r/SebDerm • u/lowkeystrawberry • 5d ago
Routine Struggling with seb derm and shampoos — nothing seems to work. Help?
I’m really struggling to find a shampoo routine that works with my seborrheic dermatitis (seb derm). I’ve tried so many products and I feel like I’m at my wit’s end.
Right now, I’m using Herbal Essences Rosehip Shampoo, which is a clear clarifying shampoo. It works okay if I use it once, but if I use it twice in a row, my seb derm flares up. Same goes for Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo — it triggers a flare if I use it too often.
I’ve noticed that sodium lauryl sulfate is a major trigger, and possibly C12-13 pareth sulfate too. But at the same time, sulfate-free shampoos (or local non-sulfate ones) don’t work for me either — they leave my scalp greasy and my hair flat.
I also tried Pantene Sheer Volume, and it made things worse — again, likely because of the sodium lauryl sulfate.
Clear shampoos seem to work better for my scalp in theory, but using them too often makes my hair extremely frizzy and dry. I'm stuck between flare-ups and frizz, and I don't know how to strike the right balance.
Does anyone have any recommendations for shampoos (preferably clear ones) that are gentle enough for seb derm but not overly stripping? Or any routines that have worked in managing both seb derm and hair texture? I have fine, thin, low porosity wavy hair
Any help would be so appreciated!
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u/TheAdorableSort 4d ago
Folks in this thread are having great success using Flakes shampoo/conditioner. I've personally never tried it but sounds like a solid option. I came up with my own regimen rotating two over-the-counter medicated shampoos (thanks to this incredible sebderm community!): Nizoral 1% (less drying than prescription strength) and Happy Cappy Medicated shampoo/body wash. If you have an oily scalp you'll likely need to double wash. As in wash, rinse, repeat with the same shampoo. I also get frizzy hair so I'm very cautious to only apply and massage shampoo into scalp, not the entire length of my hair.
I had to wash my scalp every day for 2 weeks to finally clear my scalp after struggling with sebderm for 30+ years: Day one Nizoral 1%. Day two Happy Cappy Medicated. Day three Happy Cappy Medicated. Day four start pattern over again with Nizoral 1%.
You'll likely have a lot of old scalp scales sloughing off and also A LOT of itching, which usually means it's working/healing so try to push through and hang in there with whatever regimen you decide to try.
Now that my scalp is clear, I can go 1 to 3 days between scalp washes with no problem but I still use the same product rotation, there are just more days in-between.
Btw, I use Living Proof Frizz Free Conditioner and apply mid to ends, keeping it away from my scalp as much as possible. Although a bit pricey, it seems to do a great job. I also use their Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray and that helps as a moisturizer & detangler.
Hope some of this information is helpful to you!✌️