This month’s blog comes about as a result of lots of conversations with clients over recent months about changes they were experiencing to their hair during the menopause. Many of you have noticed a loss of volume, increased hair shedding or changes to texture. And while we know our stuff when it comes to all things hair, these conversations made us want to find out more about why so many women experience these changes, so that we could support you better.

So we’ve done our research and hopefully this blog will be helpful to some of you, and also encourage you to speak to your stylist about any issues or changes to your hair-whatever the cause, so that we can give you the best advice, and tailor our services and product recommendations to meet your unique needs.

What happens to your hair during the menopause, and why?

Changes to hair during the menopause or perimenopause are very common, with around 40% of women experiencing hair thinning and loss. Many women also notice their hair becoming dryer and less manageable.

According to Dr Zoe Schaedel, Menopause Specialist and Co Director at Myla Health (not to mention, lovely Shine client!), these issues are mostly caused by a drop in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen protects hair follicles and boosts hair growth. When it decreases, hair follicles tend to shrink and the hair grows more slowly. This can result in the individual hairs becoming finer, and therefore producing less overall scalp coverage. You may also notice you’re shedding more hair than usual when you wash or brush it. ‘For some women taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help slow down or stop hair loss, but it doesn’t always help’ explains Zoe.’There are also other possible causes of hair loss that should also be considered, such as iron deficiency, thyroid disorders and some medications.’

How to look after your hair during and after the menopause

When it comes to hair products, unfortunately there’s no magic wand out there that can stop menopausal hair loss and thinning. But there are things you can do to help your hair look and feel its best:

Hair can become weaker and thinner during the menopause, making it more prone to breakage. We recommend Aveda’s Invati Advanced range to a lot of clients who are experiencing this. The shampoos and conditioners enhance the appearance of the hair’s texture to improve scalp coverage, while Invati Advanced Thickening Conditioner, £31.50, contains amino acids to help strengthen and protect hair against further breakage. We use the Invati Advanced Thickening Foam, £28, in the salon a lot to create thicker, fuller looking hair for our clients, without weighing it down. Another long-time Shine favourite for instant volume is Aveda’s Thickening Tonic, £24.50-ideal if you’ve got fine, thinning hair.

Avoid using really heavy conditioners on thinning hair, as it will just emphasise a lack of volume. Aveda’s Botanical Repair Intensive Strengthening Masque: Light, £36, is designed to strengthen and repair fine to medium hair without leaving it looking flat and lifeless.

When oestrogen levels drop your scalp glands produce less oil, which can leave your scalp feeling dry, itchy and sensitive. Try adding a scalp exfoliator to your haircare routine. Use once or twice a week to clear any blockages that may be obstructing hair growth, and gently stimulate hair follicles, without irritating the skin. We love Aveda’s Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, £39, for an instantly soothed, tingly scalp and hair that’s left feeling salon-fresh. For when you need an extra scalp hydration boost, follow up by massaging a few drops of Scalp Solutions Overnight Renewal Serum, £42, into your scalp at bed time. You can find out more about looking after your scalp in our recent scalp care blog.

The right colour treatment can work wonders for how your hair looks and feels. That’s why working with a colourist who knows what they’re doing is so important. Make your colourist aware of any changes to your hair so they can advise you on the best treatment. We use Aveda colour which includes protective plant oils that don't damage the hair in the same way that chemical dyes and bleaches do, leaving it more prone to further breakage.

Talk to us. If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning (or any hair changes), please mention it to us during your consultation so that we can advise you as to which products will work best for you and your hair. We may also be able to suggest cutting or styling your hair differently to disguise any hair loss and help you feel more confident.

What we’ll be doing this month

Watching… Prime Video’s adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling book, Daisy Jones & The Six. Following a Fleetwood Mac-esque band’s rise to fame in 1970s LA (and their eventual downfall), it has been filmed in a mock-documentary style and promises to serve up plenty of sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll. Sounds like perfect binge-watching material to us.

Getting excited about… the Brighton Fringe (5 May- 4 June 2023), and Brighton Festival (6- 28 May). Spring is just around the corner which means it’s not long until the city’s month long celebration of all things art and culture kicks off. As always, the programme for both festivals is bursting with something for everyone, with lots of free stuff happening too. During the Fringe a pop-up outdoor festival site built out of repurposed caravans and fairground waltzers will be set up near St.Peter’s Church and play host to secret bars, food trucks, workshops and talks, along with a dedicated kids’ area.

And finally…

Last month we waved a fond farewell to our lovely Miriam as she moves on to pastures new. A bonafide Shine institution, she’s been with us since the very beginning and we know that you will all miss her as much as us. But never fear, we promise that you’ll still be in safe hands when you next visit the salon and will always be guaranteed a warm welcome. We hope to see you soon!

Book your next appointment with us online, by email or over the phone.