Scalp Psoriasis and Hair Loss: Causes, Regrowth and Treatment
Why scalp psoriasis can cause hair loss, whether it grows back, whether steroid scalp lotions cause it, other causes to rule out, and how to protect your hair.
Part of our scalp psoriasis health guides.
Key fact: Hair loss from scalp psoriasis is usually temporary: the hair normally grows back once the inflammation and scale clear. Permanent hair loss is rare, so bald patches that don't regrow, or scarring, should be checked by a GP.
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See scalp psoriasis treatments →Can scalp psoriasis cause hair loss?
Yes, it can. Some people notice thinning or small bald areas over thick psoriasis patches, or more hair than usual in the brush during a flare. In most cases this is temporary, and the hair grows back once the scalp settles with treatment.
Scalp psoriasis rarely causes permanent hair loss, because it doesn't usually damage the hair follicles that make new hair.
Why scalp psoriasis causes hair loss
Scratching and picking
The itch makes people scratch, and scratching or picking at scale pulls hairs out.
Removing scale too hard
Scale binds to the hair, so scraping it off takes hair with it. Softening it first helps.
Inflammation
Inflamed, thick patches can make hair in that area shed or grow more thinly for a while.
Shedding after a flare
A severe flare, or being unwell, can trigger a few weeks of heavier shedding across the scalp.
Do steroid scalp lotions cause hair loss?
It's a common worry with betamethasone and clobetasol scalp applications. Hair loss is listed as a possible side effect in the product information for some scalp steroids, but it's uncommon or very rare, and for some it isn't listed at all. Most hair loss in scalp psoriasis comes from the psoriasis itself and from scratching or removing scale, and treating the inflammation usually helps hair grow back.
| Medicine | Steroid | Hair effects in the product information |
|---|---|---|
| Betnovate Scalp Application | Betamethasone valerate 0.1% (potent) | Hair loss and hair damage listed as very rare (fewer than 1 in 10,000 people) |
| Betacap Scalp Application | Betamethasone valerate 0.1% (potent) | Hair loss isn't listed in its product information |
| Etrivex Shampoo | Clobetasol propionate 0.05% (very potent) | Hair loss listed as uncommon (up to 1 in 100 people) |
| Dovobet Gel | Calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate | Hair loss not listed; white or grey hair can turn slightly yellow for a while |
If you notice more hair loss after starting a scalp treatment, don't simply stop it if you've been using it for a while, because psoriasis can flare back. Tell your prescriber or GP, who can check whether it's the psoriasis, the treatment or something else. Using a steroid for longer than advised raises the risk of side effects, so keep to the course you're given.
For Betacap in detail, including whether it can help hair grow back, see our Betacap guide: steroid safety and your hair. To compare how each scalp steroid is used, see our steroid scalp lotions compared.
Hair loss that may not be psoriasis
Hair loss is common, and it isn't always caused by psoriasis, even if you have it. See a GP if your hair loss doesn't match your psoriasis patches, because it could be:
- Alopecia areata: smooth, round bald patches without scale
- A fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis): scaly patches with broken hairs, more common in children; steroids can make it worse
- Male or female pattern hair loss: gradual thinning at the crown or temples
- Telogen effluvium: heavy shedding a few months after illness, surgery, childbirth or major stress
- Iron deficiency or thyroid problems, which a blood test can check
- Scarring hair loss: shiny, smooth skin where hair has gone, which needs a dermatologist
Helping your hair grow back
The best way to protect your hair is to get the psoriasis under control. Then:
- Soften scale with an oil or ointment, and comb it out gently rather than picking (see our guide to removing scale)
- Keep nails short, and press rather than scratch an itchy patch
- Avoid tight hairstyles, extensions and hot styling tools while your scalp heals
- Use a soft brush or wide-toothed comb
- Be patient: hair grows slowly, so regrowth can take a few months after the scalp clears
Shampoos for scalp psoriasis and hair loss
No shampoo makes hair grow back. A medicated psoriasis shampoo can help by clearing scale and easing itch, so you scratch less. Choose a gentle shampoo for everyday washing, and see our psoriasis shampoo guide for coal tar and steroid shampoos.
When to see a GP
See a GP if: you have bald patches that aren't growing back after your psoriasis has cleared; the skin where hair has gone looks shiny, smooth or scarred; you're losing hair quickly or in patches without scale; your scalp is weeping, crusted or has pus-filled spots; or you also feel unwell or tired, which could point to another cause.
Frequently asked questions
Will my hair grow back after scalp psoriasis?
In most cases, yes. Hair loss from scalp psoriasis is usually temporary, and the hair normally grows back once the inflammation and scale clear. Regrowth can take a few months because hair grows slowly. See a GP if bald patches aren't growing back after your scalp has cleared.
Is hair loss from scalp psoriasis permanent?
Rarely. Scalp psoriasis doesn't usually damage the hair follicles, so hair grows back once the psoriasis is treated. Permanent hair loss with scarring is uncommon and should be checked by a GP or dermatologist.
Can scalp psoriasis cause bald patches?
It can cause thin or bald areas over thick patches, usually from scratching, picking or removing scale, and the hair normally grows back once the scalp settles. Smooth, round bald patches with no scale are more likely to be alopecia areata, and shiny or scarred skin where hair has gone needs checking by a GP.
Do steroid scalp lotions make your hair fall out?
Not usually. Hair loss is listed as uncommon or very rare in the product information for some scalp steroids. Treating the inflammation usually helps hair grow back. Keep to the course you're given, because using a steroid for too long raises the risk of side effects.
Can Dovobet gel cause hair loss?
Hair loss isn't listed as a side effect of Dovobet gel. It can temporarily turn white or grey hair slightly yellow where it's applied.
How do I stop hair loss from scalp psoriasis?
Get the psoriasis under control with treatment, soften scale with oil and comb it out gently rather than picking it, avoid scratching, and avoid tight hairstyles and hot styling tools while your scalp heals.
Can I dye my hair if I have scalp psoriasis?
Usually, yes, but hair dye can irritate inflamed skin. Do the patch test the dye maker recommends, and avoid dyeing during a flare or on broken or raw skin.
Ready to treat your scalp psoriasis?
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Start Scalp Psoriasis Consultation →References
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Treating scalp psoriasis. guysandstthomas.nhs.uk
- Betacap Scalp Application: summary of product characteristics. medicines.org.uk/emc
- Betnovate Scalp Application: summary of product characteristics. medicines.org.uk/emc
- Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo: summary of product characteristics. medicines.org.uk/emc
- Dovobet 50 microgram/g + 0.5 mg/g gel: summary of product characteristics. medicines.org.uk/emc
- NHS. Psoriasis. nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis
- Psoriasis UK (formerly the Psoriasis Association). Scalp psoriasis information. psoriasisuk.org.uk
Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Steroid scalp treatments, Etrivex and Dovobet are prescription-only, so a clinical consultation is needed before they can be supplied. Always follow your prescriber's advice and the leaflet. In a medical emergency, call 999.