Beyoncé just gave fans a glimpse into her beauty rituals while reminding everyone that healthy hair starts at the scalp. In a recent video for her brand Cécred, Beyoncé opened up about lifelong struggles with scalp psoriasis. She revealed how tending to the skin beneath our strands is non-negotiable for true hair wellness.
Normalizing Scalp Psoriasis
In the video posted to Cécred’s Instagram, Beyoncé shares that she has always dealt with an extremely dry scalp and explains that she has psoriasis.
“One of my fondest memories growing up was my dad putting my medicine on my scalp,” she recalls. “I have a very dry scalp. I have psoriasis that I’ve struggled with since I was a kid.”
It’s a rare and powerful moment of vulnerability from someone who’s so often seen as superhuman. She also reflects on her childhood memories in her mother Tina Knowles’s hair salon. She called it a sacred space where she first learned to appreciate the significance of hair care as a ritual.
This isn’t Beyoncé’s first time speaking about her scalp struggles. Since launching Cécred, she’s been transparent about the personal inspiration behind the line. She drew from her own experience with scalp issues and dry hair that stemmed from years of color treatment and styling.
What Is Scalp Psoriasis, And Who Does It Impact?
Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the skin on the scalp to build up too quickly. It results in thick, scaly and itchy patches. These plaques can range in color from silver to brown, depending on the individual’s skin tone. It often mimics dandruff, but can also cause soreness, flaking and temporary hair thinning or loss when left untreated. For many Black women, scalp psoriasis can be especially hard to detect and treat because it may present differently than what’s typically depicted in mainstream dermatology.
Psoriasis affects roughly 7 million people in the U.S., yet it remains widely misunderstood. The condition can flare up due to stress, diet or environmental factors, making consistent scalp care crucial not just cosmetic.
Beyoncé’s Scalp Care Rituals with Cécred
Beyoncé’s haircare brand Cécred was developed with her personal experience in mind. At the heart of the line is a scalp-first philosophy. Her go-to product is the Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub. It is a formula that gently exfoliates the scalp with tea tree oil and fermented willow bark. This product helps remove buildup and soothe irritation without stripping away natural moisture.
Another standout product is the Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual. It’s a nod to ancient beauty traditions that involve mixing the powder with water to create a protein-rich rinse. Beyoncé uses it to strengthen hair while maintaining softness. She follows this with a Nourishing Hair Oil designed to hydrate both the scalp and strands.
In a widely circulated video, Beyoncé walked fans through her wash-day routine. She begins by applying a scalp scrub in sections to break down buildup, then follows with a hydrating shampoo on parted hair. After a thorough rinse, she conditions, twists her hair into buns and sits under a dryer for deep penetration. She then blow-dries her hair without adding extra products and finishes with a protective style. This intimate look not only showcased her natural hair, but also silenced critics who questioned her authenticity.
Scalp Care 101: Tips for Healthy Roots
Inspired by Beyoncé’s approach, it’s clear that prioritizing scalp health is essential. Regularly clarifying the scalp using gentle, sulfate-free scrubs or shampoos is important to remove product buildup and excess oil. Hydrating with oils, like jojoba, tea tree or rosemary, can soothe irritation and mimic the scalp’s natural sebum, reducing flakiness. Scalp massages, whether during wash-day or as a nightly ritual, promote blood circulation. They also help distribute natural oils while relieving tension.
When it comes to products, those dealing with chronic dryness or scalp conditions, like psoriasis, should consider medicated options that include ingredients, such as salicylic acid, coal tar, or zinc pyrithione. These can help calm inflammation and reduce scaling. It’s also important to remain consistent. Scalp care isn’t a one-and-done task but a regular part of your beauty routine. When symptoms worsen or persist, a dermatologist should always be consulted for tailored treatments.
Why This Matters for Black Women
Hair is deeply personal, particularly for Black women. Many grew up learning how to oil their scalps, braid their hair before bed, and wrap it in silk scarves. Despite this cultural knowledge, scalp care is often under-emphasized in mainstream beauty conversations. Beyoncé’s openness about her psoriasis is powerful, not just because it’s rare to see someone in her position be so honest, but because she’s opening the door for other Black women to speak openly about their scalp health.
The stigma around conditions, like psoriasis or eczema, especially in Black communities, often leads to people suffering in silence. Beyoncé reminds everyone that scalp issues aren’t something to hide. They’re something to care for, honor and tend to with love.