Why Menopause Is the Right Time to Rethink Your Hair Products And what natural alternatives women are turning to instead
- Marcia Howard
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
As women move through menopause, it's not just hormones that shift—so do our hair needs, sensitivities, and even our values around personal care.
One of the most overlooked—but critical—areas of menopause wellness is your haircare routine. What worked for you in your 30s may now be making your hair dry, brittle, or causing scalp irritation.
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to switch up your shampoo, ditch the relaxer, or rethink hair dye altogether—you’re not alone. Many women are revisiting the products and chemicals they’ve trusted for years, in search of healthier, hormone-friendly options. Here’s why.
🔄 1. Hormonal Changes Affect Hair Texture, Strength, and Scalp Sensitivity
During menopause, declining oestrogen and rising androgens can lead to:
Thinner, finer hair
Increased dryness and brittleness
A more sensitive or itchy scalp
Slower growth and more frequent shedding
These changes mean that products designed for oilier, more resilient hair no longer serve your hair's needs. Sulphates, drying alcohols, and synthetic fragrances can strip moisture and irritate a now-reactive scalp.
⚠️ 2. Harsh Chemicals Can Disrupt Hormonal Balance Further
Many conventional products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like:
Phthalates (often hidden in fragrance)
Parabens (preservatives with oestrogenic effects)
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) (a harsh foaming agent)
PPD (para-phenylenediamine) (a dye component linked to irritation)
Your scalp is highly absorbent, and regular exposure to these compounds may exacerbate hormonal symptoms or increase toxic load.
💭 3. From Control to Care: Changing the Haircare Mindset
Menopause often marks a personal turning point—away from harsh routines and toward nourishment, simplicity, and self-care.
Many women are asking:
“What am I putting on my body? ”Can I embrace my natural texture or colour? ”Is this helping or harming my health?”
The result? A growing trend of ditching chemical straighteners and dyes in favour of natural alternatives that align with their new priorities.
🌿 4. What Women Are Switching To Instead
Whether you're ready for a full revamp or just want to start small, here are healthier swaps many women in menopause are loving:
✅ Gentle, sulphate-free shampoos
Look for aloe vera, coconut-based cleansers, and essential oils. Try brands like:
Faith in Nature
Green People
Odylique
✅ Deep conditioners for menopausal hair
Use products rich in:
Argan oil
Shea butter
Ayurvedic herbs like fenugreek or hibiscus
✅ Natural hair colours
Safer, nourishing alternatives include:
Henna and indigo (for red to black tones)
Herbal blends from brands like Khadi or Radico
For women of colour, speak to your stylist about non-peroxide/ammonia-free colours you can safely use to cover your grey hair after chemical relaxing.
✅ Heat-free styling and embracing texture
Ditch heat tools and harsh relaxers. Embrace curls, waves, and coils using:
Curl creams
Scalp oils
Protective styles
Especially for women of African, Caribbean, or mixed heritage, the natural hair movement is empowering and protective of midlife wellbeing. Caution should be taken when braiding or weaving, as this can cause undue pressure to the scalp an can result in traction alopecia.
💖 5. It’s Not Just About Hair—It’s About Health
Changing your products is about more than managing frizz or grey hair—it's about reducing toxins, supporting hormone health, and caring for the whole woman.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Honour the Transition
Hair changes can be emotional. But they can also be empowering.
This is the perfect time to embrace a new approach that aligns with the woman you're becoming—inside and out.
Take the next step. Your hair—and your hormones—deserve it.
Explore my other posts in the series on menopausal hair health links to blog below - Ready to go natural but not sure where to start? Book a chat, let us talk about it.
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