My Menopause Hair Care Routine: What Changed and What Actually Works

Let’s talk hair, because you ask me about it all the time.

I went through menopause at 50, and my hair changed almost overnight. It got drier. It got more fragile. And I went through major episodes of shedding, which, if you’ve been there, you know can be really scary. I had to completely change how I care for my hair.

A little about my hair

I have fine hair, but a lot of it, plus a crazy mix of wild curly strands throughout. That gives me some natural volume, but it also means total frizz if I don’t style it. So everything below is built around getting volume and smoothness without frying fragile hair.

Shampoo and conditioner

I switched to a shampoo and conditioner made specifically to help with shedding. It has lessened my shedding episodes a lot. It hasn’t made them disappear completely, but it’s made a real difference.

How I style it on wash day

Because my hair got so dry and fragile, I stopped curling it every day. Now I rough-dry it about 85% of the way with this dryer:

Then I finish with my Dyson Airwrap. I split my hair into 3 sections and work my way around, curling and drying from the front toward the back. It’s given me so much volume and bounce, and it has helped tremendously with breakage. These are a bit of a splurge on the budget, but I’ve had mine for over 3 years now.

Day 3 hair just wanting more curl…

If I haven’t washed by day 3, or on days I’m just wanting more curl, I give it a quick curl with the most amazing curling iron. I keep the heat at 320 to protect my hair, and I curl the exact same way as with the Airwrap: in sections, front toward the back.

My little secret for fullness

I had a few K-tip extensions added at the sides, toward the front. K-tips are small strands of hair with a keratin tip that a stylist bonds to your own hair, one strand at a time. You don’t need a full head of them. Just a few around your face add so much fullness. Mine run around $100 every 3 months or so, and it’s one of my favorite little investments.

FAQ

Why does hair change during menopause?
For me, it got drier, more fragile, and started shedding more. Lots of women go through the same thing, so you’re not alone. Talk to your doctor if the shedding worries you.

What helped my shedding the most?
Switching to a shampoo and conditioner made for shedding, and cutting back on daily heat styling.

What are K-tip extensions?
Small strands of hair bonded to your natural hair with a keratin tip by a stylist. A few around the face add fullness without a full set.

What temperature should I curl fragile hair at?
I keep my wand at 320 to protect my hair while still getting curls that last.