Hair and menopause: this is what happens to hair after 45

Did you know that the passing of the years and the hormonal changes associated with the arrival of menopause also affect hair? We tell you what are the natural habits, products and routines that will help you keep your hair healthy and strong in peri-menopause and menopause.

As women age and enter menopause, we experience a number of changes in our bodies that are related to hormones. One of the most significant has to do with the decrease in estrogen levels in the body. This group of female sex hormones are produced mainly by the ovaries, and among many other functions, they help to maintain healthy skin and hair: hydration, firmness, elasticity...

The most common signs that hair undergoes changes with the arrival of menopause are: thinner hair, loss of hair density, dryness and loss. Also, did you know that a lack of capillary density and fineness make hair straighter? On the other hand, the use of chemical treatments, bleaching, straightening and frequent use of irons and dryers aggressively affect hair health.

For this reason, it is essential to follow specific hair care after the age of 45 if we want to reduce the effects of menopause on it. The habits and preventions that we take before reaching this stage will be key to maintaining beautiful and healthy hair.

Bad habits that worsen hair health

Among our ambassadors we have an expert in female hormonal health, Marta León -known in social media as @foodgreenmood-, who we have relied on to develop this article. Marta explains that “beyond the natural changes that hair undergoes over the years and hormones, our lifestyle can also leave its mark on our hair. It is normal that certain habits can worsen our hair health without realizing it.

- A poor diet, poor in essential nutrients such as B vitamins, iron or zinc.

- Smoking, which not only worsens our lung health, but also introduces a high amount of toxins and endocrine disruptors into our body every day.

- The habitual consumption of alcohol, which also acts as hepatotoxic, that is, it hinders the purifying and regulating hormonal action of the liver.

- Poor stress management, something increasingly common in current generations. Learning techniques and strategies to manage it is key to reducing the negative impact it generates on our body, at many levels, hair and skin being some of the most visible.

- Lack of sleep, which in the long run can leave a trace of tiredness and lack of energy in our body and in our hair.”

Routine and hair products after 45

Taking care of our hair health implies, in addition to reviewing our habits, a reflection on which products we are using in our hair care routine. There are natural ingredients that can provide us with this extra nutrition that our hair needs in this new stage. These are the main objectives of hair in menopause, as indicated by our expert ambassador in hormonal health Marta León:

MOISTURIZE

The most direct solutions are found in the use of shampoos such as Nettle and Thyme, which strengthens, prevents hair loss and adds volume. In addition, it is also moisturizing thanks to Olive oil, so it reduces the maximum amount of dryness and, therefore, frizz. For that, it is necessary to give the hair a super plus of hydration that helps us retain water and that makes the water balance of the hair is controlled.

The hydration routine after washing is another of the most important points: get into the habit of moisturizing the hair with conditioner and mask without silicones is essential.

STRENGTHEN

To take care of hair loss and capillary density, it is important to follow a monthly routine of treatments at home with plants such as Cassia Obovata and Walnut, which coat and protect the hair cuticle, strengthening it and, at the same time, enhancing the natural color of the hair in the case of Walnut, if you are brown or brunette. If you also want to dye and cover gray hair, the Henna itself will also provide you with nutrients as well as color. We recommend you consult our basic guide to coloring with plants.

GAIN SHINE

Another of the typical signs of hair in menopause is dullness, which is directly related to a lack of hydration. When the hair is not cared for, another of the problems you experience is that the scales of the hair cuticle are not aligned. This translates into a lack of ability to reflect light and, therefore, a total lack of shine, giving the appearance of aged hair and even frizz. On the other hand, when the hair is healthy, the cuticle remains closed, protecting the inner layers and maintaining the alignment of the scales in perfect condition.

For this reason, we recommend that you incorporate into your hair routine the treatments with high-quality, natural, cold-pressed hair oils, with the ability to penetrate the hair core to deeply nourish it and add shine to the cuticle. For example, Almond and Myrrh Oil contains vitamins A, B and E, as well as Omega 9, which protect and reconstitute the natural lipid layer of the hair, and Almond and Myrrh Oil acts as a strengthening tonic. Healthy fats become your hair allies.

The signals and responses of your hair when you have given it good capillary health in menopause will be to show off healthy, strong and lively hair, with greater capillary density. If you add to that healthy lifestyle habits in which sports and nutrition are not lacking, you have everything in your favor for a healthy mane!