Our guide to caring for your hair during menopause

How does menopause affect your hair?

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, increased fatigue, and irritability, among others. For many women, the health of their hair is also significantly affected.

• The sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone can accelerate and increase hair loss.
• The hair's growth cycle becomes unstable and shorter, weakening the hair shaft.
• Hair roots receive less nourishment, causing them to produce less sebum. As a result, the hair shaft becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to breakage.
• All these changes can affect the self-esteem and quality of life of women going through menopause.

All these changes can affect the self-esteem and quality of life of women going through menopause. These changes don’t always happen overnight, but they often affect how hair responds to care, styling, and everyday stressors. That’s why this stage of life calls for a more thoughtful routine—one that avoids harsh handling and product overload. The goal is to care for the hair gently, maintain a healthy scalp, and focus on consistent, effective habits that help restore nourishment, softness, and shine. 

Dry hair during menopause: try a boar-bristle hairbrush!

As your hormone levels fluctuate during menopause, your scalp begins to produce less sebum, which can leave your hair dry and dull. A boar-bristle brush can help here, as it helps lift sebum from the roots and distribute it evenly along the entire length of your hair, right down to the ends.

It also provides a gentle scalp massage, helping to revitalize the scalp without putting unnecessary strain on hair that has become more delicate and sensitive.  

The Altesse Studio brushes are the perfect choice for your hair right now. Handcrafted using the finest root-end bristles of boar hair, these French-made luxury brushes can be used every morning and evening to nourish your hair and keep it looking healthy and shiny.

The right steps to take care of your hair during menopause

These effective and easy tips can help minimize the negative effects of menopause on your hair:

Get your fill of those hair-boosting vitamins

A good, balanced diet is important for healthy hair at any age. However, getting enough of certain vitamins is especially important between the ages of 45 and 55, when menopause begins. These include vitamin A (liver, herring, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, etc.), vitamin E (almonds, hazelnuts, cereal, avocado, etc.), and vitamin B (tuna, salmon, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, etc.).

Did you know: Brewer’s yeast can strengthen hair from the inside out and help prevent hair loss during menopause. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Use gentle hair care products

Gentle is the key to hair care during menopause! This is because the scalp’s ability to absorb nutrients decreases, leaving your hair more vulnerable to damage from external factors. That’s why it’s best to cut back on chemical hair coloring treatments that can cause further damage. Instead, opt for natural solutions like plant-based hair dyes, which coat and nourish the hair without harsh side effects.

When it comes to your hair care products, say goodbye to shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks that contain silicones, sulfates, and other chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils. Instead, choose gentle, organic formulas that are gentle on your hair and promote its health.

Brush your hair gently

The way you brush your hair matters too. Use slow, gentle strokes with light pressure, and when detangling, work your way up from the ends toward the roots. Once the tangles have been removed, you can use a conditioning brush to smooth and enhance your hair from root to tip. 

With regular brushing, this simple ritual becomes an integral part of your hair care routine. It is particularly beneficial when hair becomes finer, drier, or more prone to breakage. 

Minimize the use of heat styling tools

Taking care of your hair during menopause also means protecting it from heat damage caused by styling tools, which can further damage your already fragile hair! We know that it can be difficult to style your hair without straighteners and blow dryers, but we recommend using them with caution: no more than twice a week, and at the lowest possible heat setting.

Caring for your hair during menopause starts with a gentler approach: a more targeted routine, less mechanical stress, more controlled heat styling, and regular brushing to support hair health on a daily basis. 

With a heritage of French brush-making expertise dating back to 1875, Altesse Studio brushing into a true beauty ritual.

Discover our boar bristle care brushes.