Menopause and your hair; why things change and what can help

Featured in our November issue with Sue at HQ Hairology

If your hair seems to have developed a personality of its own during perimenopause or menopause, you are not imagining it.

Perhaps your ponytail feels smaller, your parting looks wider, or there seems to be more hair in the brush. Your scalp may feel drier, your hair may have lost some of its bounce, or products you have used for years suddenly seem to do very little.

I’m Sue at HQ Hairology, and one thing I want women to know is this: hair changes during menopause are common, but that doesn’t mean you simply have to put up with them.

Why does menopause affect your hair?

During perimenopause and menopause, hormone levels change, particularly oestrogen. These changes can affect the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding, slower growth or finer hair.

You may notice:

• more hair shedding

• a wider parting

• reduced density around the crown

• finer or more fragile hair

• changes in texture

• dryness or increased scalp visibility

Menopause may be part of the story, but it is not always the whole story.

Not every hair change is “just menopause”

Hair thinning can have many causes, including genetics, stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies and certain medical conditions.

That is why I always prefer to understand what is happening before recommending products or treatments.

At HQ Hairology, my Advanced Hair & Scalp Analysis allows me to look closely at both your hair and scalp. I assess the hair’s condition, strength and elasticity, while scalp imaging can highlight thinning, dryness, flaking, inflammation or product build-up.

It gives us a much clearer place to start.

Your scalp matters too

We often focus entirely on the hair and forget about the place it grows from.

Product build-up, excess oil, dryness and irritation can all affect how your scalp feels and how manageable your hair becomes.

For some clients, improving the scalp environment is an important part of their hair wellness plan. One option I offer is Dermabrasion Scalp Exfoliation, which deeply cleanses and exfoliates the scalp to remove build-up, dead skin cells and impurities. I often describe it as a facial for your scalp.

What can help?

There is no single answer because every woman’s hair is different. Your plan might involve improving scalp health, changing your home-care routine, reducing breakage, supporting the condition of the hair or exploring professional treatments.

Depending on what I find, we can look at suitable scalp treatments, professional home care, nutritional support and ongoing monitoring.

The important word is personalised.

What works brilliantly for a friend, relative or somebody on social media may not be what your hair needs.

Be kind to the hair you have

When hair becomes thinner, it is tempting to throw everything at it.

More products. More treatments. More supplements.

Sometimes less is more.

Gentler handling, reducing unnecessary heat, avoiding tension and using products suited to your current hair and scalp can all help protect fragile hair.

And if I spot something that would be better investigated medically, I will always tell you. Sometimes the right next step is a GP appointment rather than another salon treatment.

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There are options for added fullness too

Sometimes improving scalp and hair health is the priority. Sometimes you simply want your hair to look and feel fuller.

I also offer personalised hair-enhancement options for clients with finer or more delicate hair, along with support for wigs and toppers.

The right option should feel natural, comfortable and still feel like you.

Your hair may be changing, but you still have options

Hair is deeply connected to confidence and identity, so it is understandable if changes during menopause feel upsetting.

You do not need to struggle through it alone or spend a fortune experimenting with products that may not be right for you.

My job is to listen, look properly at what is happening and help you understand your options.

If you have noticed thinning, increased shedding, changes in texture or problems with your scalp, come and see me at HQ Hairology.

We can look at your hair and scalp in detail, talk through what you have been experiencing and create a realistic plan for your hair now.

No miracle promises. No one-size-fits-all answers.

Just personal, knowledgeable care and a clearer idea of what to do next.

If you are experiencing sudden, severe or unexplained hair loss, or you are concerned about other symptoms, please speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.