Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Women's Hair: Understanding the Journey
One of the most profound influences on a woman’s hair throughout her life is her hormones. From adolescence to menopause, hormonal changes can significantly affect hair’s texture, density, and growth. In this blog, we explore how different hormonal stages impact your hair and offer tips on how to care for it through each phase.
Puberty: The Beginning of Hormonal Influence
During puberty, the body undergoes significant hormonal shifts, particularly with an increase in estrogen and androgens. These hormones stimulate hair growth and can cause changes in hair texture and oil production.
- Increased Hair Growth: Higher levels of oestrogen promote the growth of thicker, longer hair.
- Oily Scalp: Androgens can increase oil production, leading to a greasy scalp and potential acne breakouts.
Care Tips: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and use gentle, hydrating shampoos to manage oil levels without stripping the scalp of natural oils.
Pregnancy: The Hair Growth Peak
Pregnancy is a period of dramatic hormonal change, marked by elevated levels of oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle, often resulting in fuller, thicker hair.
- Increased Hair Volume: Many women experience a noticeable increase in hair volume and density during pregnancy.
- Hair Texture Changes* Some may notice changes in hair texture, such as increased curliness or straightness.
Care Tips: Use nourishing hair products to maintain moisture and strength such as our Nourish range. Avoid harsh treatments and embrace gentle styling practices to keep hair healthy.
Postpartum: The Shedding Phase
After childbirth, hormone levels drop rapidly, particularly oestrogen, leading to a common condition known as postpartum hair loss or telogen effluvium.
- Hair Shedding: Many new mothers experience significant hair shedding a few months after giving birth.
- Thinning Hair: The hair may appear thinner as it returns to its pre-pregnancy growth cycle.
Care Tips: Be gentle with your hair. Avoid tight hairstyles and harsh treatments. Consider using volumising products and a balanced diet to support hair health like our Rebuild range.
Menopause: The Thinning Stage
During menopause, estrogen levels decline while androgen levels may remain relatively constant or increase. This hormonal imbalance can lead to noticeable changes in hair.
- Thinning Hair: Reduced oestrogen can cause hair to become thinner and more brittle.
- Hair Loss: Some women may experience increased hair loss or androgenic alopecia, where hair thins primarily at the crown and temples.
Care Tips: Focus on gentle hair care routines and consider using products designed to strengthen and thicken hair such as our Rejuvenate range. A diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins is essential to support hair health during this stage.
General Hormonal Imbalances
At any stage of life, women can experience hormonal imbalances due to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, or other endocrine disorders. These imbalances can cause:
- Excessive Hair Growth: Conditions like PCOS can lead to hirsutism, causing unwanted hair growth on the face and body.
- Hair Thinning or Loss: Thyroid imbalances can result in significant changes in hair texture and growth patterns.
Care Tips: Seek medical advice to address the underlying hormonal issues. Use specialised hair care products that cater to your specific needs and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support overall well-being like our Beyond range.