As hormone levels decrease during perimenopause and menopause, hair may thin. This often manifests itself through widening of part or less full ponytail, dry looking locks, and even peach fuzz appearing on chin.
However, these changes can be prevented with just a few simple tricks. We consulted experts for their best advice for maintaining healthy locks after 50.
1. Address Hormonal Changes
Menopausal women frequently experience changes to their hair due to fluctuating hormone levels. Estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, shrinking follicles and leading them to produce thinner strands of hair, according to stylist Michael Douglas.
As your hormones change during perimenopause, your hair may also become dryer and itchier as a result of this shift. To combat these symptoms, simple measures may help including using shampoo containing phyto-caffeine which has been proven to reduce hair loss according to a 2020 study.
Prioritize sleep to balance hormones and improve hair health. Also, eating protein-rich foods and taking biotin (Vitamin B3) supplements may help thicken individual strands of hair.
2. Fight Frizzy Hair While You Sleep
As you transition through menopause, oestrogen levels decline and may result in thinner and frizzier locks. But it doesn’t have to be all bad news – there are steps you can take to smooth out your locks.
Keep your strands hydrated by drinking enough water. Drinking adequate quantities can improve skin and hair health by increasing circulation, which delivers nutrients directly to the scalp.
Try switching up your pillowcase for one made of silk or satin to reduce friction that contributes to frizz during sleep, wear a silk bonnet for extra protection, or add in some kind of hair serum or moisturizing oil that can smooth strands while you slumber – these steps will all help combat menopausal frizz and flyaways!
3. Opt for a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfates found in shampoos are powerful detergents that strip your scalp of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to damage and dryness, leading to dandruff, hair fall and breakage as the scalp becomes depleted of its lubrication. This may result in dandruff, hair fall and breakage as brittle, lifeless strands are exposed.
Sulfate shampoos can be particularly detrimental for aging hair. Menopausal-related hormonal fluctuations often lead to hair loss, decreased melanin production, shrinking follicles and lower protein and vitamin absorption resulting in weakening outer cuticle layers which expose your inner cortex to damaging moisture and heat resulting in breakage and frizz in your locks. This type of damage weakens outer cuticle layers further and exposes inner cortex regions exposing inner cortex areas that then leads to breakage and frizzed locks.
Opting for a sulfate-free shampoo that features low-lather cleansers and naturally hydrating ingredients such as cocobetaines may provide gentler cleansing without lathering up as you’d expect, though you may experience less lather in comparison. As your scalp and hair adjust to their new routines this should happen naturally.
4. Try a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
If you suffer from frizz or tangled bedhead, silk or satin pillowcases could be your solution to frizz and tangles. Cotton pillowcases absorb natural oils that protect hair against drying out while satin ones maintain moisture for smoother locks that won’t snag, pull or lift cuticles, according to celebrity stylist Derrick Keith.
But which option is better? TZR spoke with several expert hair stylists to gain clarity on this burning question. Although both options will leave your locks looking their best, both are breathable, hypoallergenic, less absorbent, gentle on skin and easy to maintain – as well as being easy to clean!
5. Opt for a Satin Bonnet
If tangled hair is something that ruins your day every morning, try wearing a satin bonnet while sleeping. Satin material reduces friction to prevent the tangles that cotton pillowcases may cause and thus help prevent future morning headaches.
Lock in any hair oils or treatments you apply before bed to avoid their being absorbed by your pillowcase and left sitting on your skin surface.
An investment in a high-quality bonnet can be one of the best things you do for your hair. Not only will it protect the strands, but also save time on having to trim off split ends and single strand knots from trimming your ends every night. Making this simple step part of your nightly routine could make all the difference in achieving healthy locks goals.https://www.youtube.com/embed/EjxVSCwQ3UM