Beauty Advice

8 expert tips to optimise our haircare routine in midlife

Among the many changes brought about by midlife, those to our hair can be some of the most visible. Shifts in hormone levels during menopause can see our tresses become dry, brittle, and thin – or even start to fall out. Understandably, we’ll want to take action to get our hair back to its shiny and voluminous best.

However, relying on our long-time haircare favourites may no longer be doing the trick. Instead, we might look for products that are specifically formulated with ingredients that give our locks some additional TLC.

“By making adjustments as early as possible in your wellness journey, you will see results in your hair and scalp health in no time,” states Kieran Tudor, an award-winning hairdresser and co-founder of Centred.

But which products can really help? We spoke to the experts to find out what is a must for menopausal tresses.

How to optimise our haircare routine in midlife

Use a shampoo containing hyaluronic acid

Menopausal hair is often crying out for more moisture, but standing under the shower for an extra five minutes isn’t the solution to quenching its thirst.

Instead, opt for a shampoo containing hyaluronic acid – a naturally occurring substance that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.

“Hyaluronic acid in shampoos locks in moisture, helping combat dryness often experienced during menopause or ageing due to decreased sebum production,” reveals Billy Supple, a senior stylist at ADEM London.

Apply a nourishing conditioner

Alongside changing our shampoo, opting for a more nourishing conditioner is essential to provide hair with a hearty dose of moisture and protection.

“Midlife hair benefits from a conditioner specifically designed to address the challenges of menopause, such as dryness, thinning, and fragility,” says Kieran.

He recommends looking for products that contain active ingredients such as rice protein, for strengthening, and avocado oil, for lightweight hydration.

“I’d also suggest leaving your conditioner on as a mask treatment for several hours at least twice a month to give your hair a deeper hit of moisture and nourishment,” Kieran shares.

Protect hair from heat

For locks already experiencing dryness and brittleness due to menopause, the last thing they need is an extra beating from the heat of the hairdryer or straighteners. Applying a protective product to hair when using these appliances is highly beneficial, says Josh Wood, a world-leading hair colourist.

“Make sure to use a heat protector that contains macadamia oil every time you are using heat on your hair,” he states.

Aside from adding a layer of protection, Josh reveals that this powerhouse natural ingredient will also help to smooth and condition your tresses. “I recommend Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protector,” he says.

Opt for a softer brush

While our usual brush might be able to work through knots and morning bedhead hair, it could actually be doing more harm than good.

“Switch out your boar bristle brush for one with long, flexible plastic prongs,” advises Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley. She says that using a brush with softer and more flexible bristles will help to minimise breakage of weaker hair strands.

“Boar bristle brushes can scratch the scalp and hair and cause substantial damage,” Anabel explains.

Start massaging your scalp

There’s an easier way to massage our scalp than using our fingers: with the help of a special brush.

Rather than bristles, plastic scalp massaging brushes typically have pointed ‘tips’ that are large and set further apart. While a scalp massage might be relaxing, exactly how do these brushes help menopause-affected tresses?

“Scalp massaging stimulates blood circulation to the hair follicles, encouraging better delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp,” reveals Kelsy Barnes, a senior colourist at MAYFIVE Hair. “This can promote hair growth and improve overall scalp health, which is crucial during midlife when hair thinning or loss becomes more common.”

Kelsy recommends using one of these brushes during shampooing or a hair oil treatment, as doing so will also help enhance product absorption into the scalp.

Apply collagen- or keratin-based treatments

Menopause can impact our body’s natural collagen and keratin production. We lose a huge 30% of our collagen stores in the first five years of menopause, and it then declines at a rate of 2% each year thereafter. Collagen is a crucial ‘building block’ in the production of keratin, a substance that gives hair its structure and strength.

To help combat this decline, Billy says we should use topical treatments or products that are fortified with either collagen or keratin.

“Doing so strengthens hair strands, reduces breakage, and enhances elasticity,” he explains. “Collagen also hydrates the scalp, alleviating dryness and flakiness.”

We don’t have to use these treatments in our daily haircare regimen either. “Incorporate leave-in treatments or deep conditioning masks as a weekly boost,” says Billy.

Upgrade your hair towel

The majority of us use cotton-based towels to dry our hair after getting out of the shower. But – despite feeling soft to the touch (especially straight out of the tumble dryer) – cotton fibres can be rough on hair when rubbed against each other. This is particularly crucial when hair is already more brittle and prone to breakage in midlife.

Instead, Kelsy recommends using a bamboo fibre towel. “Bamboo is softer than traditional cotton towels, reducing breakage,” she notes. “It’s also being eco-friendly and quick-drying.”

Consider taking a hair-supporting supplement

Kieran states that maintaining a healthy scalp and locks doesn’t only involve focusing on what we can see. Supporting hair from within is also key. “[This] is why I recommend targeted hair vitamins to work alongside a healthy diet,” he says.

He notes that Centred’s Tender Love and Hair™ Menopause hair vitamins are formulated with natural ingredients that assist the hair and scalp in various ways.

“Maca extract, biotin, and ashwagandha work together to tackle the common challenges of thinning and shedding,” Kieran explains. “Seaweed extract and zinc also provide essential nourishment for revitalising the hair and scalp.”

Studies also indicate that probiotics – thanks to their positive impact on gut health – may aid hair growth.

Words: Chantelle Pattemore