Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow? Let’s Talk Menopausal Hair Loss and Itchy Scalps
- Marcia Howard
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
In my previous years of practice in the salon, nothing worries a woman more than hair loss. I have had to re-assure many of my ladies that losing strands of hair everyday is normal and we can lose anywhere from 80-100 strands daily. If you braid or add weaves in an you have your natural hair tucked away for weeks, this number can increase as the strands would have accumulated over the time. Hormonal hair loss, however, is an entirely different ball game.
As a woman over 40 years (present company included), I am sure you may have looked in the mirror and wondered when your once-luscious locks became so... sparse, you’re not alone. Hair thinning and itchy scalp are two of the most common complaints I hear from women over 40 — right up there with “Why can’t I sleep?” and “Is it just me or is everyone else annoying today?” I am very passionate about hair. Healthy hair is a top priority for me because it is the basis of any hairstyle.
So let us tuck in and have a look at menopausal hair loss and over the next 4 weeks I will be exploring what can contribute to hear loss and how to distinguish excessive loss to normal fall.
👩🔬 The Hormonal Hair Truth
During menopause, your oestrogen and progesterone levels take a dip (and sometimes a nosedive). These hormones aren’t just about periods and pregnancy — they also play a major role in keeping your hair anchored, hydrated, and strong.
As these levels decline, androgens like testosterone become relatively more dominant. In some women, this can cause hair follicles to shrink and shorten the growth cycle, leading to thinning hair, patchiness, and slower regrowth.
And that itchy, tight scalp you’ve started scratching more often than your lottery tickets? Blame it on reduced sebum production, stress, and changes to the skin barrier — all linked to hormonal shifts.
📚 What Do the Studies Say?
Hormonal shifts are central. A 2021 review in Dermatologic Clinics concluded that menopause-associated hair loss is primarily related to the drop in oestrogens and the unopposed action of androgens on hair follicles (Olsen, 2021).
FPHL (Female Pattern Hair Loss) is more common post menopause. Around 40% of women over 50 report noticeable thinning hair. The Ludwig scale is often used to assess the degree of female pattern baldness.
Itchy scalp is not always due to dryness. One study (Mujda et al., 2020) suggested a link between declining oestrogens and changes in skin barrier function, making the scalp more reactive to common irritants and allergens.
Low ferritin and vitamin D are linked with hair loss. Studies show that women with ferritin levels below 50 ng/mL often experience chronic telogen effluvium (temporary shedding), and vitamin D deficiency may contribute to FPHL progression (Rasheed et al., 2013).
🌿 Natural Remedies Worth Your Time (and Scalp)
If you’re not keen on harsh chemicals or prescriptions, the good news is that nature offers a fair few allies:
✅ Rosemary Oil – Improves circulation to the scalp and supports follicle health. Massage in 2–3 times a week with a carrier oil.
✅ Pumpkin Seed Oil – Shown to block DHT (a hair-thinning hormone). Can be used topically or as a supplement.
✅ Scalp Massage – Just 4 minutes a day can increase hair thickness over time. Bonus: it’s relaxing.
✅ Adaptogens like Ashwagandha – Help manage cortisol, which can hijack your hair growth cycle when left unchecked.
✅ Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse – Rebalances scalp pH and soothes inflammation. Use once weekly, diluted in water.
✅ Collagen & Silica – Strengthen the hair shaft and support scalp hydration.
💡 What Works Best? (Real Talk)
Consistency is key: Natural remedies often work slowly. Think 3–6 months minimum.
Combination therapy often wins: Pairing scalp oils (rosemary or pumpkin seed) with nutrient support and adaptogens yields better results than one thing alone.
Lifestyle matters: Hair is the ultimate diva — if you’re skipping meals, sleeping poorly, or in constant fight-or-flight, it’ll throw a tantrum.
Test, don’t guess: Functional blood work for ferritin, thyroid, D, and B12 is essential to personalise your protocol.
✨ Your Next Step: A Scalp-Centric Ritual
Hair thrives on consistency, nourishment, and calm. So instead of throwing every new product at it in frustration, create a weekly “scalp care ritual” — a moment just for you.
Light a candle. Massage your oils. Drink a calming tea. Let your hair (and nervous system) know it’s safe to thrive again.
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