The Best Way To Manage Thinning Hair During Menopause

As we get older, our hair undergoes changes in colour, volume and texture—but menopause isn’t the sole cause. “Grey hair and brittle hair are largely age-related, not menopause-related,” says Kebrabe Shibeshi, a Toronto-based research and development manager at Unilever who works on formulations for Dove and Tresemmé products.

A lack of fullness, however, is linked to fluctuating hormone levels, which may shrink follicles. And about 50 percent of post-menopausal women experience female-pattern hair loss, though more research is needed to determine whether menopause itself is to blame. 

The good news? While you should consult a dermatologist at the first sign of hair loss or thinning, a few product swaps may help improve hydration and pump up lacklustre volume.

Take care of your scalp

“Treat your scalp as you would your skin,” says Élodie Sicot, a Montreal-based Vichy product specialist and regional trainer at L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty. Shibeshi agrees, and suggests using a leave-in scalp product that contains vitamin B3 (a.k.a. niacinamide) and glycerine.

Try: Dove Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Care Leave-On Treatment, $10

Use a strengthening shampoo and conditioner

“The strength of our hair changes as we age,” says Sicot—especially if you regularly use hot tools or get colour treatments. Look for a product that repairs breakage and strengthens strands.

Try: Vichy Dercos Energy+ Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner, $24 each

Practice damage control

Swearing off colour treatments and hot tools will improve hair quality, but it’s a sacrifice you might not be willing to make. At the least, consider using hair colour that doesn’t contain ammonia, sulfates or parabens, and always apply a protectant before heat styling. “Using one daily can build up your hair’s tolerance for heat over time,” says Dhaval Patel, a senior scientist at Unilever in Toronto.

Try: Clairol Natural Instincts Vegan Color, $12

Try: Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray, $15

Read more about menopause wellness.