Hair Loss from Psoriasis: Hair Options from Someone Who's Been There

I was diagnosed with psoriasis when I was ten. The hair that once reached my belly button is now broken and sits above my shoulders. So when a woman tells me her hair is thinning because of psoriasis, I don't need it explained. I've stood in the shower and cried about it too.

That experience is why Stevi Pisoni Virgin Hair exists. This page is what I wish someone had given me: an honest look at why psoriasis affects your hair, and the hair options that work alongside it.

A note before we start: I'm a hair specialist, not a doctor. Your dermatologist should always be your first conversation about your scalp. Everything below is about hair, not treatment.

Can psoriasis cause hair loss?

Yes, and it's more common than most people realise. Between 2.3% and 6.6% of Australians live with psoriasis, according to the Medical Journal of Australia, and it often affects the scalp.

The American Academy of Dermatology points to what happens around the psoriasis as the usual cause of hair loss: scratching an itchy scalp, removing scale too forcefully, and strong treatments that leave hair dry and brittle enough to break. The encouraging part is that, in their words, hair tends to regrow once the scalp psoriasis clears. Read the AAD's guidance.

For some of us, though, "once it clears" takes years, or the flare-ups keep coming back. That's where hair can help. It doesn't replace treatment. It gives you your confidence back while your scalp does what it needs to do.

Your hair options with a sensitive scalp

There's no single right answer. The best option depends on how active your psoriasis is, where on your scalp it sits, and how much coverage you want. These are the options I talk through with clients:

Clip-in extensions

Clip-ins go in when you want them and come out when you don't, so on a day your scalp is flaring, you simply leave them off. Nothing stays attached to your scalp overnight. For many women with psoriasis, this is the gentlest place to start. See our custom clip-ins.

Toppers

If your hair has thinned on top, around the part or the crown, a topper adds coverage exactly where you've lost it. Mine are made to order in Russian virgin hair and colour-matched to you, and they can be taken off to give your scalp a break or to apply treatment. Explore custom toppers and wigs.

The Secret Pony

If what you miss most is a full ponytail, and I understand that one completely, the Secret Pony gives you one in minutes and comes off at the end of the day.

Weft extensions

Wefts give the most natural, long-wearing result, but they stay in for weeks at a time. Whether they suit you depends on your scalp, so it's something we'd assess together at consultation, ideally with your dermatologist's input. If it isn't the right time for wefts, I'll tell you honestly and we'll look at something you can take on and off.

Why I only use virgin hair

Most extensions on the market start as dark hair that's been lifted in a factory, then coated to make it look smooth. My Russian virgin hair comes from a single donor and has never been chemically processed, so it looks, moves and ages like your own hair. When you've been through hair loss, you deserve hair that feels like yours. Learn more about Russian virgin hair.

Looking after your hair and scalp

The AAD's advice for protecting hair with scalp psoriasis is simple, and it applies to extensions too:

• Brush and comb gently, and never pull scale off by force.
• Use conditioner after every wash, and alternate medicated shampoo with a gentle one so your hair doesn't dry out.
• Let your hair air dry where you can.
• Keep your nails short and smooth to limit damage from scratching.
• Patch test new hair products on a small area of scalp first.

If you wear extensions, ask your dermatologist how to use your medicated treatments around them. And see our complete extension care guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear hair extensions if I have psoriasis?

Many people with psoriasis do. The right type depends on how active your scalp psoriasis is and where it sits. Removable options like clip-ins and toppers are usually the easiest place to start. Check with your dermatologist first.

Will my hair grow back after psoriasis?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair tends to regrow once scalp psoriasis clears. Your dermatologist is the right person to talk to about your own scalp.

What's the gentlest hair option with scalp psoriasis?

Anything you can remove. Clip-ins, toppers and the Secret Pony can come off on flare days or when you need to apply treatment, so nothing stays on an irritated scalp.

Do you work with clients outside Adelaide?

Yes. My studio is in Henley Beach, Adelaide, and I send colour-matched clip-ins, toppers and ponytails to women across Australia.

Talk to someone who's been there

If you're living with psoriasis and your hair isn't what it used to be, I'd love to hear from you. No pressure and no sales pitch, just a conversation with someone who understands. Send me a message.

Stevi x

This page is general information about hair and is not medical advice. Please speak with your GP or dermatologist about your scalp and treatment.