Hair loss during menopause can be an emotionally and physically challenging experience for many women. Menopause can cause various changes in the body, including drastic changes in hormones that lead to thinning hair or baldness. For some women, this hair loss is minor and requires minimal attention. However, for others, it can feel like their life has been turned upside down.
Understanding what causes hair loss during menopause can help you develop strategies to combat this temporary condition and regain your confidence. In this article, we’ll explore common solutions for maintaining good hair health during menopause. So, keep reading if you want to know more!
Why does my hair become more and more fragile during menopause?
During menopause, many women experience changes in their hair, including increased brittleness. This phenomenon is due to a general decrease in estrogen levels during this period of a woman’s life. Estrogen plays a key role in regulating sebum production (the natural oil produced by the scalp that helps maintain healthy, hydrated hair). When estrogen levels decrease, sebum production also decreases. This can lead to dryness and breakage of the hair, making it more brittle and prone to damage.
Additionally, decreasing estrogen levels also reduce blood flow to the scalp, which can lead to slow hair growth. As menopause progresses, hormonal fluctuations can cause your hair’s structure and strength to deteriorate further.
Some women may experience thinning or baldness due to hormonal changes at this time, as well as increased hair loss. All of these factors contribute to making your hair more and more fragile during menopause.
Menopause and hair loss: What you need to do!!
Step 1: It is important to follow a regular hair care regimen.
A good shampoo and conditioner should be the foundation of any hair care regimen. Be sure to choose products specifically formulated for your hair type. Deep conditioning treatments are also recommended on a weekly or bi-weekly basis as they provide additional nourishment and hydration to the scalp and hair follicles.
Regular trimming helps prevent split ends and breakage due to dryness. Also, applying natural oils like coconut or jojoba oil to the scalp helps reduce dryness and flaking of the scalp.
Step 2: limit the use of chemical stains and heating devices.
Next, avoid harsh chemicals such as bleaches, dyes, perms, etc. which can further damage your hair. If you want to add color or texture to your hair without using chemicals, try natural alternatives like henna, turmeric, or alma powder instead.
Postmenopausal women should limit the use of heated styling tools, such as curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers, due to the potential increase in hair loss. Excessive heat on the scalp can damage and weaken hair follicles, leading to a decrease in overall hair health.
This, combined with menopausal hormones, can lead to increased hair loss and thinning. Using low heat styling techniques or protective products such as serums or oils can help minimize damage and keep your hair looking beautiful for as long as possible.
Step #3: Get restful sleep every night (at least 7-8 hours) and exercise regularly if possible.
Both of these activities promote good blood circulation, which is essential for hair growth. Also make sure you eat a balanced diet. Increase your intake of vitamins A, B6 and B12 by consuming foods such as eggs, avocados and green leafy vegetables as they are known to stimulate healthy scalp growth. Taking supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids can also help protect against thinning caused by menopause.
Step 4: integrate scalp massage into your daily routine, morning and evening.
Scalp massages promote better circulation, encourage hair growth and release tension or stress. A simple way to incorporate these massages into your daily routine is to do them twice a day: once in the morning shortly after waking up and again in the evening before going to bed. It only takes a few minutes to stimulate the scalp with your fingertips or using a brush or specialized massage tool and an antioxidant-grade oil or serum. You’ll be on your way to better nourishment of hair follicles and overall skin health in no time!
Step 5: Garlic and onion should be your hair masks once a week.
Garlic and onion can prove to be effective ingredients when used as hair masks to promote hair growth. The sulfur in these natural ingredients helps replenish thinning strands, add shine and reduce dandruff. Plus, when these two ingredients are mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil, you get an easy-to-apply mask that helps strengthen weak follicles.
Plus, using garlic and onion as a weekly hair mask is an all-natural solution that many have found effective in nourishing and restoring fine hair! If you are looking for homemade recipes to try, you can for example mix grated garlic and onion with honey, or puree garlic and onion with yogurt. Both of these formulas can be applied directly to the scalp and washed out after 20 minutes.