Hey, hairstylists! Let’s talk about something you might be seeing more and more in your chair: clients dealing with thinning hair, shedding, and those dreaded "bad hair" days brought on by menopause. As their trusted hairstylist you are often the first person they ask for advice.
But don’t worry—I've got your back. Let’s break down what’s happening during menopause, how it affects hair, and how you can guide your clients to healthier, happier locks.
What’s Happening in the Body During Menopause?
Think of menopause as the body’s hormonal "grand finale." During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, and androgens (male hormones) like testosterone can become more dominant. These hormonal changes wreak havoc on the hair growth cycle:
- Estrogen helps keep hair in the anagen (growth phase) longer. When estrogen drops, more hair enters the telogen (resting phase), causing increased shedding.
- The rise in androgens can kick in what is called aging hair, where hair follicles shrink and produce finer, thinner hairs.
- Blood flow to the scalp can decrease, affecting the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles.
If that wasn’t enough, medications often prescribed during menopause (like blood pressure meds, antidepressants, or hormone therapies) can push hair into the telogen phase prematurely, causing telogen effluvium—a fancy term for abnormal hair shedding.
The #1 Question Clients Will Ask: "Why Is My Hair Thinning?"
When clients sit in your chair and say, "My ponytail feels smaller," or "I can see more of my scalp," they’re looking for answers—and empathy. This is your opportunity to educate them while building trust. Use analogies to make it easy to understand:
- Think of hair as a garden: If the soil (scalp) isn’t healthy or the nutrients (hormones) aren’t balanced, the flowers (hair) won’t thrive.
- Or compare hair to a pipeline: If something clogs the pipeline—like stress, medications, or poor nutrition—hair growth slows down.
How Hairstylists Can Help: A Holistic Approach
Menopause might be throwing their hormones into a tailspin, but you can guide them with actionable advice. Here’s how:
1. Start with the Scalp
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Many clients don’t realize that neglecting their scalp can lead to dryness, sensitivity, or even build-up that blocks hair follicles.
- Shampoos Matter: Recommend shampoos with growth factors and peptides to support the hair growth cycle. These ingredients nourish the follicles without messing with hormones. For clients with androgenetic alopecia, suggest shampoos with DHT blockers like saw palmetto.
- Topical Treatments: Help them choose treatments tailored to their needs. For example:
- With AGA: DHT blockers and minoxidil can help.
- Without AGA: Focus on growth factor serums or peptide-based products that regenerate and strengthen follicles.
2. Nourish from the Inside Out
Here’s where you can get a little nerdy about nutrition. Hair needs protein, vitamins, and minerals to grow strong and shiny. Clients may not connect their diet to their hair, so make it relatable:
- Biotin is the building block for keratin (the protein in hair).
- Iron ensures oxygen-rich blood reaches the follicles.
- Vitamin D supports the hair growth cycle—clients who don’t get enough sunlight or are on certain medications may need supplements.
Tip: Encourage clients to eat a rainbow of fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids for maximum hair benefits.
3. Address Stress (Without Sounding Like a Therapist!)
Stress is a hair’s worst enemy—it pushes it straight into the telogen phase, where it sheds prematurely. Remind clients that stress is inevitable, but managing it is key.
Share simple tips:
- Encourage daily self-care like yoga, meditation, or a walk outdoors.
- Suggest they journal or rediscover hobbies that make them happy (one of my clients started coloring again, and it transformed her mood!).
- Recommend scalp massages—they’re not just relaxing but increase blood flow to the follicles.
Statistics: Did you know that searches for "hair thinning" and "menopause hair loss" have skyrocketed in recent years? Women are desperate for answers, and they trust YOU to guide them.
- Offer add-ons like scalp treatments, low-level laser therapy, or consultations with a dermascope to give clients real insights into their hair health.
By addressing hair and hormone health, you’ll not only help your clients feel seen and supported but also stand out as a hairstylist who goes above and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Turning Hair Worries Into Hair Wins
Menopause might be a hormonal rollercoaster, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can help your clients feel like themselves again. From educating them on scalp health to supporting them through dietary and topical treatments, you’ll be more than their hairstylist—you’ll be their hair hero. For a full class on Hormone health with helpful solutions on Pregnancy / Postpartum, Menopause, Birth Control, Thyroid & PCOS click this LINK.
So, hairstylists, are you ready to be the expert your clients need? Let’s create a world where women leave your chair not just looking fabulous but feeling empowered about their hair health.
Now, let’s tackle those hormonal hair challenges—one strand at a time!
Tabitha
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