Although symptoms of menopause and peri-menopause are fairly well known, thanks to the abundance of information out there, one side effect I have experienced that took me by surprise was the changes my hair would go through. As someone fortunate to have had a good head of hair up until last year, since turning 50 things have certainly changed. My once thick and glossy shoulder-length hair has begun to thin and shed; I’ve found more clumps of it in my comb, seen it clog up the shower plug after a hair wash and discovered it on my pillow after waking up.
And the evidence of hair loss can be seen (through only my eyes fortunately) on the top of my forehead and the sides of my face where my hair used to hang smoothly, but is now broken and frayed. It is so bad I’d go so far as saying if you didn’t know me better you’d think I had a wonky fringe, with layers at the side, but the shorter bits are actually where the hair has broken.
For me, and the millions of other women who experience hair loss in menopause, (it affects an estimated 50 per cent of us), it can be disconcerting – and in drastic cases, deeply upsetting. The good news however is that it is common and reassuring to hear that there are ways to treat it (more of that below). What is important to understand is the cause of hair loss in menopausal women, along with other issues (all of which I have) including a dry scalp, greasier roots and a lacklustre appearance to my crowning glory. As someone who has had blonde highlights every four months for as long as I can remember, I have noticed in the last year the colour of my hair is not as shiny and glossy as it once was. And an itchy scalp - another common problem women in menopause have to deal with, resulting in flaky patches of skin – occasionally affects me.
“Itchy scalps in menopause are fairly common due to the hormonal changes that can cause the sebaceous (oil), glands to be more active,” explained consultant trichologist Eva Proudman. “The natural yeast that lives on the scalp, (Malassezia), feeds on the fatty acids in the excess sebum leading to inflammation, flaking and itching. Washing frequently, every day or every other day, helps to manage this as does a really great scalp shampoo.”
To put into context my current situation, I went on HRT (which is not a cause of hair loss) 18 months ago after experiencing increased anxiety and the odd hot flush. I’d say this was also roughly a similar timeframe to when I noticed my hair loss. That said, I have always had split ends and the odd frizz to my hair, something I put down to having regular professional blow dries where I think one salon overheated my hair, causing it to burn. And it doesn’t help matters that I have a bad habit of always putting my hair up in a ponytail with an elastic band to sleep in at night. As an FYI to those who do the same, when the elastic is too tight, it puts excessive pressure on your hair and that can lead to breakage over time.
As for the cause of hair loss in menopause, hormonal fluctuations are unsurprisingly the reason. The drop in oestrogen and progesterone can shrink the hair follicle and so for some women cause growth of thinner hair strands, resulting in overall hair thinning. This can occur on the top of the head, or in my case on the front and sides. According to celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas, hair loss can start with peri-menopause - the stage before menopause when your hormone levels change and cause various symptoms.
“It doesn’t happen to everybody but it can be quite common,” he explained. “As your body produces less of the female hormones, the male hormones start to become more active and this can result in a shrinkage of the hair follicle producing a thinner strand of hair. Getting on HRT early during peri-menopause can help with minimising this. Obviously, HRT is not for everyone so I would suggest seeking help from a menopause specialist.”
In agreement is another celebrity hairdresser, Jonathan Andrew. “There are numerous challenges for hair during menopause, but I would say the main one is that hair can lose its volume and can become finer due to shedding, which for a lot of women can be frustrating,” he explains. “Hair can damage easier too, as oestrogen levels decrease which is a big factor in hair growth and health – so it might not get past a certain length, or it feels more brittle, and you see more shed in the shower and on your clothes.” To combat this, he often advises his clients to eat omega-rich foods like eggs, avocado, seeds, nuts and fish. And he suggests having regular trims to keep the hair looking thicker.
As for the ingredients you should be looking for in hair products, there are plenty that help stimulate the follicle. Some to look out for include argan oil which is great for hair that is dry during menopause and caffeine helps stimulate the scalp.
Best shampoo for menopausal hair at a glance
• Best overall shampoo for menopausal hair: JS Health Purifying Vitamin Shampoo Cleanse + Revive - Buy now on Amazon
• Best shampoo for very dry menopausal hair: L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular - Buy now on Amazon
• Best vegan and cruelty-free shampoo for menopausal hair: Centred Heightened Volumising Shampoo - Buy now on Centred
• Best shampoo for thinning menopausal hair: Leonor Greyl Shampooing Énergisant - Buy now on The French Pharmacy
How we tested the best shampoos for menopausal hair
Having experienced my own hair loss and damage, I have been using the majority of the shampoos listed on and off for the past few months. When it came to testing the products, I was looking for shampoos that conditioned the hair and made my dry locks sleek and healthy. I was conscious only to recommend shampoos that had helped make my lacklustre hair more glossy and clean; including the scalp. It was also important for me to look for products that helped with my greasy roots. Although I do sometimes add a conditioner after shampooing my hair, for this review I didn’t and just used the shampoo on its own.
A good hair day makes all the difference to how I feel. When I have clean and shiny hair, it really does lift my mood and makes me feel more confident. If, like me, you have been struggling with hair issues, we've put together a list of the best shampoos to combat hair loss and other symptoms related to the menopause. Here are some of my favourite shampoos to shop now.
Best shampoo for menopausal hair
Best overall shampoo for menopausal hair
Formulated by leading hair biochemists, this shampoo from the much-loved wellness brand JSHealth Vitamins is unsurprisingly packed with vitamins; hence its name. With key ingredients including Pro-Vitamin B5 which benefits the hair by promoting healthy growth and Aloe Vera helps calm an itchy scalp, deep cleans oily hair, and strengthens and repairs hair strands, it claims to support scalp and hair health. A natural shampoo – free from any nasty chemicals – it is designed to soften and detangle hair, enhance shine, assist hair growth and nourish and hydrate.
Our review: I love everything about this shampoo and return to it time and time again when my hair feels in need of some TLC. It does exactly what it says on the product in giving hair a thorough clean and revive; I use this when my hair feels like straw and it transforms it into smooth and silky ends. A couple of squeezes are needed to create a lather and as soon as it is washed off hair instantly feels soft and nourished. Often I need to comb my wet hair out numerous times but with this shampoo the brush glides through easily straight away.
As someone who is prone to wiry strands of hair around the front of my face, I loved how silky my locks felt and the split ends seemed to magically vanish. My hair also lasts a lot longer between washes; normally greasy roots have me hair washing every other day but this lasts at least three or four.
Pros
- Large bottle (350ml) so lasts a long time
- Smells fresh
Cons
- A few customers reported the lid leaks on delivery
Best shampoo for very dry menopausal hair
This product from L'Oréal is described as being a shampoo for extremely damaged hair. It works by rebuilding the hair's molecular structure; in other words, when hair is damaged, its molecular structure composed of peptides is compromised, leading to hair becoming weak and damaged. With the addition of five amino acids (which work by penetrating the hair shaft and hydrating the hair from within), these ingredients help to rebuild hair's strength, enhance shine, and protect it from damage by environmental factors or heat styling. The shampoo claims to restore elasticity and movement to hair.
Our review: My hair is extremely dry everywhere but the roots and this shampoo works like a dream in adding much-needed moisture and hydration. You can feel the difference after one wash, with the texture and movement of the hair feeling soft and voluminous. The liquid rubs in well and feels so light on the hair I had to check mid shower it had lathered up enough. Upon rinsing my hair felt tangle-free and clean and normally when I use a hairdryer I have to go over my brittle ends with a straightener (adding more damage to them!), but this shampoo helps seal my hair and remove all the dry and wiry strands from standing out.
This product has numerous five-star ratings on Amazon and I am not surprised. In the words of one user: “This shampoo makes my hair shiny, soft and has a lovely fragrance. Not too heavy, it does not weigh down my older fine hair. Will purchase again.”
Pros
- Sulphate-free
Cons
- Whilst I loved the fragrance, the woody smell might not suit everyone
Best vegan and cruelty free shampoo for menopausal hair
www.wearecentred.com
Centred was founded by Laura Tudor who experienced severe hair loss in 2017 due to burnout, and this sustainable, vegan and cruelty-free shampoo ticks all the right boxes for us ladies experiencing the same. The product contains numerous hero ingredients needed to nourish the hair, including ginseng and white nettle that work by stimulating the blood flow to hair follicles, helping with hair growth. And the addition of Amino Acid proteins help strengthen the hair shaft and reduce breakage for healthier, more resilient hair.
Our review: Lots of shampoos claim to be volumising but this is one of very few I have used that helps add so much body to my fine and limp hair. I actually really look forward to using it as gives me big bouncy hair (as shown in the after photo). As for its vegan and cruelty-free credentials, plus no sulphates or silicones, it feels extra nice to know I am adding goodness to my head and scalp without stripping the hair. It is super lightweight and even though I needed to use more of the product to create a lather than other shampoos featured here, I didn’t mind as it smells so good. And my dry hair drank up the nourishing formula, so much so it felt shiny and clean for almost a whole week which is rare for me!
I’m in total agreement with one reviewer who wrote: “Only been using it for the last three weeks but my hair is already feeling thicker and it smells so nice I have already ordered my next bottle I love it so much.”
Pros
- Contains 93% naturally derived ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers don't like the scent
Best shampoo for thinning menopausal hair
thefrenchpharmacy.co
The Parisian luxury brand has brought this new shampoo to the UK market and it is definitely up there as one of the best haircare products I have ever tried. It works by targeting the DHT Hormone, a form of testosterone that can affect hair loss and sensitivity during menopause - stopping hair fall and extending the hair cycle. With its natural, concentrated ingredients that include Moringa seed protein, Indian plum, almond protein, honey yeast extract, Indian gooseberry, green tea and maca extract, it helps fortify hair at the follicle for shinier, healthier and stronger locks. Its research claims that it reduces hair thinning by 85%.
Our review: I need to start off by acknowledging this is a super expensive product but if you want to splash the cash on a luxurious shampoo, this is the one. Shampooing my hair was such a joy as the liquid created a rich foamy lather that absorbed into my hair easily and felt like silk when washed off. As evident in my after photo this shampoo leaves hair looking as though you have had a professional blow dry. My usual fly-away ends and short hairs on my scalp that are broken were smoothed and soft. And the thin hairs that frame my face magically seemed to repair themselves after the shampoo, appearing a lot fuller and with volume to them.
If it wasn’t for the price tag, I’d definitely have this shampoo on repeat. I’ve only been using it for three months so can’t see much difference yet but I’m not surprised by the claim that it reduces hair thinning by 85%.
Pros
- Composed of 95% natural and vegan ingredients
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Expensive
Best shampoo for damaged menopausal hair
www.facethefuture.co.uk
This strengthening shampoo is designed to help rebuild and repair your dry, damaged or chemically treated hair and nourish it back to life. The vegan and cruelty-free product contains natural extracts of vitamin-rich shea butter to moisturise the hair and aloe vera to gently cleanse. There's also antioxidant green tea in it to nourish and protect the hair and a complex of wheat protein and vegetable protein to rebuild damage and help your strands retain moisture.
Our review: As mentioned above, my hair is very damaged and it doesn’t help that I have had it bleached numerous times, which has led to its disarray. Firstly, I found this shampoo worked wonders with my itchy scalp; thanks to the aloe vera in the product I noticed that the dry flakes completely disappeared after use. It also worked well in helping all my hair problems improve; over two weeks of using it my dry ends felt healthier, the overall condition of my hair was a lot more nourished and I was surprised to see the colour, that had developed a dull tone to it, was enhanced and glossy. In fact, my two-month-old blonde highlights shone as if I had just had them done and the frazzled split hair I have on my forehead looked less obvious. I presume being a sulphate-free product (one without harsh chemicals that strip the hair) is hugely beneficial for my hair as it is less abrasive. This Swedish haircare brand ticks all the right boxes!
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing bottle
- Free from parabens
- Free from sulphates
Cons
- Doesn’t lather up as easily as other products listed here
Best shampoo for coloured menopausal hair
masonpearson.com
This newly launched shampoo from the iconic hairbrush brand is a purple shampoo, which means it is a type of hair product used for people with dyed blonde hair, like myself. It uses purple pigments within the product to neutralise and cancel out unwanted brassy and yellow tones in blonde hair. Over time blonde-dyed hair occasionally picks up orangey tones from pollution and heat damage so purple shampoos help neutralise the colour to bring it back to a fresh look. This shampoo – which contains Violet 43, a hair dyeing agent that helps remove the unwanted orangey tone - cleanses, hydrates, and deeply nourishes the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
Our review: I discovered this shampoo at a good time as the heat from my summer holiday had frazzled my damaged hair even more, with the chlorine from the swimming pool adding to the orangey tone my hair had turned in the sun. This purple shampoo worked a treat and even after one use the colour of my hair seemed to return to normal.
I felt that the shampoo really gave my hair a thorough clean and that the Aloe Vera in it helped moisturise the strands of hair at the top of my head that are often greasy. It is an ingredient that revitalise hair follicles to stimulate healthy hair growth, and whilst it’s too soon to notice my hair growing, it definitely strengthened the hair shaft, as I saw less hair in my brush and shower after use.
It really packs a punch with its Vitamin E and B5; both of which help tame my frazzled ends, leaving hair silk and glossy. I now use this shampoo fortnightly to keep my blonde highlights glossy.
Pros
- Revives blonde highlights
- Vegan
Cons
- There are cheaper purple shampoos available
- Only available on the brand’s website (at the time of writing)
This nutrient-rich thickening shampoo is said to provide a gentle cleansing that will help give you stronger hair with more shine, less frizz and long-lasting smoothness. With its powerful blend of Biotin and Collagen, it claims to help plump up even the skinniest strands of hair and add volume and shine to your locks. As for what Biotin is, it is added to shampoos because it's believed to strengthen hair follicles, improve scalp circulation and increase hair density. And, Collagen plays a role in building keratin—the primary protein in your hair. Together both ingredients work well on hair that appears limp, lifeless and flat to make it look thicker and fuller.
Our review: This shampoo would have been up there as my best overall product for menopausal hair, but was pipped to the post by JSHealth Purifying Vitamin Shampoo Cleanse + Revive. That said, it is pretty amazing in every way and the low price makes it even more appealing. Biotin and collagen are both excellent ingredients for helping to strengthen hair and because of the affordability of this product, I used a generous amount to wash my hair with. My hair is limp and flat normally, as mentioned in the product description above, so I felt this was perfect for my hair type. It lathered well and when washed out I felt as though my hair was very cleansed and easy to brush a comb through without any snags. I used a curling tong to dry it in a beach wave style and was aware of just how silky and smooth my usually scraggy hair ends were. And hair felt as though it had a lot more volume so the waves stayed in place all day, rather than dropping and losing their shape.
As for the numerous five-star reviews on Amazon, it is no surprise this shampoo is a firm favourite. One user wrote: “Feels like my hair is thicker and healthier. Menopause has caused my hair to thin at the front and this has helped me feel better about it!” Another added: “Hair seems more voluminous and thicker from the first use.”
Pros
- No parabens
- Nice scent
Cons
- Liquid comes out quite thick
- Some users on Amazon say it is not good on very greasy hair
A shampoo with a scalp therapy formula, this shampoo features specialised ingredients to optimise scalp health by cleansing and fortifying hair while protecting it from environmental stressors. It includes ingredients like Loquat leaf that contains key trace minerals and vitamins that help to nourish the scalp and hair and is often used for its ability to relieve skin irritants that can cause an itchy scalp. It also contains willow bark extract which is a scalp-soothing plant extract used in cosmetics for its antioxidant benefits. It has high levels of tannins that can help to control oiliness and reduce overall inflammation – which helps to achieve an overall healthier scalp.
Our review: I am a huge fan of this brand, having used its eyelash serum to help with growth for months, this shampoo is perfect for many reasons, but I’d definitely recommend reaching for it to combat scalp problems. As soon as my scalp plays up and I notice those dreaded flaky white bits appearing, I find this shampoo really calms things down by going to work and really cleansing the head. It has a lightweight texture and I start off by rubbing it into my scalp, giving me instant relief from the soreness. Hair is left feeling squeaky clean and with volume.
According to one user: “I'm not sure HOW this shampoo works BUT IT CERTAINLY DOES!! Makes my 62-year-old thinning hair look fuller and adds so much body to it. It's SIMPLY AMAZING! Definitely WORTH IT!!”
Pros
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
- Smells fresh
Cons
- A bit pricey but worth the money
This is the only shampoo bar featured in the list and is good for travel if you can’t take liquids with you. A shampoo bar is more concentrated than a regular one and works by adding water to it once in the shower. You just rub the bar between your hands with the water and a nice big lather of product appears when rubbed into the hair. You only need to apply it once.
With its Rice Protein ingredient that is clinically proven on average to increase hair volume by 32% and Wheatgerm Oil to increase hair shaft strength and elasticity, this shampoo bar is ideal for those with flat, thin and thinning hair. As a skin cell stimulator, rosemary oil is also contained in this shampoo bar.
Our review: The reason I have included a product that gives an instant lather is that one of the causes of hair loss and damage is the way we apply our hair products. Too much rubbing to the hair and scalp can ruin our hair follicles and pull them out accidentally. And whilst the majority of the products listed here do lather well, this one does it the second you use the shampoo on your hair.
It’s actually surprising how much lather comes from one tiny bar and it feels beautiful on the hair. When I blow-dried it afterwards my hair felt smooth and all the knots had untangled in the wash so there was no tugging of hair when I put my brush through it.
There are plenty of positive reviews online about this shampoo bar, with the majority of them saying hair has never felt so good and I agree. One user wrote: “Quick to foam, lasts a long time and makes your hair look lovely. My hairdresser says he’s never seen my hair in such good condition.”
Pros
- Smells lovely
- Practical for travelling
Cons
- Small size
Below, I asked some questions about what happens to our hair in menopause to celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas.
FAQs
What shampoo ingredients should we look for when it comes to menopausal hair?
When it comes to menopausal hair, try and think about your hair and diagnose it as it feels or looks. If your hair is fine and flat, use a shampoo like OGX Thick & Full+ Biotin & Collagen Shampoo (featured above) that helps the hair to feel thicker and fuller.
Don’t necessarily think about your hair as menopausal hair because everybody’s hair reacts differently to the menopause. Just diagnose your hair as it feels and also knowing what you have done to it, such as if you have it bleached or coloured then choose a shampoo and conditioner that’s appropriate for that.
What vitamins are good for menopausal hair?
Generally speaking, I’m not a fan of supplements for hair loss and the things that cause it. Just eating a balanced diet that’s rich in protein is a really good idea. The best thing that you could eat to benefit your hair is an egg. It has about 8g of protein in it and all the various amino acids and vitamins that your hair will love - having one extra egg a day or even two if you fancy it, it’s probably the greatest thing you can do to support healthy hair growth.
What treatments are good for menopausal hair?
I wouldn’t suggest any treatments specifically for menopausal hair. If your hair feels damaged, brittle and weak then find an appropriate treatment to help alleviate the symptoms. The strand of hair itself doesn’t change just because of the menopause, the hair is still hair.
It may get thinner, it may actually get thicker. The hair changes as you get older in a similar way that your skin also changes as you get older so diagnose your hair based on how it feels and its behaviour and try to not look at it as menopausal.
Meet the experts
Michael Douglas
Michael Douglas has been in the hair industry for 25 years and has appeared on several TV shows in the UK from The One Show to This Morning. Also, Michael has worked with many celebrities, including Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Claudia Schiffer. It's his mission to demystify the world of hair styling - and empower people with all the knowledge and confidence for their hair.
Jonathan Andrew
With years of experience, Jonathan Andrew is a leading figure in British hairdressing, known for his passion and a fresh outlook on the changing hair and beauty landscape. Jonathan collaborates on campaigns while maintaining a high-profile clientele, red-carpet styling, and global recognition for his approach to hair and men’s grooming. He has an award-winning salon, based in Ripley, Surrey.
Eva Proudman
Offering private hair and scalp consultations, Eva Proudman MIT IAT, a trichologist, ensures ethical and personalised care; with over 18 years of experience working in her field, her knowledge about hair is unquestionable. She's THE hair specialist. A Consultant Trichologist to leading global brands, Eva oversees treatment, prioritising patient well-being and addressing hair and scalp issues with innovative solutions. She has a network of clinics across the UK.
Suzanne Baum is an award-winning beauty editor, with columns across numerous outlets, including the Metro, Women's Fitness, the Independent and Yahoo. Having written about beauty for over 20 years, Suzanne regularly reports on the latest beauty news; from trialling out new beauty innovations and aesthetic treatments to writing on the best products for women and men.
With a keen interest in mature skincare, Suzanne has written extensively on everything from the best products to use during menopause to how to protect your skin from the sun. Having established an excellent working relationship with PRs and beauty experts, Suzanne is often the first to know about new innovations on the market and to report on them.