How Peri-Menopause and Menopause Affect Your Hair: What You Need to Know

How Peri-Menopause and Menopause Affect Your Hair: What You Need to Know

Hair changes are one of the lesser-talked-about signs of peri-menopause and menopause, but they are incredibly common. Fluctuating hormones during this time can have a big impact on hair growth, texture, density, and scalp health. Understanding these changes can help you adapt your hair care routine and maintain healthy, strong hair throughout this phase of life.

Hormones and Hair Health
Oestrogen and progesterone play key roles in your hair’s growth cycle. During peri-menopause and menopause, levels of these hormones decline, while androgen (male hormone) levels can rise slightly. This hormonal shift can:

• Shorten the hair growth phase (anagen phase), leading to slower growth.

• Increase hair shedding, especially around the hairline and crown.

• Change hair texture, making previously soft, thick hair feel finer, drier, or more brittle.

Common Hair Changes During Menopause

1. Thinning Hair: Reduced oestrogen means hair follicles may shrink, causing thinner strands and reduced volume.

2. Increased Hair Loss: Many women notice more hair in the shower, on brushes, or on pillows. This is often diffuse shedding rather than patchy bald spots.

3. Texture Changes: Hair can become coarser, wiry, or frizzier due to reduced oil production and changes in keratin structure.

4. Scalp Changes: A decrease in natural oils can lead to dryness, sensitivity, or increased scalp congestion.

Supporting Your Hair During Menopause
While hormones play a big role, there are ways to support hair and scalp health during this time:

• Scalp Care is Key: Use gentle, pH-balanced shampoos with low or no sulphates to keep your scalp healthy. Clarifying shampoos like Eleven Gentle Cleanse, Pureology Hydrate Shampoo or Biolage Clarifying Shampoo can help remove build-up and stimulate follicles. 

• If there is hair loss happening, we recommend L'Oreal Serioxyl Shampoo or Biolage Full Rescue Shampoo, paired with Serioxyl Scalp Spray or Redken Thickening Serum. To help stimulate and wake up those follicles.

• Moisture & Strength: Use conditioners and treatments suited to your hair type. Look for products with nourishing ingredients like hydrolysed proteins, ceramides, or natural oils. We recommend massaging your conditioner into your scalp if you are experiencing dryness.

• Massage & Circulation: Regular scalp massages with one of our silicone massager can lift oils, reduce congestion, and improve blood flow to follicles, supporting hair growth.

• Minimise Heat & Damage: Reduce the use of hot tools, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles that can stress fragile strands.

• Professional Support: Hair consultations and treatments at the salon can help tailor solutions to your changing hair needs.

When to Seek Medical Advice
We always recommend getting some blood tests done to check for any other deficiencies' and starting that conversation with your GP. If hair loss is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare professional always. Sometimes, underlying conditions like thyroid issues, iron deficiency, or other hormonal imbalances can also contribute to hair changes.

Embrace the Changes
Hair changes during peri-menopause and menopause are natural, but with the right care, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair. At Elluca, we specialise in helping clients navigate these changes with professional treatments, expert advice, and salon-quality products tailored to your hair’s evolving needs.

Pro Tip: Regular scalp care, gentle cleansing, and nourishing treatments can make a noticeable difference in texture, strength, and overall hair health during menopause.