High Curl Pattern Hair and Scalp Care Considerations to Mitigate Seborrheic Dermatitis

Authors

• Valerie Callender, Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Howard University, Callender Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, Glenn Dale, Maryland, USA.
• Cheryl Burgess, Department of Dermatology, Georgetown University and the George Washington University, Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Washington, DC, USA.
• Valerie M. Harvey, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Newport News, Virginia, USA.
• Candrice Heath, Department of Dermatology, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA.
• Hope Mitchell, Mitchell Dermatology, Perrysburg, Ohio, USA.
• Heather Woolery-Lloyd, Skin of the Color Division, University of Miami Department of Dermatology, Miami, Florida, USA.
• Anneke Andriessen, RBC Consultants, Anneke Andriessen & co BV, Malden, the Netherlands.
• Amy McMichael, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

4-1-2026

Journal

Journal of cosmetic dermatology

Volume

25

Issue

4

DOI

10.1111/jocd.70842

Abstract

BACKGROUND: High-curl-pattern hair has unique structural characteristics that increase its susceptibility to breakage and to seborrheic dermatitis (SD). AIMS: The paper discusses the challenges in effectively treating patients with high-curl-pattern hair and SD, and the role of ceramide-containing products in improving the condition. METHODS: Following a systematic literature review, a panel of dermatologists developed five consensus statements on the relationship between SD and scalp barrier health in hair with a high curl pattern. RESULTS: Certain hair care practices common among individuals with high-curl-pattern hair may contribute to the development or exacerbation of SD, leading to considerable psychological distress. These statements reflect expert opinion and highlight key treatment challenges in this population. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to better understand racial and ethnic variations in SD and to support individualized, culturally sensitive approaches to its treatment and management.

APA Citation

Callender, Valerie; Burgess, Cheryl; Harvey, Valerie M.; Heath, Candrice; Mitchell, Hope; Woolery-Lloyd, Heather; Andriessen, Anneke; and McMichael, Amy, "High Curl Pattern Hair and Scalp Care Considerations to Mitigate Seborrheic Dermatitis" (2026). GW Authored Works. Paper 9136.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/9136

Department

Dermatology