If scalp psoriasis flares up, don’t reach for your favorite hat. There are many simple and versatile hairstyles that can camouflage your scalp when inflammation occurs.
The thick scales caused by the chronic condition may appear along your hairline and extend into the nape of the neck or behind the ears. They can be a real challenge when styling your hair.
The key is to find a flattering style that doesn’t require a lot of products and lets your scalp breathe while hiding the dandruff.
“Hairstyles that provide maximum access to the scalp are recommended,” said Candrice Heath, MD, a dermatologist in Philadelphia. “The aim is to have access to the scalp for topical treatments.”
She advises being gentle when styling your hair, especially if you have psoriasis flare-ups.
“Dandruff causes hair loss in some people, which can be exacerbated by vigorous scalp manipulation while styling their hair,” says Heath.
Take that away? Just go ahead and do it to avoid further irritation and damage to your hair follicles.
Regardless of your hair type, there is a style that suits you. Not sure where to start? Let these expert tips and hair styling tricks guide you towards a beautiful, confident look.
Voluminous curls
Give your strands a break and literally let your hair down. Pulling the hair too tight can irritate the scalp and cause a flare up. Keep your style loose with bouncy curls or waves.
“When your hair is straight, using a curling iron to create curls can instantly add volume,” says hairstylist Mikko Dooley, founder of the Rich Education Salon in Chicago. “It can hide the dandruff and scalp while providing a full look.”
Just be careful not to get the curling iron too close to the scalp; the heat can cause or intensify a flare-up.
People with naturally curly or textured hair can also try this look.
“You can do a two-strand twist-out on natural hair to add lift and create volume that the scalp can hide,” says Dooley. “When the flare is on the forehead, loosen it slightly forward.”
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this look:
Step 1: Apply a heat protectant to your hair.
Step 2: Part and part your hair.
Step 3: Holding the curling iron horizontally, wrap the strand of hair that you are curling around the wand.
Step 4: Repeat the process around your head.
Step 5: Let the curls fall over your hairline
Half up, half down
Whether you have curly or straight hair, this simple style is effective in covering psoriasis of the scalp around the hairline and on the nape of the neck.
“Half-up, half-down styles are great for masking scalp psoriasis,” says Corrinn Dinan, a New York City hairdresser. “It works well on people with medium to long hair as the loose parts can cover exposed areas with irritation.”
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this look:
Step 1: Gently gather the hair at the parting.
Step 2: Use an elastic band or bobby pin to secure them loosely.
Step 3: Pull small sections of hair around the part of your head for more volume.
Step 4: Take a small section of hair on either side of your head to create face-framing tendrils.
Curtain pony
Concealing redness or scales along the hairline is a breeze with a peek-a-boo curtain pony. As the name suggests, the style frames both sides of your face, just like curtains frame windows, and they can work with a variety of hairstyles. Dinan recommends this low maintenance look for those who want to hide the front of the hairline.
“It’s a very versatile way to hide psoriasis that might be visible along the forehead area,” she explains. “A sweeping pony like this one can be pushed from side to side and works that way.”
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this look:
Step 1: Part hair in the middle.
Step 2: Using a flat comb, section the hair out from the center of your head.
Step 3: Use trimming scissors and a flat comb to trim your bangs straight at chin level.
Step 4: After you’ve divided your pony into two equal parts, cut each side of your pony at an angle.
Step 5: Cut your bangs vertically to give them feather.
Low curving mermaid braid
Soft, romantic braids are another effortless way to hide dandruff without sacrificing style. A low curly braid can do wonders for hiding problem areas around the neck area.
“The whole purpose is to cover the most inflamed areas where silvery scales are visible,” says Dooley.
Make sure to braid loosely to avoid additional stress on your hair, but make sure it’s tight enough to hold it in place. Braids are a great option because they don’t require any potentially irritating styling products.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this look:
Step 1: Bring your hair to one side. If it’s long enough, pull it over one shoulder.
Step 2: Divide into three sections.
Step 3: Weave the threads together by pulling the right thread over your inner right thread. The two will switch places. Next, weave the same thread under the inner left side. Finally, bring the right over the left.
Step 4: Repeat the process until the end of the braid and secure it with a hair elastic.
Step 5: Pull the tendrils down to cover the nape of the neck even more.
Cascading layers
Styles with layers create volume that prevents the hair from flattening. Dinan suggests face-framing layers.
“That bit of lift, layers, and movement can mix and match and hide any exposed irritation from psoriasis,” she says. “There’s a little softness that can cover the hairline.”
For best results, consult with a professional stylist to achieve this look.
Pixie cut
Short hair has its advantages. It can shorten the washing and styling time. It also makes it easier to apply medicated shampoos and other treatments. Best of all, it can hide psoriasis along the hairline.
“Pixie cuts are great for camouflaging psoriasis because you can bring the hair forward past the hairline,” says Dooley.
For best results, consult with a professional stylist to achieve this look.
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