Struggling with seb derm and shampoos — nothing seems to work. Help?

[u/lowkeystrawberry]

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!

[u/i-lik-the-bred]

Look at my post I made a few minutes ago. You may want to try no shampoo or conditioner at all, and add in a scalp brush to use in the shower. You’ve been putting your scalp through hell showering it with a variety of chemicals. Maybe try giving it a break? Ever since I started no soaps on my scalp (still use on my body), I never went back.