One of the most common problems that occurs during menopause is thin and porous hair. Low oestrogen levels can affect the hair growth cycle by shortening the growth phase and delaying the phase where the hair grows back. Additionally, the hair follicles also become smaller with age, resulting in finer hair strands and a general lack of volume.

Another common problem is dry and dull hair. Just like your skin becomes dry when oestrogen levels drop, your scalp and hair can also lack moisture. A reduction in oestrogen can lead to less production of sebum (oil), which normally provides moisture to the scalp and lubricates it. This can result in a dry scalp and flakiness, since the moisturizing oil that your scalp normally produces before menopause no longer reaches the hair. As a result, the hair can become drier, duller, and more prone to breakage.

A sensitive scalp is another challenge that many women experience during menopause. Dryness can irritate the scalp. When the skin is dry, small cracks form in the skin barrier (the outer layer), allowing products to penetrate and cause inflammation. If you're experiencing hair loss and thinning hair, your scalp is more susceptible to environmental influences such as UV rays and harsh ingredients, which can lead to further inflammation.

During menopause some women also experience hot sensations and sweating on the scalp. Menopause can have a large impact on the health of the scalp. However, this is something that many people don't often realise. The scalp is among many things that hormones can alter during the menopause. The hormones involved, primarily oestrogen and progesterone can affect the hair growth cycle, the scalp and follicle health, the collagen production, and the natural oils that keep hair and scalp microbiome healthy and balanced.

Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the structure of the hair. Some hair strands can change shape from being circular to oval, resulting in changes in curl pattern or smoothness of the hair. The rough and stiff sensation in some of the hair strands can be due to the lack of natural oils. Sebum helps to maintain the pH balance of the hair. Without sufficient sebum, the pH balance is disrupted, and the hair cuticle begins to lift, making the hair appear dull, feel rough, and look lackluster.