Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

AIBU to go to the hairdressers with a scaly scalp?

45 replies

Workyticket · 20/06/2021 00:15

I'm getting married in July- desperately need a cut and colour but my scalp is crap

Tried all the shampoos (think I need a prescription one but cant get an appointment at the doctors)

I'm so embarrassed I've not been to the hairdressers for over a year

Will they hate working on my hair? It's not hideous but definitely noticeable up ose around my ears

OP posts:

Cabinfever10 · 20/06/2021 00:44

I have really bad psoriasis on my scalp and a good hairdressers will not have a problem with it.
As a side note have you tried norsil(sp) (can be got on prescription from pharmacist) and the T-gel coal tar shampoo, I've found that a combination of the 2 with the occasional need for topical steroids with now thankfully rare flairups

UhtredRagnarson · 20/06/2021 00:46

You can get nizoral in Asda or on Amazon. It’s very good.

Lesssaideasymended · 20/06/2021 01:52

There is actually a lot of videos on Youtube of hairdressers who work on a lot dry scalps. It has a cult following (but like pimple popping), think most hairdressers love working on a scalp like that 😊

timeisnotaline · 20/06/2021 01:57

I have chronic psoriasis all over and still get my hair cut. I do have to not roll my eyes when they suggest an amazing product. Well yes, I’ve been seeing dermatologists for 30 years but I’m sure you’ve got the magic pill.

CoalCraft · 20/06/2021 01:59

They will be very used to it OP

Sarahzb · 20/06/2021 02:02

They must know how to hide or treat it. Go

DoNotEat · 20/06/2021 02:21

If it's psoriasis then can you oil it up the night before and soak your head in the bath just before you go in? So it's not scaly as such?

It's a nightmare.
If you let them know then I'm sure it'll be ok.

StardewMelons · 20/06/2021 02:29

OP, They are hairdressers and will have seen a dry scalp 100 times over. They won't give it a second thought unless they want to offer advice. I have my roots bleached and my scalp can be flakey at times, nothing to be embarrassed about, use your appointment to get advice to help it issue :)

sprinkleyumnut · 20/06/2021 02:56

Hairdressers can be a bit funny about this type of thing. Not every hairdresser will feel comfortable with scaly scalps. Give them a ring before making an appointment. It will probably be okay most will probably be fine.

Hurr8cane84 · 20/06/2021 06:06

Ooooh I had this. Have you tried installing a filter on your shower? I tried all the expensive and all the super natural bio whatever shampoos. It turned out it was the horrible London water that was causing it and a simple filter from Amazon solved it, it was about £60 (this was years ago, they may be even cheaper now)

Iorderedyouapancake · 20/06/2021 07:57

If you haven’t already try cocois op- you can get it at the pharmacy or on Amazon - it’s amazing for scalp psoriasis in my experience

SpringBluebellWoods · 20/06/2021 07:59

Polytar (I get if from eBay) helps mine a lot, it was originally prescribed by the GP but I just buy it now. When it’s really bad, I sit in the bath with a book for 20 minutes, then rinse it out of my hair, and the itching and flaking just stops.

romdowa · 20/06/2021 08:10

I've scalp psoriasis and I've never had any issues at the hair dressers , even with getting my hair coloured.

Singlebutmarried · 20/06/2021 08:29

No idea on the hairdresser but a water filter should make a difference. I always have a clear scalp when on holiday in a soft water area.

For at home I use a scalp scrubber, about £4 off Amazon.

Scrub with the first shampoo, rinse the shampoo again, just mid lengths to the end rinse and then condition just mid lengths to the ends.

Was a game changer for me.

Wbeezer · 20/06/2021 08:32

Nizoral sorted mine out, like PP left it on while soaking in the bath. Need to do it at regular intervals but not every wash.

prettybird · 20/06/2021 09:33

Nizoral was the best one for me. Tried T-gel and if anything it made my scalp worse

But what I now do is use an ordinary shampoo (currently happens to be Lidl's shampoo for coloured hair), to which I add 6 drops of Tea tree essential oil . My scalp has never been so clear (been doing that now for about 2 years or so - and my hairdresser comments on how good my scalp now is).

You could maybe try a combination of Nizoral with the "tea tree treated shampoo" in between uses.

Mmmmdanone · 20/06/2021 09:37

Selsun has cleared up my flaky scalp. Or Head and Shoulders Clinically proven is also good. Anything containing selenium basically.

Nodancingshoes · 20/06/2021 11:02

My DH had bad psoriasis on his scalp. It was very noticeable and he was embarrassed going to the barbers. He truied lots of different things including a strong steroid liquid on prescription. The only thing that has worked is T-gel shampoo. It didnt work straight away but he persevered and his scalp is now completely clear for the first time in 5/6 years!

MomOfTwoGirls2 · 20/06/2021 14:20

My daughter had scaly scalp, Moo Goo shampoo cleared it up. Available at most pharmacies.
I have scalp psoriasis. Dr prescribed me a steroid shampoo that works very well. I only use it sometimes, if I’m going out, etc.
I have scalp psoriasis for at least 35 years.

I use good scalp relief shampoo, just on the effected area (base of my scull to tops of ears). I put it on first thing in shower and leave it on a few mins before washing off. It makes a difference, bur nothing clears it.
I never experienced a hairdresser with a problem with it.
Also, I find a (professionally applied) hair colour clears up my scalp until I wash it next...

DeflatedGinDrinker · 20/06/2021 14:46

I wouldn't have liked it but wouldn't say anything.

TheSpottedZebra · 20/06/2021 14:46

What sort of colour? As a full head colour, painted right down to scalp level might not be a good idea and it is likely that a hairdresser would not do that.

Original poster

Workyticket · 20/06/2021 14:51

Thanks everyone

I've not tried Nizoral - will get some tomorrow. Never tried leaving a shampoo on to soak for a bit so will definitely try that!

I want a full head colour and some highlights (is that still a thing??) I colour my own at home usually

OP posts:

UhtredRagnarson · 20/06/2021 15:33

@prettybird

Nizoral was the best one for me. Tried T-gel and if anything it made my scalp worse

You could maybe try a combination of Nizoral with the "tea tree treated shampoo" in between uses.

Yep I use Lidl’s or Alberto balsam tea tree shampoo in between nizoral.

MomOfTwoGirls2 · 20/06/2021 16:07

I have gotten full head of colour several times a year (for at least past 20 years, I went gray early 😊) and never had a hairdresser pass remark or refuse to do it.

You can also request an organic colour, bit more expensive but easier on the scalp.

Perhaps go to a good salon and ask for a senior stylist, who will be more experienced.

PlumpAndDeliciousFatcat · 20/06/2021 16:17

You need to know what it is before you try to treat it.

Ketoconazole (Nizoral) is anti-fungal and will work on dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis. Like any fungal infection it might improve if you reduce sugar in your diet.

If it’s caused by psoriasis then it is an autoimmune issue and Nizoral won’t do much. Coal tar shampoo like T-Gel or steroids from the doctor are helpful.

Either way I have gone to the hairdresser during a psoriasis flare-up and it’s been fine.

Flip

1 2