With October being officially recognised as World Menopause Awareness Month, we are taking a look at the significant impact menopause has on both our industry’s workforce and its clients. From increasing the awareness of its impact on women’s hair health, to promoting support systems for female clients navigating this time, we break down everything you need to know about menopause and hair…
4 Ways Menopause Affects the Hair – Maxine Sutcliffe, Qualified Trichologist, KH Hair, Newark
- Chemical Changes
When we first become perimenopausal, our hormones begin to fluctuate, causing a ripple effect throughout the whole of our bodies. Heavy periods can lead to a loss of serum ferritin (the storage of iron), and this can contribute towards hair loss or hair thinning. In addition, menopause can also cause the hair to become finer and more brittle, which can result in breakage if not cared for properly.
- Diet
When it comes to tackling menopause, the importance of a healthy, balanced diet cannot be overestimated – especially for hair growth. Red meat, beans, brown rice and nuts, for example, are a great way to help combat hair loss through keeping our ferritin levels up. It’s important for clients to choose foods that contain biotin too, as this is beneficial for hormone balance, energy production and strong, healthy hair, skin and nails. It can be found in eggs, milk, bananas, salmon, avocados, raspberries and sunflower seeds.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
If symptoms are severe, a client’s doctor may suggest Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This helps restore the body’s oestrogen, in turn relieving troublesome mood swings and hot flushes. Through replacing these declining hormones, HRT is also known to slow down or even stop hair loss or thinning. Whilst clients do appreciate advice from their hairdresser on issues surrounding menopausal hair, you must ensure they always consult a GP before taking any form of Hormone Replacement Therapy.
- The ‘S’ Word
Another huge factor that can affect the hair is stress, and many symptoms of menopause certainly contribute towards increased levels of this! Stress is a well-known trigger for hair loss, so I always tell my clients to get plenty of exercise to try and keep stress levels down and feel-good hormones up.
How to Identify Menopausal Clients – Deborah Maguire, Love Hair Co-Owner and Seed and Soul Co-Founder
Menopausal hair loss is something we see increasingly often, and not just with our clients in their 50s – the peri-menopause can start as early as 35, and hair is often the first signal that something is changing internally.
Why does it happen?
During menopause, oestrogen and progesterone (the hormones that support hair growth and density) begin to decline. This hormonal shift can increase the effects of androgens (male hormones), particularly DHT, which can shrink follicles and lead to thinner, weaker and slower-growing hair.
How can this show up?
- A thinner ponytail.
- Excessive shedding in the shower or hairbrush.
- A more visible scalp, especially at the crown or temples.
- Hair breakage at the crown of the head.
- A dry, irritated scalp.
How can hairdressers identify this?
You don’t need a microscope to be a brilliant support to your clients. Here’s what to look for:
- Short, wispy regrowth that never quite thickens up.
- A widening parting, especially near the fringe and crown.
- Clients complaining of frizz, dryness or an increased sensitivity to colour.
How can hairdressers support their clients?
This is where we can have a huge impact. Even if we’re not medical professionals, we are trusted experts and early spotters. I recommend opening the conversation gently with clients, creating a safe space by simply asking if they’ve noticed any changes in their hair or scalp lately. Clients often feel relief just being able to say it out loud.
Try to educate without overwhelming. Explain that menopausal hair changes are common, but not inevitable or untreatable. Offer reassurance to let them know they are not alone and that support does exist. Remember, hairdressers are often the first people women confide in, and that gives us incredible power to support, uplift and guide them through a confusing time. Menopausal hair loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it’s a health message. When we can help decode it, we become more than stylists; we become trusted allies.
What Type of Products Should You Be Using on Menopausal Clients? – Tamara Robinson, Design Essentials Artistic Educator
Since menopause often results in hair thinning, dryness, slower growth and even an increased scalp sensitivity, it’s the perfect opportunity to reassess your clients’ routine and shift towards products that hydrate, strengthen and soothe.
“I always recommend starting with sulphate-free, moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners, and adding in regular deep hydration like the Honey Crème Moisture Retention Masque from Design Essentials. Look for ingredients such as biotin, peptides, niacinamide and caffeine, all of which help to support the scalp and hair follicles.”
A bond-repair treatment and a calming scalp serum can also make a big difference, especially if the client is experiencing discomfort or breakage. Even small switches, like using a silk pillowcase or incorporating protective styles, can help reduce stress on the hair.
5 Top Tips for Working With Extensions on Menopausal Hair – Inanch Emir, Inanch London
- Start With the Scalp:
Always carry out a thorough consultation, especially checking for scalp sensitivity and hair density.
- Micro Bonds for the Win:
Cutting our Gold Class Hair polymer bonds into micro sections ensures precision and comfort for thinning areas.
- Focus On Volume, Not Length:
Adding body to the sides and crown subtly boosts the client’s confidence and keeps the finish natural.
- Prioritise Maintenance:
Recommend gentle, sulphate-free aftercare and encourage regular salon visits for refits and scalp check-ups.
- Support From Within:
Nutritional support – such as biotin or marine collagen supplements – can work synergistically with external treatments for better results.
