Finding the right shampoo for scalp psoriasis can be hard. Any product you choose needs to manage the flaking and other issues that come with the condition. Many shampoos on the market have ingredients that make psoriasis symptoms worse. No one wants their already itchy, painful scalp to have an allergic reaction to something that’s supposed to help the skin.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member aptly described the challenge: “I find it more important to watch what shampoos, laundry soap, and lotions have direct contact with the skin — even the materials they’re made from.”

The scalp is one of the most common areas of affected skin for people with psoriasis. One study estimated that 80 percent of people with psoriasis have had it on the scalp. Shampoo and conditioner are simple treatments for scalp psoriasis. They’re easily incorporated into your daily routine, and they can be discontinued quickly if they cause an adverse reaction.

If you’re one of the many people who’ve asked, “What can I wash my hair with if I have psoriasis?” the following tips may help you select a product.

Can Over-the-Counter Treatments Help?

Several types of over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos and treatments can soften psoriasis scales and heal sensitive skin on your scalp. Many products can be ordered online or purchased at a drugstore.

Coal Tar Shampoo

Coal tar may not seem like an ingredient you’d want on your scalp, but coal tar shampoo is one of two OTC treatments that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for psoriasis. (Coal tar can also be used as a dandruff shampoo.) Unlike several other psoriasis treatments for the scalp, coal tar shampoo for psoriasis can be used long term.

Coal tar can help treat scalp psoriasis and relieve itching associated with plaque psoriasis. One member warned that, although coal tar worked, the smell was unappealing: “I currently use coal tar shampoo, but it has a very strong odor.”

Coal tar can also irritate the skin and cause a rash, so any use should be carefully monitored. Warnings about coal tar causing cancer apply to highly concentrated industrial uses, such as paving.

Salicylic Acid

If your psoriasis scales on the scalp are especially thick, a medicated shampoo might not be effective right away. Salicylic acid, often recognized as an acne treatment, also acts as a keratolytic — an agent that helps shed the skin’s outer layer. On the scalp, salicylic acid can soften and lift scales, improving the skin’s ability to absorb other medications.

However, salicylic acid may irritate the skin if left on too long and can weaken hair follicles. Because hair loss is already a concern with scalp psoriasis, some people may find this an undesirable side effect. One MyPsoriasisTeam member said, “Washed hair with salicylic acid shampoo. Was OK for a while, then it kicks up again!”

Another member reported good results using salicylic acid. “I found this line of shampoos and conditioners a few months back on my search for scalp relief,” they said. “It says it’s ‘anti-dandruff,’ but the main ingredient is salicylic acid, which is made for our condition.”

One member found that a product combining coal tar and salicylic acid helped the most: “It’s called MG217. There are two shampoos — one’s a salicylic acid to use first, then you switch to the coal tar shampoo after the peeling and flaking stops.”

Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo

While it’s not a psoriasis treatment, zinc pyrithione shampoos can also be helpful. They’re usually recommended to treat dandruff, but they can reduce the itching and skin flaking that come with psoriasis. “I find that a shampoo with at least 1 percent zinc pyrithione seems to keep my scalp issues at bay,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member said.

Ketoconazole Shampoo

Ketoconazole shampoo is available over the counter (1 percent) and by prescription (2 percent). Ketoconazole is an antifungal not typically used to treat scalp psoriasis. However, ketoconazole’s anti-inflammatory properties may help relieve symptoms in certain cases, and it can also reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Selenium Sulfide

Selenium sulfide is another common ingredient in OTC shampoos for scalp psoriasis. Selenium sulfide lotion can also be applied to the skin or scalp to treat psoriasis.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil isn’t a shampoo, but you may see it mentioned as a potential scalp treatment. Although coconut oil doesn’t treat the underlying psoriasis, it helps moisturize skin — dry skin tends to be itchier. Coconut oil should be applied only occasionally, not used daily. Many creams, lotions, and ointments can also be used as moisturizers.

However, not all MyPsoriasisTeam members have reported positive results with coconut oil. “My scalp is so weak that coconut oil makes my hair fall out badly,” one member said.

What’s Available by Prescription?

The most powerful treatment for scalp psoriasis is clobetasol topical, a steroid applied to skin via some prescription shampoos, lotions, and solutions. Unlike other shampoos, clobetasol types are specifically designed for psoriasis. Clobetasol shampoo can be used either every day for up to four weeks or once or twice weekly on a long-term basis. Studies have shown that treatment with clobetasol is highly effective at managing psoriasis buildup on the scalp.

The National Psoriasis Foundation attaches a Seal of Recognition to certain products, including shampoos, that are formulated not to irritate the skin. The Seal of Recognition Product Directory is available online. However, just because something is meant to be nonirritating doesn’t guarantee that it won’t bother your skin. Be sure to test any new product on a small area of your skin first, and watch for any side effects.

What Shampoos Have Worked for Members?

MyPsoriasisTeam members have reported on a variety of shampoos that help their scalp psoriasis symptoms. Here’s a sample of their recommendations:

• “When I have a flare, I use shampoo as a body wash, as well as shampoo with active ingredient coal tar.”
• “I use Head & Shoulders shampoo. It does help, especially with the itching on my scalp.”
• “I tried coal tar shampoo until the hardness of plaque got softer on my scalp. Then I used Tresemmé shampoo and conditioner with argan oil in it.”
• “Selsun Blue shampoo — let it soak on your scalp for 15 minutes before rinsing.”
• “Capasal is a shampoo, and most pharmacies should stock it.”
• “Try goat soap from Beekman 1802; they have all sorts of lotions and shampoos.”
• “I recently started using OGX tea tree mint shampoo, and it seems to be helping.”
• “I use T-Gel shampoo; that helps me.”
• “I’ve used Denorex shampoo for over 30 years, and I use aloe vera-based gels and creams.”
• “I’ve been adding tea tree essential oil to my shampoos (prescription and Head & Shoulders) for a while now. Paul Mitchell makes a tea tree oil shampoo for psoriasis that I’m planning to try.”
• “I am trying an all-natural shampoo for psoriasis. I use tea tree shampoo and rub neem oil into my scalp.”
• “I have tried a product called Nizoral, which is a scalp psoriasis shampoo and conditioner. While it doesn’t take away the psoriasis, it does seem to help with the itchiness.”

Some members also share details about their process. “At CVS, there is a shampoo for psoriasis called MG217. I take a bath, and while I’m in the bath, I lather my head up good with this,” said one member. “Then I get a shower cap or a plastic bag from the grocery store and put it on and let it soak while I’m in the bath. Then I rinse it out, put on conditioner, and do it every night until I see improvement.”

Another member noted, “I was warned not to wash my hair every day, as this adds to drying out your scalp and potentially washing out any good creams, lotions, and natural oils.”

What Shampoos Should You Avoid if You Have Psoriasis?

Before you use a new shampoo, always talk with your dermatologist or another health care provider to ensure the product won’t interfere with your treatment regimen. People with psoriasis are typically advised to avoid sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient that helps keep water and oil in shampoo from separating. It may be helpful to look for a shampoo labeled “sulfate-free.”

If you dye your hair, you may need to do some research to find out the best shampoo for psoriasis and color-treated hair. Some brands, such as Nizoral and Head & Shoulders, specifically state that they’re safe to use on dyed hair. However, the chemicals in your dye may differ from those that were tested, so it’s important to work with a hairdresser to evaluate whether these shampoos are safe for you.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 131,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Do you have scalp psoriasis? What have you found to be the best shampoo and conditioner for you? Comment below or start a new conversation on your Activities page.