January 04, 2023

How to restore thinning hair during menopause

Hair loss and thinning hair are not uncommon in menopause, but it can be disconcerting. In addition, hair often becomes dry or the texture changes as a result of the hormonal changes that occur. In this article we look at why hair loss and changes occur in menopause and what you can do about it.

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Deep Conditioning Argan Oil Conditioner
£18

Why hair changes during menopause

"Androgens, such as testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and their prohormones dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (A) are the key factors in the growth of terminal hair."[1]

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is often experienced to some degree in menopause, because of a combination of factors relating to hormones. While the reason for this is complex, it boils down to the drop in oestrogen in your system. This largely relates to the following:

Oestrogen is related to hair growth, so when oestrogen levels are high (pregnancy), hair often grows, and when it drops (menopause), the growth phase in hair decreases, leading to hair thinning.
It's not just the drop in oestrogen production itself, but how this then impacts complex interactions with other hormones that contribute to alterations in hair growth.
As oestrogen drops, it changes the balance of androgens in the body. These are known to stimulate more visible body hair (some women experience hair growth in other areas), but are also known to inhibit specific scalp follicles.[2]

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Deep Conditioning Argan Oil Shampoo
£18

How can you improve menopausal hair health?

There are things that you can do to support hair health during menopause, aim to stimulate hair growth and generally keep it looking and feeling its best. For example:

Try acupuncture and scalp massage to promote blood circulation and hair health.
Eat a healthy diet, in particular look for foods rich in Omega 3, Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium, Iron, Folic acid, and Vitamins A, C and E. You will find them in foods such as lentils, leafy green veg, seeds and nuts, soy, fish, dark green vegetables, and good quality meat.
Proactively do things to reduce stress. Stress can contribute to hair loss as it can push large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase.
Stay hydrated with a combination of water filled fruit and veg, as well as drinking water. This helps improve blood circulation to nourish follicles.
Try to avoid overusing hair straighteners and blow dryers, and don't wash hair every day - allow some natural oils to stay in the hair to strengthen follicles.
Nurture your hair with nourishing products and masks to boost its health.
Protect your hair if you swim in chlorine or when you go out in the sun with a swimming cap or hat.

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Deep Condition Hair Treatment
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The best products to restore menopausal hair health

Menopause Hair Loss Shampoo

£20

Gentle hair care specifically for thinning hair and hair going through all three stages of menopause, this shampoo is designed to be used regularly. It can also be used for volumising the hair.

Menopause Dry Hair Loss Conditioner

£18

This conditioner is also a volumising conditioner designed for regular use. It contains naturally occurring plant oestrogens, boosts hair health and enhances texture.

Deep Hair Food Treatment

£15

A multi-purpose hair treatment, the Deep Hair Food Treatment is moisturising & restoring. Designed to be used as a treatment or pre-shampoo nourishing feed, it uses plant oestrogens to help thicken hair.

Maximum Volumising Hair Spray Vegan

£12

This leave-in volumising conditioner adds body and hold to fine hair. It's perfect for styling hair and adding thickness using the power of plants. Designed for regular use, you simply spritz it into towel dried hair.