Psoriasis Scalp Black Hair: Causes, Treatment, and More

by Inbound Pursuit November 28, 2023

Struggling with psoriasis scalp black hair can be a distressing journey. The relentless itch, unsightly flakes, and the constant search for relief can take a toll on your confidence and peace of mind.

But, you're not alone, and the solution is well within reach. Allurium Beauty is your trusted guide in all things black hair care. We’ll navigate through the challenges of scalp psoriasis in African American hair together in this guide.

You’ll leave here in just a few moments with actionable tips on how to put this problem in the past for good. We’ll also introduce you to our transformative hair serum and how it can help make your dream hair a reality.

What is Scalp Psoriasis in African American Hair?

First, what is psoriasis scalp black hair?

Defining Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that manifests itself prominently on the scalp. It's characterized by red, scaly patches that can be itchy, painful, and sometimes even lead to hair loss.

This condition stems from an overactive immune system speeding up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface. It's not just a physical challenge but also an emotional one, affecting one's self-esteem and social interactions.

How Scalp Psoriasis Affects African American Hair Differently

You may be wondering…how is black hair different from white hair as it pertains to scalp psoriasis? The texture and its typical styling practices can make treatment more complicated and symptoms harder to spot.

African American hair types are often more prone to dryness. The thick scales of psoriasis can exacerbate this, leading to increased brittleness and breakage.

This is why it’s so important to learn how to moisturize dry brittle African American hair. We also have tips on how to treat dry itchy scalp black hair that can prevent this issue in the first place.

Moreover, the redness typical of psoriasis is less visible on darker skin, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. The longer psoriasis has to take hold of your scalp the harder it is to shake.

It's also crucial to consider the impact of hair care practices. Tight hairstyles like braids and weaves can aggravate the scalp, while some common hair products can interact negatively with psoriasis treatments or irritate the scalp further.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Scalp Psoriasis in African American Hair

Before we get into the treatment side of things let’s make sure this is actually what you’re dealing with, ruling out similar conditions like scalp eczema black hair. So, what does scalp psoriasis in African American hair look like, and how is it diagnosed?

Identifying Symptoms Specific to African American Hair

Scalp psoriasis in African American hair often goes unnoticed longer due to the unique characteristics of the hair and scalp. The key symptoms to watch for include:

Thick, Red Patches: Unlike the noticeable redness seen in lighter skin, these patches may appear as darker, purplish or grayish areas on the scalp. They are often covered with a silvery-white scale.
Dryness and Breakage: African American hair is naturally more prone to dryness, but when coupled with psoriasis, this dryness can escalate, leading to hair that is brittle and breaks easily. Thus, differentiating between breakage vs new growth is critical.
Itching and Soreness: This can range from mild to severe. Scratching to relieve itchiness can lead to further damage to the scalp and hair.
Dandruff-Like Flaking: Though common in many scalp conditions, the flakes from psoriasis are often thicker and more pronounced. You should learn more about dandruff in African American hair to rule this out.
Hair Thinning and Loss: While not always permanent, damaged black hair or even receding hairline in black women occur in severe cases of scalp psoriasis, often exacerbated by harsh hair care practices. Don’t stress - we have tips on promoting black hair growth and how to regrow bald patches in African American if this is happening to you.

Professional Diagnosis: When to See a Dermatologist

Even if you feel confident you’re struggling with scalp psoriasis black hair, it’s worth getting a professional diagnosis from a dermatologist.

A dermatologist will examine your scalp to spot the telltale signs of scalp psoriasis - the scale, the thickness, and the pattern on the scalp. They’ll also be able to review your medical history to assess whether your genetics put you at risk of this condition.

Your hair care practices can influence the condition and treatment options, and your dermatologist can discuss this with you. They may even recommend a biopsy, where a small sample of scalp skin might be taken to confirm the diagnosis.

What Causes Scalp Psoriasis on Black Hair?

Understanding the root causes of scalp psoriasis, particularly in African American hair, is crucial in managing and preventing flare-ups. So before we get into how to treat psoriasis scalp black hair let’s talk about how you got here in the first place.

Common Triggers and Risk Factors

While anyone can experience psoriasis of the scalp, there are a few risk factors that predispose you to this condition:

Stress: This is a major catalyst that can not only trigger scalp psoriasis but also worsen existing flare-ups. The body’s response to stress can accelerate skin cell growth, leading to more severe symptoms.
Injury to the Skin: Known as the Koebner phenomenon, psoriasis can appear on areas of the skin that have been injured or traumatized. This could mean areas where hair is tightly braided or where chemical treatments have been applied for African American hair specifically.
Weather and Climate: Dry, cold weather can sap moisture from the scalp, exacerbating psoriasis symptoms. Conversely, warm, humid climates can improve symptoms.
Infections: Certain infections, especially strep throat, can trigger psoriasis in some individuals.
Medications: Some medications, including lithium, antimalarials, and high blood pressure medications, can trigger or worsen psoriasis

The Role of Genetics and Environment

Just as with hair growth genetics, your DNA plays a significant role in the likelihood of developing scalp psoriasis. If a family member has psoriasis, your risk of developing the condition increases.

However, genetics isn't the sole factor - environmental elements are also at play. Understanding this genetic-environmental interplay can guide better management strategies.

Black hair requires specific environmental considerations due to the unique African American hair texture and common hair care practices. The products used and the styles adopted can influence scalp health.

It's important to choose products and styles that minimize scalp stress and avoid exacerbating psoriasis symptoms. We’ll talk about this and a whole lot more below as we get into the treatment side of things to help you put psoriasis scalp black hair in the past!

Typical Treatment For Psoriasis Scalp Black Hair

Treating scalp psoriasis in African American hair requires a careful approach that addresses both the condition and the unique needs of the hair. We’ll explore effective treatments below from healthy hair care habits to the best shampoo for psoriasis black hair.

Best Shampoo for Psoriasis Black Hair

Just as with the best deep conditioner for black hair, choosing the right shampoo is critical in managing scalp psoriasis for African American hair. The goal is to find a product that soothes the scalp, reduces build-up of scales, and respects the natural texture of the hair.

Tar-based shampoos slow down the rapid growth of skin cells and can reduce inflammation and itching. They are effective but can be harsh on the hair, so they should be used judiciously.

You can also consider salicylic acid shampoos, which help remove scales and are especially beneficial in severe cases. They can be drying though, so it's important to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. You can learn more about this in our guide on how to make African American hair softer.

A third option for those seeking the best shampoo for psoriasis black hair is a more holistic moisturizing shampoo. Look for products with natural oils and ingredients that hydrate the scalp and hair. These shampoos help counteract the dryness often associated with psoriasis treatments.

Our guides to the best oils for African American hair and the ingredients to avoid in shampoo that cause hair loss are great for helping you learn more about what to look for in a shampoo. But, it’s not just what you use - it’s how you use it.

Washing Habits

It sounds so simple…but learning how to wash African American hair correctly can make a world of difference in your hair care regimen.

Over-washing can strip your scalp of natural oils, exacerbating dryness and irritation. Conversely, infrequent washing leads to build-up, potentially worsening psoriasis symptoms. So, how often should black people wash their hair?

The key is to find a balance. Washing your hair once or twice a week is usually ideal. Listen to your scalp and hair - they'll guide you to the right routine.

Actually washing your hair is something you may need to rethink, too. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Choosing the Correct Water Temperature: Hot water might feel soothing, but it can increase scalp dryness and irritation. Instead, use lukewarm water. It's gentle on both your scalp and hair.
Application Technique: Focus on gently massaging the shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips when washing, avoiding nails that can scratch and irritate. This technique not only cleanses but also promotes blood circulation, aiding in scalp health. You could even consider using a scalp brush when shampooing.
Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all shampoo and conditioner are thoroughly rinsed out to prevent residue build-up, which can aggravate psoriasis. Again, rinse with lukewarm water.
Post-Wash Care: After washing, pat (don’t rub) your hair dry with a soft towel and apply a moisturizing scalp oil or serum. This step is crucial for reintroducing moisture to your scalp and hair.

Natural and Home Remedies

While a professional shampoo specially designed to address the root cause of psoriasis scalp black hair is your best bet, there are other natural remedies you can consider adding to your arsenal.

These can complement medical treatments and offer gentle, effective ways to manage symptoms. Here are a few we have seen success with through our own personal experience:

Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera can be applied directly to the scalp to reduce redness and itching.
Tea Tree Oil: With its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil can be added to shampoos or used as a scalp treatment.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Diluted apple cider vinegar can help relieve itchiness and irritation when applied to the scalp. However, it should not be used on cracked or bleeding skin.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Including omega-3s in your diet or taking supplements can help reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis.
Stress Management Techniques: Practices like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise can help manage stress, a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups.

Gentle Styling for Scalp Psoriasis

Gentle styling is imperative for maintaining scalp health and minimizing psoriasis flare-ups. We know you love your tight braids and chemical treatments - but they may be the root cause of your scalp psoriasis African American hair.

So, avoid styles that pull tightly on the scalp, like tight braids, ponytails, or weaves, can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Choose looser styles that reduce tension and allow your scalp to breathe.

Try to minimize heat styling as well. Excessive heat can dry out and damage your hair and scalp. Let your hair air-dry when possible, and opt for the lowest setting if you must use heat.

We have guides on how to make African American hair curly without heat and how to straighten African American hair without heat if you need help. You can also learn more about repairing African American heat damaged hair in our blog.

Heat isn’t the only culprit to avoid, though. Chemical treatments, including relaxers and dyes, can be harsh on your scalp. If you choose to use these products, ensure they're applied by a professional and opt for gentler, more natural options when available.

Finally, you should get regular trims. These help prevent split ends and breakage, promoting overall hair health, which is crucial when dealing with scalp psoriasis. Finding the best day to cut hair for growth can make a huge difference in African American hair growth, too!

Nutrition for Your Scalp and Hair

The health of your scalp and hair is profoundly influenced by the nutrients they receive. This is where products like Allurium Beauty’s Hair Growth Serum play a pivotal role.

This serum is designed to revitalize your scalp and encourage hair growth. Ingredients like peppermint oil stimulate the scalp, increasing blood flow, while other components like castor oil provide essential moisture and nutrients.

This serum not only aids in managing the symptoms of scalp psoriasis but also promotes stronger, healthier hair growth. Whether you just want stronger, healthier hair or you want the best black female hair loss treatment, get your serum today!

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Treating Scalp Psoriasis African American Hair

That concludes our detailed guide on dealing with psoriasis scalp black hair. Effectively managing scalp psoriasis in African American hair requires understanding its unique causes and symptoms.

Choosing the right treatments, from specialized shampoos to natural remedies, along with adopting gentle hair care practices, can make a significant difference.

Remember, consistency in your hair care routine, including the use of nurturing products like Allurium Beauty's Hair Growth Serum, is key to maintaining a healthy scalp and vibrant hair.

You can learn more about caring for your hair in our blog. We have resources on topics like how fast does black hair grow, how to regrow edges of African American hair, what causes hair loss in black females, hair transplants for African American women, and more.

Armed with our African American hair growth secrets and the best hair products for growth black hair, you can feel experience your healthiest hair yet!

So, explore the transformative power of Allurium Beauty's products for yourself and step into a world of renewed confidence and hair vitality!