Don’t get mad, get Haircare solutions! Hormonal changes may be a natural part of any woman’s life, but the effects they have on hair growth, hair loss, thinning hair - and more - can be tricky to navigate. Here’s my guide to managing hormonal changes – including Menopause - and the Haircare that can help!
By Kaea, Salon Stylist, Werribee
How Do Hormonal Changes Affect Hair Health?
- Hormones are controlled by the bodies endocrine system, which is responsible for any slight shift in hair growth. This can create changes in the hair in several ways:
- Androgens are linked to hair growth and hair loss.
- Oestrogen can also affect oestrogen levels leading to thinning hair and hair shedding.
- Imbalanced thyroid hormones can lead to hair loss, either stimulating hair growth or triggering hair loss.
Stress hormones, including cortisol, can lead to hair greying and push the hair growth process into a premature hair shedding phase.
When Do Hormonal Changes Affect Hair Health?
- Puberty: Hormones like testosterone and oestrogen can stimulate hair follicles, leading to oily hair, hair shedding and a change in hair texture.
- Pregnancy: Hair changes are real during pregnancy! These can include a complete change in texture - from straight to wavy to frizzy to straight again - or even thinning hair or hair shedding.
- Post-Partum: Hair growth can shift during this time with new hair regrowth popping up around the hairline or a continuation of hair shedding occurring.
- Perimenopause and Menopause: Hair growth can really change in this stage of life, with hair loss, thinning hair, changes in hair growth rates and texture shifts taking hold. This is due to fluctuating and declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone.
- High Stress: Overworked and under-rested? Your hair health may let you know about it. Levels of cortisol could be going through the roof if you’re stressed, and this can affect the hair growth cycle too. Changes include hair shedding and hair greying.
What Are the Treatment Options During Hormonal Changes?
The good news is Haircare brands are heeding the call of women looking for Haircare and even Heat Styling Tools to treat hormonally charged hair changes. However, the first step is to see a GP. This is a priority to ensure there are no underlying problems stimulating hair growth, hair loss, new hair, thinning hair or shifts in hormone levels.
Once you have expert advice from your Doctor, you can treat hair changes stimulated by hormonal shifts. These are my Haircare and Heat Stylers to get you from puberty, through pregnancy and past menopause.
Heat Style, Without Harm:
Did you know Cloud Nine Styling Tools are officially menopause friendly? As the first Heat Styling Tool Brand to join the powerful GenM Collective and earn the MTick™ certification for their menopause-friendly hair straighteners, Cloud Nine features 11 unique temperature settings that are kinder to hair. Frictionless Revive Mode® provides extra gentle use on hair at every stage of life, including menopause.
Boost Hair Growth:
When the androgens kick in - from puberty onwards - hair growth can take a hit. Hair growth can be stimulated, or you may experience thinning hair, so a product like Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo can help. Clinically proven to promote stronger hair from the root, results are visible within 12 weeks, with 93% of users experienced less hair loss after 48 weeks.
Get Higher Levels of Hydration
Mid-cycle is a great time for some Hair TLC, boosting hydration and encouraging higher levels of condition. Make Hydrate Deep Conditioning & Nourishing Mask is a favourite of mine to treat dry, distressed hair. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid - which really locks moisture in - my hair is always left feeling super soft, weightless, and free of frizz after use. This Haircare product also encourages me to take some time for myself, with It also allows me to unwind and take some time for myself with 3- 5 minutes needed to work its magic.
Treat Scalp Dryness:
Kérastase Nutritive Nutri-Supplement Scalp Serum is designed to specifically target dry scalps - another by-product of hormonal shifts. By infusing the area with vitamins and nutrients it reduces tightness and discomfort immediately. I love the milky texture which feels immediately soothing, removing dryness and creating a soft barrier against further flakes. In time, new hair growth is encouraged due to improved scalp balance.
Nourish Hair Dryness:
Aside from scalp dryness, hormone changes can also lead to hair dryness. When this occurs, I advise clients to rethink their Shampoo and Conditioner choices. The key is to use a truly gentle, preferably 100% Australian Made, vegan formulation. Make Soft & Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner ticks all the boxes. Enriched with Argan Oil, Amla Oil and Hydrolysed Soy Protein it helps moisturise the hair and scalp, reducing damage and dryness.
Treat Hair Loss:
If your hair growth has been severely disrupted by changes in androgens - sparking hair loss and thinning hair - another great treatment is Kérastase Densifique Cures Femme. This 12-week program aims to boost hair density, encouraging 1000 new hairs in three months through an active blend of Stemoxydine®, Vitamin B3, B5 + B6, and texturizing polymers.
Manage Oil Overproduction:
When hair follicles are congested by oil overproduction - another by-product of hormonal changes in some women - it’s important to clarify and exfoliate the scalp area to boost new hair growth, prevent hair loss, and supporting a healthy hair growth cycle. Make Scalp Care Exfoliating Scalp Treatment Booster is my pick to massage into the scalp before Shampoo and Conditioner. The Salicylic Acid helps remove build-up and Liquorice Root and Jasmine Oil then work together to calm irritation and itchiness.
Don’t suffer from Hair changes caused by hormonal changes alone! Chat with one of our Professionals about the at-home Haircare solutions that can help and explore our tailored Menopuase Solutions today