actually improves my psoriasis - must be something in that for a researcher!
Getting a mobile hairdresser might be good idea, as they could say no the second time and you coudl ask them in advance.
Posted Sat 27 Nov 2021 18.27 by DawnCrystal
Thank you Ohno and Lizzie for your replies, it’s good to know that I’m not alone in this. I will follow up on the suggestion to phone around and ask. At least that way I won’t have to endure face to face embarrassment in the event I do get a refusal.
I like the idea of calling a mobile hairdresser too and will give that a try also.
Posted Sat 27 Nov 2021 22.51 by lizziep
Good Luck!
Posted Sun 28 Nov 2021 20.18 by CBMan
Probably a bit different for a man, but my experience with barbers is that they were familiar with psoriasis - after all a lot of people have it - and it was never an issue.
Posted Wed 15 Dec 2021 14.47 by lucidentity1
I'm a guy but have the same problem I don't even go to the barbers anymore now I just shave it of myself at home. Once a barber even offered to wash my hair with head and shoulders for free which shows that he thought I just had dandruff and poor hygiene, it's hard.
Posted Wed 25 Jan 2023 15.47 by naked hair and beauty
Hi I am a hairdresser and have my own salon www.nakedhairandbeauty.com All hairstylists if trained correctly should know what psoriasis is and how to work with you. They only time that I have ever come across a complication with a client and psoriasis is when they have opened up their scalp from itching and we have been unable to colour an area just to be on the safe side. I am really sorry that you feel your unable to just go to the salon and get treated like anyone else. If you are near me in Northampton then feel free to come on in we will look after you.
Posted Sun 19 Feb 2023 11.49 by Shazz
I suffer scalp psoriasis, like you embaressed... I make it clear b4 appointment... they know it is not contagious
1
Posted Sat 27 Nov 2021 17.05 by DawnCrystal