Expert advice and tips for working on clients with psoriasis

Louise Bailey, Hair Extensions Expert at Beauty Club London

August marks Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that impacts around two percent of the population.

For professionals in the beauty and hair industry, it’s crucial to understand how to work sensitively and effectively with clients with psoriasis or similar skin conditions.

Louise Bailey, a Hair Extensions Expert and Founder of Beauty Club London shares expert advice and practical tips for offering the best possible care to clients dealing with these challenges…

Understand skin conditions

Psoriasis causes a rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in scaling, redness and inflammation. The condition commonly affects the scalp, making it essential for salon employees to understand it.

The affected areas can be itchy, painful and prone to cracking or bleeding. Other skin conditions, like eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, may present similar symptoms.

Improved training for staff so they understand a range of skin conditions that clients may experience will ensure that salons can provide a personalised service.

Before beginning any treatments, it’s essential to discuss symptoms with each client to offer informed advice and hair treatment recommendations.

Emphasise scalp care 

A healthy scalp is the key to healthy hair, and providing your clients with expert advice will help gain their trust and improve the health of their hair and scalp in the long run.

For clients with scalp psoriasis, extra care is necessary throughout the service.  Rough handling can cause discomfort or even lead to flare-ups, so discuss comfort levels with clients before you begin working on their hair.  Use soft brushes and avoid vigorous scrubbing when washing or styling hair to avoid irritating the scalp.

Additionally, applying hair dye when a client has an active flare-up can cause irritation and discomfort, so it’s important to have a thorough consultation beforehand. If a client has an inflamed scalp, consider rescheduling the appointment for when the flare-up subsides or discuss hair dye options. Dyes that contain Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) can irritate the scalp, so consider offering a range of alternatives for those with sensitive scalps.

It’s essential that clients do a patch test ahead of their appointment to ensure they don’t have any adverse reactions to the dye.

A hair colour service like balayage is a great option for clients who experience scalp irritation, as the hair dye doesn’t need to be positioned close to the scalp.

Discuss the right hair extension options

Hair extensions and psoriasis may not seem like the best combination – but expert advice and application can minimise discomfort and create beautiful, natural-looking hair.

An important consideration for those struggling with a scalp condition is the weight of the hair extensions and the installation method.

Tape-in extensions are a great recommendation for those with sensitive scalps, as these extensions have a bigger attachment point, resulting in less strain on your natural hair and scalp.

Bonded extensions have a much smaller attachment point which places more tension on the scalp. This increased tension may aggravate those with sensitive scalps and may not be suitable for those with psoriasis.

Choosing the right products

When working with clients with psoriasis, the products you use can make a significant difference. Avoid using products with fragrances or alcohol, as these can irritate sensitive skin. Instead, opt for gentle, hypoallergenic products for sensitive skin or specifically formulated to treat psoriasis.

Some ingredients can be beneficial for those with scalp conditions. One study found that Blue Lagoon algae is beneficial for reducing inflammation of skin conditions. Other ingredients like zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole are commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos but can also be effective in treating other scalp conditions.

Comprehensive knowledge of ingredients will provide ease of mind to clients. To offer an inclusive service tailored to all client needs, stock up on a variety of products suitable for those with skin conditions.

Provide post-treatment recommendations

Aftercare is just as important as the service itself. Providing clients with aftercare advice tailored to their condition is essential to maintain the health of their scalp and hair.

Maintenance of hair extensions will depend on the type of hair extensions applied. For extensions that require more regular maintenance, clients should be comfortable with regular salon appointments and confident that these won’t irritate their skin condition.

Recommending specific shampoos, conditioners, or scalp treatments that soothe and manage psoriasis will also put clients at ease. It’s also useful to discuss what products clients currently use to manage their psoriasis as the ingredients in these may affect hair dye or extensions.