Trying to treat scalp psoriasis can be a challenge, but finding the right hair products can help. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for psoriasis, but with the right combination of hair products, you can manage its symptoms. To make the process easier, this buying guide helps you find the best vegan and cruelty-free hair products to manage psoriasis.
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Psoriasis is an chronic autoimmune condition that manifests in skin inflammation. The exact source of this condition is not completely understood, but it is thought to be triggered by a weakened immune system and genetic factors. While psoriasis can show up on various areas of the body, such as the elbows, trunk, knees and nails, it is most commonly observed on the scalp, making up around half of all cases. When it appears on the head, it usually causes flaky skin and, in severe cases, can lead to hair loss.
Psoriasis vs Dandruff
It can be difficult to differentiate between dandruff and scalp psoriasis, as both conditions can cause itching and flaking of the skin. Generally, psoriasis will present more clearly delineated, scaly patches than dandruff, and may spread beyond the scalp to the neck and ears. Dandruff, in contrast, may vanish completely, while psoriasis tends to come and go in cycles and is not curable. Even experienced medical professionals may have difficulty distinguishing between the two.
Hair Products for Psoriasis
One of the most widely prescribed solution for psoriasis is Clobetasol. Clobetasol is a very strong prescription-only corticosteroid that isn’t vegan and isn’t cruelty-free. It can also have some serious side effects, so it’s best to only use it if you have a severe form of psoriasis, as prescribed by your dermatologist.
However, managing psoriasis is not only about taking medicine; it needs to be treated holistically, which includes having a healthy hair regimen and using gentle tools for it. It’s important to use natural hair care items which are free of harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, SLS, silicone, phthalates, alcohol, and artificial fragrances. Natural, safe ingredients are helpful for minimizing the signs of moderate psoriasis, easing irritation and soreness, and hastening the healing process.
These components can be obtained in their purest form and are also included in some cruelty-free and vegan hair products.
Ingredients to Fight Scalp Psoriasis
Apple Cider Vinegar
Recognized for its numerous advantages, apple cider vinegar is renowned for its ability to alleviate mild psoriasis flare-ups. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, this ingredient effectively soothes the itchiness and irritation associated with scalp conditions. Additionally, it aids in reducing the pH level of your hair, resulting in smoother and more velvety strands.
When using apple cider vinegar, it can be applied either in its pure form or diluted with water at a 1-to-1 ratio. However, it is important to avoid its use if you have eczema or if your skin is cracked or bleeding, as the vinegar may cause a burning sensation on wounded areas of the scalp. To ensure that pure apple cider vinegar is suitable for you, consult with your dermatologist before usage. Alternatively, you can explore high-quality vegan and cruelty-free hair products that incorporate apple cider vinegar as an ingredient.
Apple Cider Vinegar Vegan Shampoo & Conditioner Set
Pura d'Or
- Superior hair and scalp hydration while encouraging hair to grow out fuller and thicker
- Blend of 15 key active ingredients, such as biotin, keratin, castor oil, caffeine & DHT blockers
- No sulfates, parabens, or any other artificial additives
- USDA Certified Biobased Product
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 2x16 fl oz / 2x473 mL
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Lite
dpHUE
- Formulated to help remove impurities without stripping the natural oils
- infused with Lavender Extract and Aloe Vera for added softness & conditioning
- Non-GMO
- No parabens, SLS, SLES, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, formaldehyde, fragrance or gluten
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 8.5 fl oz / 250 mL
Aloe vera
Does psoriasis feel tight or itchy on your scalp? The gel found inside the aloe leaf is well known for its healing properties. A 1996 study suggests that using aloe vera can help manage moderate chronic plaque-type psoriasis with no side effects.
Aloe vera is a gentle and safe ingredient. You can apply it safely up to 3 times a day on your scalp to keep it hydrated and calm irritation. Continue this daily routine for up to a month to see full results. And what about aloe vera as oral supplement? This kind of oral supplement do not show any benefits on scalp psoriasis.
Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Aloderma
- 96% Organic Aloe vera gel
- Non-GMO
- No Aloe powder concentrate, alcohol, parabens, mineral oil, hormones or sulfates
- Vegan, cruelty free
- 7 oz / 200 g
All Natural Aloe Vera Vegan Shampoo & Conditioner Set
JASON
- Shampoo gently cleanses and replenishes needed hydration to dry hair
- Conditioner deeply hydrates dry, stressed hair
- Both contain Aloe Vera, Spirulina Maxima and Jojoba seed oil
- No parabens, SLS or phthalates
- Vegan, cruelty free
- Shampoo: 16 fl oz / 473 mL
Conditioner: 16 fl oz / 454 g
Coal tar
The idea of applying coal tar on scalp doesn’t feel very sexy. But it could have positive effects on psoriasis. Coal tar contains carbazole, an ingredient which stops cells from getting inflamed and can help to reduce the scaling of psoriasis. If your psoriasis is not flaring-up, try to avoid using coal tar, as it may just irritate your skin and provide no benefits.
As a matter of fact, it’s not clear whether coal tar is safe or not. While the FDA approves concentration from 0,5 to 5%, coal tar is considered as a potential carcinogen by others. It can also cause allergic reaction, so always test a coal tar product on a small area of skin first. If a reaction occurs, apply the tar product on top of a moisturizer. If a reaction occurs again, stop using it immediately. If you want to give it a shot, we recommend you see your dermatologist first.
Scalp Revival Mega Strength Dandruff Shampoo
Briogeo
- Helps to eliminate and prevent the recurrence of scalp itching, irritation, redness, and flaking
- Contains charcoal, 3% salicylic acid and hydrating lactic acid to gently exfoliate and address symptoms associated with dandruff and psoriasis
- No silicone, dyes, phthalates, sulfates, parabens
- Vegan, cruelty free
- 8.4 fl oz / 248mL
Activated Charcoal Vegan Soap Bar
The Yellow Bird Store
- All-natural ingredients to help fight dry and sensitive skin
- Made by hand through traditional, cold processed, small batch method
- Non-GMO, certified organic
- Vegan, cruelty free
- 4.5 oz / 127 g
Hair Oils for Scalp Psoriasis
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an essential oil that can help manage your psoriasis. The oil extracted from lavender has powerful antifungal and antibacterial cleansing properties. As psoriasis flare-ups can come from fungus or bacteria, lavender oil may be effective on your scalp. Moreover, lavender oil is one of the most studied oil in Aromatherapy for its numerous virtues, including calming anxiety. Knowing stress is a trigger for psoriasis flare-up, this calming property makes this oil so unique and effective.
Before applying on your scalp, test it on a small area of your skin. Even if no reaction occurs, you can proceed (with caution). Like all essential oils, always mix lavender oil with a carrier oil: 2 drops of lavender oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. You can vary the concentration as you want as you get more and more experienced with it.
Handcraft Lavender Essential Oil
Handcraft Blends
- 100% pure lavender essential oil
- Contributes to preventing fungi and bacteria
- Helps balancing scalp moisture
- Premium therapeutic grade
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 4 fl oz / 120 mL
Blueberry, Grape & Lavender Natural Shampoo & Conditioner Set
ecoLove
- Conditioner reduces frizz and leaves hair feeling luxuriously soft, detangled and smelling divine
- Infused with organic lavender extracts
- Enriched with essential oils, organic herbs & plant extracts and 26 Dead Sea minerals
- No SLS, parabens and petrochemicals
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 2 x 17.5 fl oz / 2 x 500 mL
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been known for ages for its healing properties on minor to moderate skin issues. A 2006 study suggests tea tree oil is a potent anti-inflammatory oil, antifungal, antimicrobial and thus, may help to manage scalp psoriasis. However, do not use it if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, have linear IgA disease, or currently take vancomycin (an antibiotic). Also, some people reported allergic reactions after using it. Start with just a drop on your arm and wait to see if any skin reaction occurs. If that’s the case, you know this oil is not for you.
Just like any essential oils, tea tree oil should be paired with a carrier oil (e.g. olive oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil). Apply the mix to the irritated zones of your scalp, let it dry and wash it off. You can also mix it with water and even add a few drops in a warm bath.
Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil
Handcraft Blends
- 100% pure tea tree essential oil
- Anti-fungal / antimicrobial properties
- Helps preventing dryness and clearing blocked pores
- Premium therapeutic grade
- VeganCruelty-free
- 4 fl oz / 120 mL
Tea Tree Tingle Special Liter Duo Set
Tea Tree
- Invigorates the scalp and leave hair smelling great
- Made with natural tea tree extracts, calming lavender and cooling peppermint
- Paraben-free
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 2 x 33.8 fl oz / 2 x 1000 mL
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be used as a topical help for psoriasis. It contains lauric acid, a fatty acid that will help to reduce fungus and inflammation. And Coconut oil helps to get rid of excess hair and scalp oil (sebum) as well.
But coconut oil is also an amazing moisturizer. It can be used as a conditioner or hair mask to provide dry and itchy scalp with deep hydration. Apply roughly one teaspoon directly on your hair and massage it into the scalp. Leave-it for one hour or even overnight, and you should see great results within the first 2 weeks of regular use.
Raw Extra-Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
Garden of Life
- 100% unrefined organic coconut oil
- Not hydrogenated, bleached, or deodorized
- Non-GMO, USDA Organic certified
- Gluten-free
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 29 fl oz / 857 mL
Coconut Oil Vegan Conditioner
Soapbox
- Contains Coconut, argan oil, bamboo, tea tree oil, charcoal and shea butter
- Without silicones, SLES, SLS and parabens
- Gluten-free
- 1 purchase donates 1 bar of soap to someone in need
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 33.8 fl oz / 1000 mL
Peppermint Oil
All 600 different peppermint varieties have one common potent organic compound: menthol. And menthol is what specifically interests us here, as it cools inflamed skin. In small doses, peppermint is pretty safe. But because your scalp is already weak, there’s still a higher chance of irritation and allergic reaction. If you notice unusual symptoms after using it, immediately stop. Or you can use a gentle hair product which contains small quantity of peppermint oil.
You can easily make your own peppermint home remedy. Simply mix 2 to 3 drops of peppermint oil with coconut or any carrier oil. Then, gently massage the concoction into the scalp. If you don’t have a carrier oil, you can also mix in a spray bottle 5 to 7 drops of peppermint oil with a cup of water, and spritz the substance on itchy scalp.
Handcraft Peppermint Essential Oil
Handcraft Blends
- 100% pure and natural peppermint oil
- Blends with basil, coriander, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, palmarosa, pepper, rosemary, spearmint, spruce, vanilla, wintergreen, ylang ylang
- Premium Therapeutic Grade
- Vegan, cruelty free
- 4 fl oz | 120 mL
Peppermint Oil Cruelty-Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Botanic Hearth
- With vitamin E & H, peppermint, tea tree, argan, and coconut oils
- No sulfates and parabens
- Cruelty-free
- 2x16 fl oz / 2x473 mL
Bath Care for Scalp Psoriasis
Oatmeal Bath
When talking about oatmeal, we are not referring to your morning Quaker cereals! Oatmeal helps soothing irritated and itchy scalp, and get rid of skin swelling and dry plaques. This underrated ingredient contains omegas-3 and omegas-6 fatty acids that are beneficial for your scalp.
To use it in a bath and calm your psoriasis symptoms, you can either get plain ground oats and mix it with the warm water of your bath, or choose a colloidal oatmeal-based products such as soap.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Traverse Bay Bath & Body
- 100% colloidal oatmeal
- Supplies for do-it-yourself and crafters
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 32 oz / 907 g
Colloidal Oatmeal Eczema And Psoriasis Soap
Jewett Naturals
- Contains colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, castor oil, sweet almond oil, palm kernel oil and vegetable glycerin
- Handmade with premium 100% natural ingredients
- No dyes, fragance or chemicals
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 4.2 oz / 119 g
Epsom Salt Bath
Did you know that bathing in the Dead Sea could significantly improves psoriasis? Rich in minerals and nutrients, the salts contained in the Jordan Rift Valley can relieve scalp itching symptoms and even remove scales.
Yes, we know that barely no one can afford this kind of trip on a regular basis. There is a more convenient alternative: Epsom salts. Very simple to DIY in the comfort of your bath! Take a whole body soak in Epsom salts blended in warm water, regularly immersing your scalp, for fifteen (15) minutes. Don’t use it as an exfoliator. After you’re done, apply a moisturizer (e.g. coconut oil) so that irritated skin won’t dry out after the treatment.
Epsom Salt
Sky Organics
- 100% pure magnesium sulfate USP grade
- Medium grain
- Non-GMO, fragrance-free
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 5 lbs / 2.26 kg
Oral Supplement for Scalp Psoriasis
Vitamin D
A 2011 study shows that vitamin D boosts the immune system. As we discovered earlier, psoriasis is an autoimmune response. Therefore, vitamin D could help treat the condition internally if you suffer from vitamin D deficiency. It’s recommended to take 400 to 1,000 international units (IU) per day, no more. Be aware that taking too much can be dangerous.
Want to get your dose of vitamin D easily, safely and for free? Go out and take a sunbath! In fact, our body metabolizes sunlight in vitamin D. Besides, sunlight contains UV-B rays and may help treat psoriasis. Don’t forget your favorite sunscreen!
mykind Organic Whole Food Vitamin D Spray
Garden of Life
- Vitamin D3 extracted from lichen
- Also contains organic plant omegas from organic pumpkin seed oil and organic cranberry seed oil
- USDA organic, non-GMO verified
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 2 fl oz / 58 mL
Omega-3
Omegas-3 are well-known for reducing risks of heart disease and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Rich in fatty acids, it is also a popular anti-inflammatory supplement mentioned in several studies as effective with psoriasis: relief of itchiness, improvement in scalp scaling / inflammation are some of the benefits omegas-3 has shown.
It’s recommend to take omega-3 over a period of 3 months or longer. Generally found in oily fishes (i.e salmon or sardins), plant-based sources of Omega-3 are available in as olive, walnuts, coconut, chia seeds, flaxseed, beans, safflower, edamame, or in any vegan and cruelty-free omega supplement.
Vegan Omega 3 Supplement
Tahiro
- 550mg of omega-3 extracted from algae
- Also contains organic plant omegas from organic pumpkin seed oil and organic cranberry seed oil
- Donates $1 from every product sold to UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 60 Veg Softgels
Even if well-documented and carefully written, this content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Consult a qualified health care provider before making any health care decisions about any specific medical condition.
