Have you noticed a change in the volume and texture of your hair? More in the hairbrush or an
alarming amount in the shower drain? I promise, you are not alone. It’s estimated that more than
50% of women will experience noticeable hair loss and thinning, and it’s especially common
during menopause.

Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that help hair grow faster and stay on the head for
longer periods. With the lowered production of these hormones, your hair grows more slowly
and becomes thinner.

Additionally, the decrease of these hormones can trigger an increase in the production of
androgens, which are male hormones. Androgens contribute to hair loss by shrinking the hair
follicles on your head and may even cause new ones to sprout on your chin. What a mess!
Hair loss is distressing so say the least, and can have a huge psychological toll, impacting the
situation further.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to treat hair loss and improve the quality of your hair. So
don’t panic! Everyone is different, and what works for one might not work for another, but by
trying the suggestions listed below will feel empowering to start and you’ll most likely have
positive results. Changes may be subtle at first, but remember that hair grows and sheds in
cycles, so be patient!

Diet

The more nutrient dense your diet is, the stronger and healthier your hair will be. Focus on
getting plenty of vegetables to provide lots of Vitamin Bs, especially folate and biotin. Protein
will help with hair fragility and brittleness. Essential fatty acids promote hair growth, shine, and
scalp health. Staying well hydrated is equally important, so drink at least eight glasses of water a
day.

Top Hair Health Foods

Spinach
Avocado
Sweet Potatoes
Salmon
Greek Yoghurt
Eggs
Tuna
Chia Seeds
Flaxseeds
Walnuts

Collagen

Add collagen powder to your morning coffee or smoothie. It will not only help with hair
strength, but also promotes skin elasticity, and supports bone and joint health.

Supplements

Hair supplements can be beneficial and yield actual results.
Look for a high-quality biotin supplement, or if you want to combine other beneficial vitamins &
minerals, a brand such as Nutrafol may be your way to go.

Shop here

Minoxidil

5% Minoxidil, also known under the brand name Rogaine is the only scientifically proven scalp
treatment to regrow hair. It’s not sexy, but it works. Remember you must use it consistently, as
hair loss can return once you stop.

Volumizing Shampoos and Conditioners

These are the most instantly gratifying way to make your hair feel thicker and fuller. However,
they can be a bit drying, so adding a weekly hair mask is recommended.

Scalp Health

Newer to the market is the silicone scalp massager. This inexpensive tool gently exfoliates and
stimulates scalp circulation. I like to combine this with a pre-cleanse hair oil treatment; my go-to
choice is Act & Acre. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil is a lot less expensive
but I personally found it caused color fade.

Topical thickeners

There are some great products on the market these days that can help put some bounce and make
your hair thicker. Volume mousse for the roots and spray-on thickening serums do an effective
job of plumping up the hair.

Go Easy on Your Hair

Heating tools and fragile hair are a damaging combination that can lead to breakage. This is the
time to cut back on blowouts and other high heat tools, use a heat protectant and ditch the tight
ponytail or bun.

Go Easy on Yourself

Hair loss can feel devastating, affecting your confidence at an already vulnerable time. Just
remember that you’re not alone and it’s happening to so many other women around you. There
are real solutions to improve your hair’s health and quality, so go ahead and experiment with
which ones work best for you.