The professional hair industry is built on trust, transformation and creating space for people to feel their best. As clients enter perimenopause and menopause, salon professionals are uniquely placed to support them during a time of often-invisible but deeply-felt change.
Hormonal shifts can bring a range of physical and emotional symptoms – including thinning hair, scalp sensitivity, hot flushes and mood swings. While these changes may be subtle, their impact can be profound, and they can all affect a client’s experience in the salon chair. That is why awareness, education and thoughtful adjustments to your service approach can make all the difference.
Start with a conversation. A simple “How have you been feeling lately?” or “Have you noticed any recent changes with your hair or scalp?” can open the door to a deeper, more personalised consultation. Some clients may not wish to share, and that is okay, but for those who do, listening with empathy and understanding builds trust and loyalty.
It’s important to record important client notes around this topic, such as increased sensitivity or changes in hair texture. These details will allow your team to tailor future appointments and ensure clients feel seen, heard and supported.
From a service perspective, comfort is key. Offer calming scalp treatments for clients experiencing irritation or hair loss, for instance. Also, always opt for gentle, nourishing shampoos and colour products that are kinder to sensitive scalps.
The environment matters too. Something as simple as offering a cool drink, a fan at the station or a quiet moment can help someone experiencing a hot flush feel more at ease. Additionally, breathable staff uniforms, temperature-controlled spaces and the option for more private consultations all contribute to a more inclusive and thoughtful experience.
Marketing plays a key role here as well. Menopausal clients are often overlooked in salon campaigns, and inclusive imagery, language and service packages tailored to their needs can go a long way. With services like Phorest Ads Manager, salons can create targeted local campaigns that speak directly to women in this life stage – whether it’s promoting haircare solutions or indulgent treatments designed for wellbeing.
Ultimately, creating a menopause-friendly salon culture is not about dramatic changes; it’s about small, consistent actions that come from a place of care. When you take those steps, you are showing your clients that their comfort, confidence and experience matter at every stage of life.
Put simply, menopause causes a women’s oestrogen levels to decline. Oestrogen is what helps to keep the hair in its anagen (growth) phase for longer. So, in turn, a lack of oestrogen can cause the hair to reduce in volume, feel finer or break more easily.
Like most hair loss cases, menopausal hair loss takes time to occur, so it’s always better to catch it early. When in the salon, it’s good to identify whether the hair is thinning due to menopause sooner rather than later, allowing a plan of action to be put into place.
How do you talk to your clients about menopause hair?
I always approach the topic with empathy and honesty. Most of the time, clients bring it up themselves when they start noticing changes in texture, shedding or overall thickness. If they don’t, I’ll gently start the conversation during a consultation if I can see their hair or scalp changing. I always listen first to make them feel heard, before explaining that what they’re experiencing is common and manageable. From there, we talk about how to adapt their haircare, styling and maintenance in order for the hair to look and feel the best it possibly can.
What are the key styling tips you give to clients who may be suffering from menopausal hair loss?
I focus on styles that make the hair look fuller and easier to manage. Structured shapes with soft layers, for example, can create natural volume without thinning out the ends. Often, slightly shorter cuts make the hair feel thicker and healthier, and avoiding heavy, blunt fringes can also help when the hairline isn’t as dense. I encourage gentle styling, minimal heat and regular trims to keep the hair’s strength and shape. It’s all about working with the hair the client
