Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Scalp psoriasis shampoo v nice hair: AIBU To wonder if there is a scalp psoriasis solution which doesn’t cost £81 and doesn’t wreck your hair?

82 replies

AStitchInTimeSavesN1ne · 23/02/2026 12:22

I don’t know if I’m missing something. My hair is like Worzel Gummidge at the best of times and psoriasis stuff prescribed by the GP or bought over the counter seems to make it worse. Some shampoos seem to make it worse.

Then Phillip Kingsley itchy scalp shampoo caught my eye. So I sent off £11 for a teeny sized bottle. Lo and behold, it was okay. But then I discover the full bottle retails at £81!!!

AIBU to think there is a magic solution which might both sort the psoriasis & not leave your hair like a dish brush? Other people will have had this problem before and must be equally vain.

OP posts:
PurBal · 23/02/2026 12:57

I use a topical treatment (Betacap) after washing with a shampoo bar (Faith in Nature). I still have flare ups and it’s not perfect but it means I can keep my hair in good condition. I have curly hair so don’t wash everyday.

cadburygorilla · 23/02/2026 12:52

Have you tried ginger shampoo from Body Shop?

sashh · 23/02/2026 12:50

I used to use Alphosyl but they stopped making it, the pharmacist recommended Capasal. It is woeking well.

With psoriasis you are not using a shampoo for your hir, you need to use it to wash your scalp, the shampooing is secondary.

Original poster
AStitchInTimeSavesN1ne · 23/02/2026 12:41

Belladog1 · 23/02/2026 12:33

Watching with interest.

I have scalp psoriasis and I use a medicated shampoo every other wash - and just lately it has really been reacting with my hair and its now dry and fluffy. I have bleached hair and the shampoo is wrecking it. I then spent a fortunately on intensive conditioners and oils to try and tame it down again.

I would not spend over £80 on a shampoo. I have been using Polytar, and I do find that the best one. Stinks, but it doesn't make my hair wiry. I ran out and have been using Neutrogena Tgel ..... and that is really not good for me.

I have experimented with tying the hair up and just putting the scalp stuff on and then washing the actual hair but this is a ridiculous degree of faff and I don’t get time often.

OP posts:
Twasasurprise · 23/02/2026 12:41

Have you tried Vichy Dercos shampoo? (Amazon link.) There are a few different varieties, I use the Dry Hair one. It's the best shampoo I've found since Selsun was discontinued.

Amazon

Amazon

https://amzn.eu/d/0anx8SNi?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-am-i-being-unreasonable-5494759-scalp-psoriasis-shampoo-v-nice-hair-aibu-to-wonder-if-there-is-a-scalp-psoriasis-solution-which-doesnt-cost-ps81-and-doesnt-wreck-your-hair

Catza · 23/02/2026 12:35

What's the volume for £81? Is it a liter? If so, the cost isn't so bad over time as 1l bottle lasts me well over a year on medium-length hair which is washed 3 times a week.

Belladog1 · 23/02/2026 12:33

Watching with interest.

I have scalp psoriasis and I use a medicated shampoo every other wash - and just lately it has really been reacting with my hair and its now dry and fluffy. I have bleached hair and the shampoo is wrecking it. I then spent a fortunately on intensive conditioners and oils to try and tame it down again.

I would not spend over £80 on a shampoo. I have been using Polytar, and I do find that the best one. Stinks, but it doesn't make my hair wiry. I ran out and have been using Neutrogena Tgel ..... and that is really not good for me.