The average age of the menopause is around 50 and, in the months, or years leading up to this, some people notice a change in their hair. It may become more brittle, lack shine, become thin or notice shedding more frequently. This could be visible from day to day brushing or when the hair is washed.
These changes are normal when going through the menopause and there are things you can do to support a healthy scalp and healthy hair.
When does the hair start to become affected?
The first signs of the hair being affected are usually in the perimenopausal stage when you notice the signs of menopause such as changes to the body and hormones, but your menstrual cycle is still taking place. Often with fluctuations and changes to the menstrual cycle there is a depletion in Serum Ferritin which indicates your body’s stored iron levels.
Leading trichologist and Regis brand partner Eva Proudman states, “We are very aware from scientific research that low ferritin levels lead to excessive hair shedding called telogen effluvium. Keeping our ferritin levels up is key to keeping our hair growing. Healthy, good food sources are red meat, beans, nuts, brown rice and fortified breakfast cereals.”
Signs and symptoms of menopausal hair
- Your hair appears to have stopped growing
- Your parting is getting wider, and your scalp is more visible on the top of your head
- A recession of hair around the temples and front hairline
- A reduction in the thickness and length of each strand of hair
What to do and how to treat
Diet and nutrition
A review of your diet is a good place to start. Make sure you are eating a healthy and varied diet including lots of protein and fruit and vegetables containing important vitamins and nutrients. Specific supplements that are made for hair or mineral and protein supplements can help if these cannot be included in your diet.
Products and tools
Using heated tools such as straighteners or tongs can influence the hair and it’s shedding. Try and reduce the number of times you use these tools. If you do use heat on your hair, make sure you are using a good quality heat protector to shield the hair from any damage. Doing this alongside using a thickening shampoo and conditioner can improve the overall appearance of the hair.
Treatments
A salon-professional scalp treatment is an effective way to calm and clear the scalp to ensure healthy growth and overall hair health. Speak to your stylist about our Scalp Rejuvenation treatment. This treatment includes a full exfoliation of the scalp and cleansing as well as a luxurious conditioning mask applied to the mid-lengths to ends for that overall hair health
Exercise
Staying active and making sure you have regular exercise can help manage stress. Stress has a negative effect on the hair but making sure you take time out of your day to relax and destress is important.
When to seek help
You should consult with your GP if you are finding the symptoms of menopause difficult. They can investigate your overall health and talk to you about HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy).
Do make your Regis stylist aware if you are taking HRT medication. Some HRT treatments are not always hair friendly and can exacerbate your hair thinning.
If hair loss is rapid and if there are signs of itching, redness, scaling or suffering with a painful scalp this would need further investigation by your GP or trichologist.
In summary changes in the hair during the menopause are extremely common. It’s important to note that whilst there are ways to help, not all treatments will reduce all hair shedding. Diet, lifestyle and haircare are the main factors that influence your hair health which are important for you to manage.
All appointments start with a consultation. Let us know of any changes to your hair between appointments so our stylists can offer the best advice.
Treat your hair and scalp well at Regis.
*Some of the content and wording in this advice blog has been provided by leading trichologist and Regis partner Eva Proudman FIT IAT*
