MENOPAUSE, HOW IT AFFECTS OUR HAIR & HOW WE CAN HELP

A dark cloud of taboo and mystery surrounds this time of life, so we’re here, to lift it a little!

Oh, the wonders of this phase of life! Hair that once held the light of the sun seems to have lost its lustre and thins away, leaving one's head resembling something from a haunted forest.

What once was smooth skin now boasts fine lines and wrinkles - can make one feel a little like a road map of the journey through life.

But that's not all, Stalker’s..

There are hot flashes that turn you into a fire-breathing dragon, leaving you feeling parched as if you'd crossed the Sahara.

Night sweats that could put a waterfall to shame, leaving you parched as if you'd crossed a desert. Some even conjure up temper that can rival a wicked stepmother's - best to stay out of her way if you know what's good for you!

Hmm..What else? Insomnia that keeps one up at night, leaving them feeling like a zombie the next day.

And the worst of them all, weight gain that seems to creep up like a chatty goblin on Halloween Night. Sounding like a right blast, right?

Ah, but do not be glum or afraid, dear Stalker’s, for there are remedies to aid in this adventure, and be sure to fill one's life with laughter and love from family and friends, as this can turn this journey in to more of a whimsical adventure - After all, laughter is the best medicine.

So fear not, for we shall overcome these struggles that peri-menopause + menopause bring, for with a bit of magic and love, one can conquer any challenge that life throws their way.

So how can this blog help? After all, we're the hair people, right?!

Well, fellow Stalker’s, your hair is not immune to the whims of the hormonal rollercoaster that is menopause, which is where we can step in to help navigate!

You see, during menopause, the body's oestrogen levels plummet faster than a lead balloon. And what does oestrogen have to do with hair, you ask?

Well, quite a bit, actually.

Oestrogen is one of the key players in keeping our hair looking thick, shiny, and luscious. It helps to stimulate hair follicles, increase blood flow to the scalp, and even lengthen the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Without it, well, let's just say things can get a bit ‘hairy’. (Had to be said, soz!)

So what happens when we don't have enough oestrogen floating around in our bodies? Well, for starters, our hair may become dry, dull, and lacklustre. It may also start to thin out, particularly around the crown area of the head.

And don't even get us started on hair loss..

Hormones affect hair growth & hair loss. It is like a wild, mystical adventure, full of magic and science.

You see, our hair seems like a simple thing, but there is much more than meets the eye - it is a tiny forest, a secret garden if you will, a magical world all of its own.

At the root of each hair lies a hair follicle, which is surrounded by a fairy-like creature known as the dermal papilla. This spirited little companion is responsible for the growth and health of our hair, and it is influenced by the hormones that run through our veins.

When hormones are plentiful and flourishing, like back in our youth, the dermal papilla dances with joy, and our hair shines like a beam of sunlight. But as we age and hormones begin to wane, this fairy-like creature can become sluggish, and our hair begins to lose its lustre like a fading sunset. It starts to thin out, and over time, can become patchy, just like a fairy's home after a long winter.

But do not despair, there are enchanted potions (otherwise known as topical treatments) that can nourish the dermal papilla and keep our hair gleaming like a starry night.

If our hormonal imbalances are severe? We can seek out the help of a wise old alchemist (also known as a doctor) who can guide us towards the right spells and remedies (i.e. hormone replacement therapy or holistic remedies for those who need to/ prefer to avoid hormones).

So, know that the magic of hair growth may be influenced by hormones, but with a little bit of fairy dust, we can keep our hair flourishing and shining throughout our journey.

Let's get in to it shall we?

SHEDDING

Let's talk about the hairy (hehe) situation that is menopausal hair shedding. It can be rather unsettling to see clumps of hair in your brush, or better yet, all over your legs whilst washing your hair in the shower, plus all over the shower floor.. it’s almost like seeing the leaves fall from the trees in autumn isn't it?!

But don't fret, dear Stalker’s, there are ways to cope. First and foremost, take care of your precious locks with gentle care.

Avoid harsh chemicals in your products, lessen your use of high heat tools such as curlers or straighteners, use natural bristle brushes when blowdrying your hair, be careful which kind of brush you use when detangling your wet locks, and opt for regular use of a restorative hair mask. Settle in with a cup of tea and enjoy this time of self-care.

Best Detangler: Wet Brush RRP: £9.99 - We carry these here at HQ, they are a great one for grip, are a nice size, and are plastic free which of course, we are huge fans of.

Secondly, embrace your inner you and maybe switch-up your hairstyle. Who knows, you might even find a hairdo that suits you better than the one before! Ask your Quirker for advice on which kind of looks would suit your face shape, hair type / new situation, and of course fits in with your lifestyle/hair routine - We love to have a good brainstorming session with you guys!

Lastly, remember that this too shall pass. In the meantime, stay positive, rock that new hairdo (if you go for it!), and know that you're not alone in this shedding journey.

HAIR COLOUR

Menopause has quite a few tricks up its sleeve, including the ability to speed up those grey hairs.

You see, during menopause, the body goes through a lot of changes. Hormones are raging, emotions are fluctuating, and the hair is, well, turning grey.

But why does menopause have such an impact on our hair colour? Some say it's because of stress - menopause is a stressful time, after all. And we all know that stress can cause grey hair (as well as wrinkles and baldness).

But that's not all.

Menopause also affects melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its colour, and as we age, our bodies produce less of it. Menopause kindly speeds up this natural process, leading to those grey hairs popping up earlier than we may have expected.

So, if you find yourself going grey faster than you thought you would, don't be too quick to blame it on the stress of daily life, that pesky person in your life (you're picturing them right now aren't you!), or genetics. Instead, you can thank menopause for this magical transformation.. And who knows, maybe those grey hairs will give you a distinguished, sophisticated look - like you've acquired some sort of magical power.

After all, it is a time of change, beauty, and metamorphosis.

Embrace it.

HAIR TEXTURE

What some of us may not know is that menopause also has the power to affect our hair texture.

As women go through peri/menopause, we experience a decrease in oestrogen, the hormone that is responsible for keeping our hair luscious and full/plump.

This decrease in oestrogen can lead to thinner hair that lacks the same bounce and shine as it did before. But that's not all - menopause also affects the texture of hair, making it more prone to dryness and frizz.

It's like our hair is going through its own magical journey, adapting to the changes happening within our body. The lack of oestrogen can cause our hair follicles to become weaker, resulting in hair that may be more delicate and prone to breakage.

Meanwhile, the dryness and frizz can make once smooth hair start to resemble the nest of a bird..

Don't worry, for there are ways to combat the effects of peri+menopause on our hair. Magical hair potions in the form of hair oils and deep conditioning treatments can help restore moisture and shine (we have more on this further down in this blog), and with the right tools such as a good quality brush, the right hair care and decent hair dryer, even the wildest of tufts can be tamed.

So, the next time you experience a bad hair day, please remember that it's just your hair going on a magical journey of its own, and with a little bit of magic, your hair can be transformed into something beautiful once again.

THE SCALP

Ah, the mystical place known as the scalp. It is known as a lush garden that grows a powerful potion called sebum - the natural oils secreted by our hair follicles that keep our locks luscious and moisturised…

But during menopause, something magical starts to happen - the scalp begins to produce less oil.

It's a little like a spell has been cast upon the hair garden, causing the oil wells to run dry. This can lead to hair that is dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. But fear not, for there is magic at work here.

During menopause, our body experiences a decrease in oestrogen, the hormone responsible for producing sebum. This decrease in oestrogen can cause the scalp to produce less oil, making it more difficult to keep our hair moisturised, & protected. It's like the magic elixir that once flowed freely has been diverted to another part of the kingdom.

But like any good magic, there are ways to counteract its effects. Using hair potions such as oils and deep conditioning treatments (which we also go in to further down in this blog) can help to restore moisture to our hair and scalp.

And let's not forget the magic of a good hairbrush too - one that can gently remove tangles, and stimulate the scalp, encouraging the production of those precious oils.

So, if you find your hair feeling a bit lack-lustre, and dry during this time, know that it's not just your imagination - It's the work of this mystical spell. Embrace the magic, and know that there are ways to keep that garden thriving, even in the midst of change.

Fear not, friends, while menopause may be a trying time for our tresses, there are things the we can do to keep our mane’s looking its best.

We have listed a few points below on how you can help yourself achieve the best from this situation:

DIET

One of the best ways to help our tresses during these wonderful years is by keeping a healthy and balanced diet. Oh, don't scoff, this isn't your grandmother's advice. Trust us, it's true!

Eating a diet high in nutrients such as protein, zinc, biotin, vitamins A, C, D, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids can help to nourish our hair from the inside out. Think of it as a love potion for your locks.

So, next time you're feeling a bit down about the changes happening to your body, remember to channel your inner foodie and nourish yourself from the inside out. Your hair will thank you, and who knows, maybe you'll even get a compliment or two on your luscious locks!

Oh, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water, too, to keep your hair hydrated and happy.

VITAMINS

We are huge advocates of a hair specific professional vitamin range called Glowwa! You may have already read our recent blog on them, which tells you how they work, what they contain, and what they do, but if you haven't, you can read it here:

https://www.houseofquirksalons.com/post/hairlossandhairvitamins

Oh, the wondrous magic of Glowwa Hair Food Meno is a must for those undergoing the great change that is menopause! This hair food is not your ordinary potion, oh no no. It's a magical elixir of goodness that contains all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your hair & body needs to thrive during this trying time.

They're like a fairy godmother whisking in to save the day, but also for your hair. Yup, these vitamins come with a plethora of helpful benefits for aiding menopause symptoms as well as helping with our hair & skin.

Say goodbye to thinning, brittle hair and hello to lush locks that shimmer and shine like the rays of a sunshine. With Glowwa Hair Food Meno, your hair will be transformed into a glorious crown that you'll be proud to show off.

So, wave your wand and indulge in this magical hair food, because you deserve to be your best self, even during menopause.

RRP: £39.99 for 1months supply of taking x2 per day (60 capsules).

HAIR CARE

Using gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can also keep your hair from getting stripped of its natural oils.

We carry Davines here at HQ, which are totally nasties free, so ask your Quirker on your next visit if you would like them to advise you as to which shampoo & conditioner would suit you & your hair the best from this range.

P.S. Don't forget to moisturise!

By using weekly hair mask’s & using a lightweight oil or serum on the ends of our hair can really help to prevent breakage (where its more likely to get brittle from lack of moisture) and will also help to keep frizz & fluff at bay.

Here are some of our fave’s:

Loreal Inforcer Mask (£25.80) - Great for those with brittle hair +/or fine hair.

Loreal Ultimate Liss Mask (£25.80) - Great for those with birds nest frizz seeking moisture & smoothness.

Davines Nou Nou Mask (£25.50) - Great for those needing strength & moisture.

Davines The Quick Fix (£10.50) - Great for all thirsty hair types.

Davines ‘Let It Go’ (£10.50) - Great for dehydrated scalps (This is a scalp mask).

Davines ‘Renaissance’ (£10.50) - Great for tangled hair types (protein & moisture).

Davines ‘The Restless’ (£10.50) - Great for hair fine hair types that lack suppleness.

TOP TIP: When using your hair mask, slather it on and let the magic do its work. Secondly, nurture your scalp by giving it a good massage, with either a stimulating hairbrush (like the wet brush detangler), or even your own fingertips. This will help to increase blood flow, which, in turn promotes hair growth.

For aiding you and your tresses during detangling your hair, for both on wet or dry hair, we 100% recommend using our favourite tool, the wet brush. The sleek handle allows for firm, comfortable grip, while the flexible intelliflex bristles resist tugs & snags as it teases out even the most stubborn of knots without stretching & ripping through your hair fibres. This gentle brushing technique is kind to both your scalp & your tresses.

BONUS: This brush is a plant-based plastic design, meaning it is made from an all natural plant-based, biodegradable plant starch - So you can be kind to your hair & scalp, whilst also doing the same for the environment!

RRP £9.99 - We stock this brush in all the colours (of course we do!) which are granite grey, lilac, pistachio & baby pink.

HYDRATION

Listen closely, and hear the tale of the wondrous, magical powers of hydration on our hair..

When we hydrate our bodies with water, our hair benefits too.

You see, water is like fairy dust that sparks life into our tresses. It nourishes the hair from within, giving it the strength and vitality it needs to grow. Hydrated locks are shiny, bouncy, and oh-so enchanting.

Imagine your hair like a garden, and water is the nurturing rain that helps it thrive. Let it soak up the hydration like a magical spell, and watch it grow stronger with each passing day.

So drink up, Stalker’s, and keep your hair and body hydrated. It's the secret potion that unlocks the magic of growth and beauty.

YOUR QUIRKER

Are you feeling lost on your menopause journey? Seeking a mystical guide to help you navigate your hair?

Look no further than your friendly neighbourhood hairdresser, for our Quirker’s are the enchanted beings who can work their magic on your hair.

They have the power to tame those unruly locks, turn frizz into silky smoothness and weave spells of colour and style’s to brighten your day.

Most importantly, they understand the needs of your hair during menopause - from thinning hair to dryness and brittleness. With the flick of their wand, they can suggest the perfect cut, colour, and treatment to help your hair feel like the enchanted tresses of your youth. Trust them, for they have the gift of transforming your hair into a work of art.

Let them be your guide through the enchanted forest of menopause hair, and emerge with a spring in your step and a twinkle in your eye, knowing your hair has been born anew. We also will ply you with tasty beverages.

LIFESTYLE

There are simple lifestyle changes that can be made to aid in this journey, too. Firstly, we must pay heed to the whispers of our bodies and listen when it tells us to rest, to take a moment to breathe, to close our eyes and listen to the calmness.

Getting enough sleep is key to restore our body's harmony. Secondly, we must nourish ourselves with wholesome foods filled with vitamins and minerals, while also avoiding the sweet treats and fizzy drinks that can harm us. Our bodies are like gardens, and we must tend to them daily to keep them healthy.

Lastly, let us not forget the importance of exercise, meditation, and joyous laughter. When we move our bodies, we awaken the joy in our souls and rejuvenate our bodies.

These little guys are all about making us feel good and happy, which is why exercise is like a legal high..

But wait, it gets better! With both menopause and peri-menopause, our body's hormonal balance gets thrown out of whack. Sluggishness, sweating, and mood-swings are no joke. But guess what? Exercise can help to boost the levels of oestrogen and progesterone in our bodies, which can go a long way in reducing the turbulence of this perticular time in our lives.

So gals, let's be kind to ourselves, get moving, and show those pesky hormones who's boss!

TA-DAH!

There you have it - Our HQ take on how peri-menopause + the menopause can affect your hair, and how we, and you, can team up to help your hair during this little adventure.

Remember, just like every other aspect of this journey we call life, our hair may change as we age, but that doesn't mean we can't embrace it and rock it with style.

After all, life's too short for a bad hair day, right?!

Please know that it's okay to seek help during both peri-menopause & menopause - Even fairies have friends they call on for support when their wings get tired.

HQ x

Helpful / Useful Links For Help + Advice On Peri-Menopause + Menopause:

If you have found any resources that you have found helpful / enjoyed & think would be beneficial to others who are also needing/looking for support & advice, please do feel free too add them in the comments section below this blog for us all to see & use - Thank You!

What Is Menopause?

https://www.themenopausecharity.org/2021/10/19/what-is-menopause/

The Four Stages, Symptoms & What To Expect:

https://www.menopausenow.com/stages

8 Natural Remedies For Aiding Peri & Menopause Symptoms:

https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-remedies-for-perimenopause#ginseng

11 Natural Ways We Can Reduce The Symptoms Of Menopause:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-natural-menopause-tips

Are You Peri-Menopausal or Menopausal?

https://www.themenopausecharity.org/2021/10/21/am-i-perimenopausal-or-menopausal/

Cultural Differences In Peri+Menopause:

https://www.themenopausecharity.org/2021/04/24/cultural-differences-in-menopause/