Hair care during menopause: How to maintain beautiful and healthy hair

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life where hormonal changes take place. These changes can affect various aspects of the body, including the hair. Whether you are in the beginning of menopause or have gone through it, you may experience different changes in your hair. Most commonly, there are five different ways in which menopause can manifest in your hair. You can now learn more about these five ways and how to best care for your hair based on how menopause affects it.

Have you experienced thin and porous hair due to menopause?

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

To combat this problem, ZENZ expert and founder Anne-Sophie recommends using Shampoo Sweet Sense no. 04 and Conditioner Sweet Sense no. 05, which provide plenty of volume and nourishment. Shampoo Cactus no. 17 and Conditioner Cactus no. 18 provide the hair with ample moisture, making the hair strands more flexible and less prone to breakage.

You can also try a scalp massage with Oil Treatment Sweet Mint no. 96, which will stimulate blood circulation and promote healthy hair growth. Additionally, Treatment Pure no. 03 is a good protein-rich hair mask that strengthens and rebuilds the hair. ZENZ's gentle hairbrush, Ionic Styling Brush Round, helps distribute the hair's natural oils and gives it a healthy shine.

Have you experienced dry and dull hair due to menopause?

Another common problem is dry and dull hair. Just like your skin becomes dry when estrogen levels drop, your scalp and hair also lack moisture. A reduction in estrogen leads to less production of sebum (oil), which normally provides moisture to the scalp and lubricates it. The result is dry scalp and flakiness, as 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.

To revive your dry and lackluster hair, we recommend our popular Cactus series, available with and without fragrance. Our mineral-rich Rhassoul products have a unique composition of minerals that provide moisture, strength, and vitality to both hair and scalp.

Dry hair requires deep conditioning treatment to help rebuild and moisturize the hair. Hair & Scalp Rinse Fresh Herbs no. 87 and Treatment Pure no. 03 are therefore incredibly important for creating moisture, shine, and flexibility in your hair. Also, remember to use a good and gentle brush, Ionic Styling Brush Round, to distribute the hair's natural oils and improve its structure.

Have you developed a sensitive scalp due to menopause?

A sensitive scalp is another challenge that many women experience during menopause. Dryness can make the scalp irritated. 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, leading to further inflammation.

To soothe and care for your sensitive scalp, we recommend products like Shampoo Deep Wood no. 07 and Conditioner Deep Wood no. 08, as well as Shampoo Rhassoul Pure no. 19. These products have calming properties that reduce inflammation and restore scalp health. You can also use Oil Treatment Deep Wood no. 99. Our expert and founder Anne-Sophie also recommends using a good and gentle brush, Ionic Styling Brush Round, to gently massage the scalp and stimulate blood circulation.

Are you experiencing hot flashes and sweating due to menopause?

Some women also experience heated sensations and sweating, including in the scalp, during menopause. If you're experiencing this, you can try products like Shampoo Menthol no. 10 and Conditioner Menthol no. 11, as well as Salt Water Spray Sweet Orange no. 15 (fragrance-free option: Salt Water Spray Pure no. 14). These products will cool and soothe your scalp while adding a light texture to your hair.

Has your hair structure changed during menopause?

Hormonal changes during menopause can affect hair structure. Some hair strands can change shape from being circular to oval, resulting in changes in curl or smoothness of the hair. The rough and stiff sensation in some hair strands is due to the lack of natural oils. Sebum helps 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.

To address changes in hair structure, we recommend using products that provide moisture and nourishment, such as the ones mentioned earlier. By maintaining hair health and pH balance, you can minimize the negative effects of hormonal changes on your hair.

During menopause, it's especially important to provide your hair with extra nourishment and care. Choose products that are certified organic, like the ones you can find at ZENZorganicshop.com. All ZENZ products are gentle on your hair, your body, and the environment.

Also, remember to consult a professional hairstylist or hair care expert for further advice and recommendations on caring for your hair during menopause.

Take control of your hair and continue to enjoy beautiful and healthy hair, even when you're going through menopause!