Menopause can play havoc with hair. I see it at the chair every day. Temples look a touch lighter, the scalp feels drier, texture turns a little wiry and the shine goes missing.
The good news is that a steady routine really does turn it around, with calm scalp care, targeted strength through the lengths and a few clever cheats for instant results.
I always tell my clients to begin at the scalp. Healthy roots and a comfortable scalp set up everything else for strong hair growth. One of my go to products is Oribe Serene Scalp Balancing Shampoo which behaves like a treatment while it cleanses. Salicylic acid gives gentle micro exfoliation to lift dead skin and product build up, and the formula is colour safe so the scalp feels calm rather than stripped. For best results, work it in for a full minute, then rinse. You get easier root lift and a fresher base for styling.
After cleansing, nourishing the scalp is essential for hydration and stimulation of the hair follicle. Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops are a leave in treatment that works quietly but effectively. The blend of peptides with azelaic acid and zinc PCA helps steady day to day shedding, balances oil and comforts sensitivity. The key is consistency and allowing three months to see improvements in hair density.
To support hair that is brittle or finer, use a mask that strengthens the bonds within the hair. Aveda Botanical Repair Intensive Strengthening Masque Light delivers plant powered bond building without weight. It smooths the cuticle, reduces breakage around the hairline and brings back shine and movement. Three to five minutes is enough, then rinse and detangle gently.
One of the biggest improvements I see comes when clients focus on nutrition. Protein matters, as do biotin for normal hair maintenance, zinc for protein synthesis, vitamin D for overall support and vitamin C for collagen formation and antioxidant protection. A supplement that consistently delivers results is Glowwa Hair Food Meno, which brings these together for peri and post menopause. Consistency is key and most clients see a clear improvement after twelve weeks.
The right heat tools make a visible difference. Intelligent tools protect hair health, especially when hair feels more sensitive. Many clients love Dyson Supersonic, which manages temperature while keeping airflow efficient for faster drying with less stress on delicate fibres. Even with smart tools, a heat protector is essential. Oribe Invisible Defense is light and reliable, even on finer textures.
My ultimate go to for instant transformation is discreet hair extensions that add body, volume and movement where it has decreased. Many clients love them because they provide instant results without damaging the hair. Beauty Works systems, including tapes, nano bonds and micro rings, let me place fullness exactly where it is needed. The colour blends are seamless, the finish holds for days and your natural hair takes less direct heat because the added hair takes the styling. For an instant boost at home, clip in extensions add body or length, and I will often personalise them so they blend seamlessly.
Menopause can be tough on the hair, but with calm care, smart nutrition and discreet extensions where needed, your client will feel like herself again with hair that looks and feels stronger, glossier and unmistakably them.
For more Beauty Works news click here
________________________________
Respect is a hub for UK hairdressers of all ages and stages to find out what We Love, We Hear and We See as the best product launches, styling advice, hairtools, education training and seminars and hairshows! Sign up to our newsletter which is sent fortnightly direct to your email, so you stay up-to-date with salon styling information, trends in session work, advice on presenting on stage or progress in educating- whatever your interest, whether you’re a trainee or creative director, an educator or team leader, you’ll find all the opportunities and ideas on www.respectyou.me
