They say life begins at 40, but do you know what else does? Menopause. That’s right, it’s the phase every woman dreads because of all the unknown changes it brings. Some women experience mood swings, insomnia, acne breakouts, and hot flashes. However, only some were prepared for the changes it brings to our hair. And unfortunately, this is what causes the biggest heartbreak for most women.
When you think about it, hair is something that you have major control over. You can cut, style, or colour it however you want. But when your hormones start to make you shed, it all spirals beyond your power. Read on as we get up close and personal with menopausal hair loss and how you can manage it.
Menopause & Hair Loss: What causes it?
Sure, you can shrug it off as a bad hair day at first. However, you will soon realize that your hair is not as it was. You might notice a bit of thinning, crowning, or more hair fall when getting out of the shower.
This change often starts in the perimenopausal stage, the 8 to 10 years leading to the actual menopause. During this phase, your hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) constantly rise and fall. They affect your hair growth cycle and the health of your scalp and follicles. Hormones also alter the natural oils that keep hair smooth and lustrous. This is why you notice thinning or dryness when your oestrogen levels drop. Similarly, you might see your hair looks thick and shiny when they rise back up. But these changes might be permanent when your period stops for a year, and you officially enter your menopausal phase.
Read more: Reasons for hair thinning and how to promote hair growth
How to Tackle Hormonal Hair Loss
Go for topical treatments to stimulate hair growth.
Your best bet for treating menopausal hair loss is to stimulate hair growth. One of the best ways to do so is to use topical treatments like minoxidil. This is an effective drug that keeps your hair in the growth phase longer. It also stops balding and slows down your hair loss rate.
Try LED therapy.
Backed by dozens of peer-reviewed clinical research, LED therapy is quickly gaining popularity among hair loss treatments. It is a safe and natural way to increase hair density and promote growth. LED light therapy also delivers concentrated wavelengths of natural light to your scalp. These wavelengths will stimulate your cells to reduce oxidative stress and increase blood circulation to promote hair growth. Aside from these benefits, LED light therapy also improves physical function, speeds up healing, and reduces inflammation. Lastly, it significantly stimulates the dermal papilla cells, which are crucial to hair re-growth.
Give your scalp some TLC.
Caring for your scalp means caring for your hair. Keeping your scalp clean and free of build-up will help support the follicles for hair growth. You can also add scalp serums to add a dose of hydration without leaving your locks greasy or sticky. Look for serums with niacinamide, ceramides, or caffeine. These potent hair-loving serums boost collagen and support the lipid barrier. Caffeine especially wakes up groggy follicles for a healthier, more luscious mane.
Remember, that there are always ways to counter your hair loss. Speak to your favourite aesthetician for the latest in hair fall treatments.
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