Trichological Hair Loss Service
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How Does Menopause Affect Your Hair?
Most women find that their hair loses both volume and length around menopause. Oestrogen is a “hair-friendly” hormone that helps keep hair in the anagen (growth) phase for longer. As levels decrease, hairs may grow more slowly and become gradually finer.
For women whose hair follicles are sensitive to androgens (male hormones), hair thinning during menopause is often more pronounced. This can be influenced by genetics, meaning some women may notice changes earlier or more obviously than others.
Hormonal Changes During Menopause
Hair thinning is always gradual, no matter what the cause. Fifty is the average age for menopause, but changes to your hair can begin long before. Around menopause, you may begin to notice the following:
- Your ponytail is thinner
- Your hair is not growing as long as it used to
- Your parting is wider
- Your scalp is more visible around the crown of your head
- A recession at your temples
- A loss of density at your frontal hairline
- A reduction in the thickness (volume) and length of each strand
What are the Treatments for Menopausal Hair Thinning?
There are two main types of hair loss that are commonly seen in menopausal women:
Telogen effluvium: A temporary shedding phase caused by hormonal stress or imbalance, often noticeable several months after menopause begins.
Androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss): A gradual thinning of hair over time, particularly in women with androgen-sensitive follicles.
You can read more about hair loss here.
Symptoms Of Menopausal Hair Thinning
Hair thinning is always gradual, often starting before the average age of menopause (around 50) in genetically predisposed women. Some things you may notice include:
Thinner ponytails
Hair not growing as long as it used to
Wider partings and more visible scalp at the crown
Receding temples or frontal hairline
Reduced thickness and volume of individual strands
The Best Treatments For Menopausal Hair Thinning
Depending on your needs and preferences, there are some things which can really help slow thinning, stimulate growth and improve overall hair density.
Hair follicle stimulants: Products like minoxidil help promote hair growth by extending the anagen phase.
Prescription scalp drops: At our Philip Kingsley Clinics, we formulate prescription-only drops containing anti-androgenic hormones and a follicle stimulant. Most clients see improved hair density within 3–6 months, with maintenance required for ongoing results. Untreated hair thinning is usually progressive.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT restores oestrogen to pre-menopausal levels, relieving symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and osteoporosis. In some cases, HRT can also improve hair thinning. It’s important to discuss hair concerns with your doctor, as some HRT combinations are more hair-friendly than others.
Expert Tips For Helping Hair Appearance
Even as hair thins, certain styling choices can help create the illusion of fuller hair:
Colouring and bleaching: Plumps hair shafts for more volume.
Choose hair shades close to your scalp colour: Helps disguise scalp visibility.
Root concealers: Cover grey or sparse areas between colouring sessions to narrow partings.
Expert Tips For Helping Hair Appearance
Our expert Trichologists recommend the below as just a few of the simple steps you can take that can make a big difference:
- Use gentle, volumising products tailored to thinning or delicate hair. Our Body Building or Density ranges are best for this.
- Condition mid-lengths and ends only to avoid weighing down roots.
- Avoid excessive heat styling where possible and always use a heat protectant like our Perfecting Primer Heat Protection Spray.
- Regular pre-shampoo conditioning treatments can help maintain strength and elasticity. Try our award-winning Elasticizer once a week.
Seeking Expert Advice & Professional Support
Changes in hair density can affect confidence and self-image. It’s normal to feel frustrated or self-conscious during this transition. Seeking guidance from a Trichologist or exploring styling techniques can help you manage these changes while maintaining healthy hair. You can book a consultation with us here.
Seeking Expert Advice & Professional Support
Q: Can hair thinning during menopause be reversed?
A: While some shedding from hormonal changes may be temporary, genetically predisposed thinning is usually progressive. Early intervention with topical treatments or HRT can help maintain hair density.
Q: Are certain hairstyles or products better for menopausal hair?
A: Lightweight volumising products, strategic colouring and styles that add lift at the roots can create the appearance of fuller hair without stressing fragile strands.
Q: How soon after menopause might I notice hair changes?
A: Hair changes can begin several years before menopause in genetically predisposed women and may continue gradually afterward.
