The menopause and your hair
Advice from KH Hair’s menopause champion, Helen Stilwell
We know that menopause can have a significant impact on our hair due to changing hormone levels, particularly the decline in oestrogen. October is Menopause Awareness Month, so we spoke to KH Hair’s very own ‘menopause champion’, Helen Stilwell, at KH Hair in Arnold about the challenges we face and what we can do to help combat the effects that this phase of life can have on our hair.
The effects of menopause on the hair
As hair ages, it naturally becomes finer, drier, and more fragile due to changes in hormone levels, reduced sebum production, and slower hair growth. Many women notice their hair becoming finer, thinner, and drier, with reduced volume and slower growth. Some may also experience increased shedding or changes in texture, while the scalp can become drier or more sensitive.
Understanding these changes allows us to provide reassurance, realistic expectations, and personalised recommendations. A thorough consultation is essential to identify concerns and adapt services accordingly. During consultations, we know it’s important to look beyond the hair itself and consider scalp health, lifestyle, and hormonal changes, particularly during menopause. A personalised approach allows us to recommend the most suitable products, colour services, and homecare routine.
Advice for cutting, colouring and styling ageing hair
A great haircut can make ageing hair appear fuller and healthier. Softer shapes, textured bobs, layered styles, and face-framing cuts often create the illusion of volume while remaining easy to maintain.
When colouring mature hair, the goal is to enhance natural dimension rather than create a flat, solid colour. Using techniques such as fine highlights, lowlights and soft balayage can add movement and brightness while blending grey hair naturally.
Photo: Helen is now helping to create a more menopause-aware workplace
Our in-salon products include Wella KP, which delivers vibrant, healthy-looking colour with excellent grey coverage, and Shinefinity which offers a gentle, zero-lift glaze that enhances shine and refreshes colour without additional damage. Colour Touch is another excellent option for clients looking for a softer, lower commitment approach to blending grey.
When styling, lightweight volumizing products are ideal for fine hair. Blow drying with a round brush or using soft waves can create the appearance of fuller hair while maintaining movement and shine.
Ageing hair products and treatments
For mature hair that has become dry, brittle or lacks shine, hydration and strengthening are key. Here are some of my favourite product recommendations:
- Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair – an excellent treatment system for repairing damaged hair, helping to strengthen the hair fibre while leaving it softer, smoother, and more manageable
- Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth – ideal for coarse, dry, or frizzy ageing hair, delivering nourishment and long-lasting smoothness without weighing the hair down
- INVIGO Nutri-Enrich – provides intense moisture and nourishment for hair that has become dry or depleted
- INVIGO Scalp Balance – supports scalp health, helping to soothe dryness or sensitivity that can become more common with age
- Regular in-salon treatments – combined with a tailored homecare routine, help maintain hair condition and improve manageability between appointments
Quick top tips for menopausal hair:
- Prioritise scalp health with gentle cleansing and hydration
- Use strengthening and repairing products such as Ultimate Repair to improve resilience
- Choose nourishing products that restore moisture without adding weight
- Reduce excessive heat styling where possible and always use heat protection
- Maintain regular trims to minimise split ends and keep hair looking fuller
- Speak openly with your stylist about any changes you’ve noticed, as small adjustments to your haircare routine can make a significant difference
Helen recently completed her menopause champion training with the Online Menopause Centre. The course followed an evidence-based programme providing in-depth education on menopause and perimenopause, covering the hormonal changes women experience and how these can affect hair, skin, wellbeing, and overall health.
The course also focused on how to have informed, supportive conversations and create a more menopause-aware workplace. Helen is now able to combine the latest evidence-based understanding of menopause with Wella’s professional products and services to better support our clients experiencing age-related and menopausal hair changes.
She will also be sharing her knowledge to the wider KH Hair salon teams across the East Midlands, helping our stylists to provide more personalised consultations, recommend the most suitable treatments and products, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for both clients and colleagues.
If you’re concerned about the effects menopause is having on your hair, book in for your free consultation. Ask your regular KH Hair stylist for details or visit our salon finder.
