Caring for Your Hair During Menopause

Menopause is a significant life change, with some women experiencing multiple changes in their bodies and others very few. Its earliest stage, perimenopause, can begin in the 40s, but some women will see early signs in their 30s. It is a transition that all women go through, but no one’s story is exactly the same as the next person’s.

We talked with Leonor Greyl’s U.S. Educator, Kat Savano, about the changes hair can undergo during and after menopause and what women can do to keep their scalp and hair as healthy and protected as possible during that inevitable stage of life.

Internal and external support for menopause

Menopause, the point in life when a woman’s ovaries stop producing hormones and her periods cease, is marked by a significant drop in estrogen in the body. Estrogen is responsible for so many internal functions that the changes can feel extreme. Emotions can feel out of control, brain fog can set in, weight becomes more stubborn, and hair, skin, and nails can experience dryness, among many other potential symptoms.

Regarding changes in hair, Savano explains, “Texture plays a significant role. Hair can turn wiry, frizzy, coarse, and dry, essentially becoming a different animal. You might get the same haircut, but it won’t behave the same way. Even if you use the same products, they may not have the same effect. You might notice weaker hairline breakage, shorter layers forming, and thin, dry ends.”

Because this change in the body’s chemical makeup is internal, any deep support for the transition has to address what’s going on inside. For that internal support, it’s best to consult your medical practitioner. While this discussion offers suggestions for keeping your hair and scalp as healthy as possible during menopause, it is not a substitute for a medical consultation if you have concerns.

Hair and scalp care during menopause

Using the right products for your scalp and hair can help minimize some changes during this time. Savano suggests, “Our Régénerescence Naturelle is a great invigorating and purifying oil to keep the scalp as clean and energized as possible. It helps with good blood circulation, which is necessary. The new Serum Énergisant and Complexe Énergisant will also elevate scalp health, which translates to hair health.”

Some shampoos can mitigate texture changes, depending on the hair’s condition. Shampooing Crème Moelle de Bambou is hydrating and helps control frizz. If locks turn dull and limp, Shampooing Énergisant and Shampooing au Miel boost volume and shine. Using a Massaging Scalp Brush along with your shampoo ritual will help invigorate and purify the scalp, while improving scalp oxygenation and promoting hair growth.  

“You can manage frizz and dryness with the right styling products,” Savano advises. Some of her favorites include: “Lait Luminescence, which provides moisture and helps smooth fly aways and detanlges. Éclat Naturel and Serum de Soie Sublimateur reduce frizz and add hydration without feeling heavy, plus they enhance shine.”

Savano also recommends an overnight treatment the night before you shampoo. She loves L’Huile de Leonor Greyl for added hydration and moisturizing the mid-lengths to ends. Her overnight go-to is applying Régénerescence Naturelle and L’Huile de Leonor Greyl, and shampooing them out in the morning, up to three times a week. Covering your hair with a soft microfiber turban towel before going to bed is optional.

Self-care through the changes

Menopausal shifts can feel overwhelming, and as Savano says, “All women have done forever is just keep going—it’s what we do. But now you can talk about menopause with your medical practitioner, get the internal support you need, and make the transition more graceful for yourself. You don’t have to be blindsided by it.” Choosing hair products that meet your hair’s changing needs is a small but effective way to handle some of the transitions your hair goes through while also creating an opportunity for self-care, which is always a healthy gift!