Stafford Hair

How to manage menopausal hair

Question
Ever since I have become perimenopausal my hair looks flat and lifeless. It seems to be changing. What can I do?

Paul says:
Leisa and I have spent the last 40 years working in and running salons in the pursuit of solving hair problems, taking our clients on journeys of self empowerment, creating hair that is as individual as the wearer and in doing so giving them a sense of identity that makes them feel fulfilled.

People can be aware of fashion and changing trends but not slaves to them — it’s more important to have a style that suits who you are and your face shape.

It’s an honour and a privilege but not easy as today’s world is a vastly different environment to the one we left behind pre-pandemic. Anxiety, stress and the ongoing pressures of modern life take a toll on our hair as do lifestyle changes, diet and fitness regimes and maybe one that hasn’t been as commonly known until recently, the effects of the menopause which can not only cause radical hair texture changes but in some cases, significant hair loss.

Thankfully our industry’s awareness about the effects of menopause is intrinsically linked to the advanced medical prognosis and wellness platforms so that we have cosmetic and medical long and short term solutions. With that in mind we thought it would be best to have some first hand experience of the effects of the menopause from someone who is currently dealing with the daily issues related to the condition. So who better than Leisa Stafford?

Leisa says:
I’ve been suffering with menopausal-related effects for almost four years, initially going down the natural route as there had been a history of breast cancer in my family and I had a fear — though now unfounded — of a link to HRT to cancer.

I had noticed that my hair had dramatically changed – it was less shiny, it was brittle and often limp. I found that night sweats and constant visits to the bathroom led to a lack of sleep that meant my own haircare regime was far from acceptable for a professional hairdresser.

I can only imagine how much more difficult this was for our clients going through the same thing which prompted me to rethink going down the HRT route. The research I did enlightened me not only to the reasons why the menopause has such horrendous effects on hair but what options — and there are many out there — are available.

Of course genetics also have a hand in any real solutions — I’ve never had a huge head of thick hair and initially the coarse, new texture — although a little rope-like — created the illusion of more hair, if only I could be bothered to fight for an hour to control it while battling with a hot professional hairdryer and waves of sweaty flushes. No thank you!

When I did take the time it still looked flat, lank and lifeless, even after it was freshly coloured. Only 20 minutes after I’d dried it, it would be dragged back into a greasy pony tail where it hung ignored for the rest of the day. Something had to change.

At the very least getting more sleep is going to help the condition of your hair — even if that is only because it will get the benefit of your patience after a good night’s sleep!

My GP recommended a form of HRT that will encourage stronger, healthier hair and even see new hair growth.
I have also radically changed my haircare products and regime. After a night of sweats, I needed a shampoo that could deal with the excess moisture but didn’t make my hair even more angry.

For me the best solution was Alfaparf’s Semi-Delino gentle exfoliating scrub (€14.95, millies.ie). It’s actually a scalp rebalancing shampoo that removes excess oils but is also gentle on the scalp and won’t weigh your hair down which should ensure more body and volume.

I also use the R&CO biotin hair thickening shampoo (€30, spacenk.com). Biotin is effective in making hair feel and look fuller and thicker. It contains Provitamin B5 which hydrates and gives shine to fine lifeless hair. It’s actually my favourite shampoo as its fragrance smells fresh and luxurious, it’s 100% vegan as well which as an animal lover and a vegetarian makes it a staple in my shower.

I also use the partner conditioner R&CO Thickening Conditioner (€30, spacenk. com) which has erased the brittle aspect of my hair’s texture, because of the added vital nutrients and minerals which help prevent breakage in fine hair especially and mend split ends.

Of course, the big concern for any woman at any stage in her life is hair loss but luckily the advances in hair loss products over the last decade have been phenomenal. One of the leaders in that area is Australian haircare company NAK. Their range concentrates strengthening and restoration, not only improving the appearance of the hair, encouraging hair growth through a follicle detoxing programme involving a shampoo, conditioning and treatment regime.

NAK treatments are client specific and good advice as well as targeted goals are essential to getting the best results. So seeking out salons that have specific hair loss ranges and specialists will have more benefits than browsing the shelves of the high street chemists. My own situation has improved greatly — after taking action my hair is now shinier and healthier.

And as for the other symptoms like mood swings, well, chocolate helps and the odd glass of Prosecco!

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