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If you're noticing a change in texture to your hair, your strands are starting to thin or you're shedding way more hair than usual – don't stress, because there are a number of very normal reasons.
The reality is, hair thinning is incredibly common. A study from L'Oreal found that one in three UK women claim to experience hair loss – a fact backed up by the people at Harvard Medical School.
But if you've addressed your diet, aren't under any abnormal stress, have given the change in seasons a chance to even out and you're still noticing hair loss – it could be hormonal, and it could be a very natural part of the menopause.
Now don't freak out. The average UK age for going through menopause is 51 but perimenopause symptoms can start much earlier – which is where you might notice hair loss and shedding. Don't be alarmed though. While menopausal hair loss is common, it's not forever – and there are things you can do to help boost your strands again.
We spoke to some of the UK's leading hair stylists, trichologists and genealogical menopause experts to find out what causes menopausal hair loss – plus, what you can do to help combat it…
How does the menopause/perimenopause impact your hair?
‘The drop in oestrogen and progesterone can shrink the hair follicle and so for some women cause growth of thinner hair strands, resulting in overall hair thinning,’ says hair stylist Michael Douglas.
‘Menopause-related hair loss is generally due to this decline in oestrogen and progesterone, which naturally help to maintain the health of the hair follicle,’ agrees Trichologist, Rali Bozhinova. ‘This can cause changes in the ratio between male and female sex hormones which can trigger androgen-related signs such as thinning of the hair on top of the scalp and aggravating female pattern hair loss.’
What are menopausal hair loss symptoms?
‘Some of the most common issues I hear about are hair shedding, thinning, drier feeling hair but also greasy roots,’ says Douglas.
‘Perimenopausal and menopausal hair loss happens slowly, but once it’s noticed, it seems like the hair has thinned overnight. 50 percent loss can occur before it's visibly noticeable,’ explains hairdresser, Michael Van Clarke.
‘Women may experience the thinner ponytail, sparse patches around the front hairline, noticeably wider partings, an excess of hairs collecting in the hairbrush or the bathroom, or a general thinning across the whole scalp.’
What are your top tips for looking after your hair during the menopause?
‘Menopausal hair loss does not need to be permanent,’ explains Bozhinova. ‘Eating well, managing stress and regulating hormones can all work to improve hair quality – as can topping up essential nutrient levels with a supplement designed specifically for women.’
Try and maintain a healthy lifestyle. For starters increase protein intake to 60g a day and make sure you’re getting vitamins D and B. ‘Biotin is especially important to keep the hair healthy because it functions in the synthesis of hair proteins like keratin. Lack of biotin has also been associated with hair breakage, hair loss, and brittle nails,’ explains Van Clarke.
Are there any products you would recommend for menopausal hair loss?
‘Absolute Collagen shampoo and conditioner is scientifically proven to thicken individual strands of hair,’ suggests Douglas.
‘I’d also recommend the OGX range of shampoos and conditioners because they are sulphate-free surfactants and ph balanced formulas. If things don’t improve I’d recommend seeking the advice of a trichologist.’
3’’’More Inches Hair & Nails Nutrients has an award-winning advanced formula of essential vitamins and minerals to support general wellbeing with an emphasis on brighter, stronger, healthy hair and nails. It’s especially suited to vegans as it also provides iron and vitamin B12.
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