Menopause hair loss: why it happens and what can help

Menopause hair loss is one of the changes women talk about least, yet it is one of the most common. If your hair has become finer, your ponytail feels thinner or your parting looks wider than it used to, hormonal change may well be part of the reason. You are not imagining it, and there are gentle, natural-looking ways to get your fullness back.

Why does hair thin during the menopause?

During perimenopause and the menopause, levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall. These hormones help keep hair in its growing phase for longer, so as they drop, hair can grow more slowly, shed more easily and come back finer.

For many women the thinning is diffuse, which means it is spread across the top of the head rather than in one patch. You might notice:

• A wider parting or more scalp showing at the crown
• Hair that feels finer and flatter, and will not hold volume
• More hair in the brush or the plughole than before
• A ponytail that is noticeably thinner than it was a few years ago

Thinning around the menopause can also be affected by stress, sleep, diet and other health changes, so it is worth talking to your GP about what is happening. They can look at the wider picture, including any medical options that might suit you. Our role is cosmetic: helping your hair look and feel fuller while you look after the rest.

"Whether it's caused by medical conditions, hormonal changes, stress, alopecia, chemotherapy or other forms of hair thinning, I understand that it can affect so much more than just the way we look."

Jayne Bell, hair loss specialist at The Vintage Avenue

What can help with menopause thinning?

Small changes can make a difference to how your hair looks day to day. A good cut that removes weight from the ends, gentle styling, less heat and a sulfate-free routine can all help fine hair look its best. Our team often talks about these at the menopause support we offer in the salon.

When thinning has gone past the point where styling can hide it, a tailored hair system is often the next step. At The Vintage Avenue in Biggleswade we offer two non-surgical options, both fitted by Jayne.

Mesh Hair Integration: often the best fit for menopause thinning

Because menopause thinning is usually spread across the top of the head, and you still have plenty of your own hair, Mesh Hair Integration for thinning hair is often a natural choice. Your own hair is drawn through a fine, breathable mesh holding human hair matched to your colour and texture. It is then cut and blended, so the result is extra volume that grows out with your hair, with no glue or clips.

Bespoke Skin Hair Toppers: for a very thin crown or parting

If the thinning is concentrated at the crown or parting and there is very little hair left to hold a mesh, a Bespoke Skin Hair Topper may suit you better. It is made from a cast of your scalp using the ICONIC SKINN™ system, with a skin-like base that looks like your own scalp at the parting.

For a side-by-side comparison of both, read our guide to thinning hair in women and your non-surgical options.

Your first step: a private consultation

Every one of our hair loss solutions for women begins with a £10, 30-minute consultation with Jayne Bell. She will look at your hair and scalp, talk through how the menopause has changed it, and recommend the right option, with a personal quote and no pressure to decide.

Jayne Bell with her ICONIC SKINN and Mesh Integration masterclass certificates.

Frequently asked questions

Does menopause hair loss grow back?

It varies from woman to woman. For some, shedding settles once hormone levels stabilise, while for others the hair stays finer. Your GP can talk you through what to expect and any medical options. Whatever happens, a cosmetic solution such as mesh integration can restore the look of fuller hair in the meantime.

At what age does menopause hair thinning start?

Many women first notice it during perimenopause, often in their forties, although it can begin earlier or later. Thinning may build slowly over several years, which is why it can be easy to dismiss until the parting or crown looks noticeably different.

Is mesh integration suitable for menopause hair loss?

Often, yes. Menopause thinning is usually spread across the top of the head while plenty of your own hair remains, which is exactly what mesh integration needs to anchor it. Jayne will confirm whether it suits you at your consultation.

Can I still colour and style my hair?

Yes. The human hair in a mesh integration or topper is matched to your colour, and you can blow dry, straighten and curl it with heat protection, keeping tools at 180°C or below.

You do not have to manage this alone

As Jayne puts it, "You don't have to navigate this journey alone." Book a private £10 Hair Loss Consultation at The Vintage Avenue in Biggleswade and find out what is possible for your hair.