Menopause and Natural Hair Regimens
Over the past year, my expertise in natural curly hair has been profoundly tested by the effects of menopause. As a professional who has worked with clients ranging in age from two to 86 years old, I have seen firsthand how significant hormonal shifts can dramatically affect hair health. However, the most striking transformations occur in my female clients between the ages of 30 and 60. With the growing body of research in gynecology, psychology, anthropology, and hormonal science, I feel compelled to share my insights into natural hair care through the lens of hair science.
Many of my clients have experienced pregnancies within the last three years, and are now facing hormonal shifts that trigger scalp irritation, hair loss around the crown and edges, mood swings, and unexpected matting of curls—despite maintaining their usual hair routines. On the other hand, clients who have never had children or gave birth more than 15 years ago, are going through completely different hair transformations. Their hair's elasticity and porosity fluctuate drastically. One client, for example, had always been able to achieve beautiful curl definition with minimal effort. Her styles would stay fresh for nearly three weeks. Then, seemingly overnight, she found herself battling breakage and her at-home treatments became ineffective.
For six months, she sought guidance from both her naturopath and gynecologist, who worked on balancing her estrogen levels and supplementing her nutrition to support her holistic health. Although her scalp and hair shaft became more absorbent, the treatments we performed at the salon were still yielding disappointing results. My initial mistake was concentrating solely on curl definition instead of addressing the deeper issues: hormonal shifts, stress, and moisture retention challenges.
The stress of being unable to maintain her curls for more than two days took a visible toll on my client’s self-esteem, gradually chipping away at her confidence—so much so that she eventually stopped turning on her camera during work video calls.
Recognizing the emotional impact these changes were having on her well-being, I decided to change my approach. Instead of prioritizing traditional curl definition, I implemented a style that better suited her maturing curls and moisture needs—a wash-and-twist-out using a combination of butter, cream, and foam. This technique not only lasted longer but also provided her with volume and a refined look that made her feel polished and professional. My client’s happiness became infectious, reinforcing the realization that similar transformations would continue to emerge with my menopausal clients.
From that point forward, I made it a priority to center my six-step analysis process rather than blindly chase curl definition. This systematic approach allows me to assess and adapt to each client's specific needs, ensuring that their hair is treated in alignment with their body's changes rather than against them.
The Challenge of Heat Styling and Menopause
Another recurring challenge with my menopausal clients was their increased sensitivity to heat. Many could no longer tolerate sitting under hooded dryers without experiencing discomfort. They needed frequent breaks, applied cold towels to their faces, and even brought makeup bags to reapply their foundation after excessive sweating. This extended drying time created logistical challenges at the salon, making it harder to manage schedules and chair availability efficiently.
Rather than forcing my valued clients to endure discomfort, I made a fundamental decision—one that required financial sacrifice but ultimately honored my commitment to client care. I reduced the number of clients I saw per day and began drying their hair by hand, eliminating the need for hooded dryers for those experiencing menopause-related heat sensitivity. This adjustment created a more relaxed and accommodating atmosphere, and I supplemented my earnings by incorporating more color services into my offerings.
As I adapted my approach, I noticed that many of my colleagues followed suit. We collectively re-evaluated how we treated clients, shifting away from automatically placing them under hooded dryers. Instead, we experimented with using two handheld dryers to ensure even drying, especially for those with thick hair that retains moisture. This adjustment not only enhanced overall comfort but also underscored the benefits of holistic natural hair care. Our clients who avoid straightening treatments and excessive heat styling benefit from hair thickness and improved moisture retention. This, in turn, made drying techniques such as diffusing from multiple angles an essential part of our revised routines.
The Importance of Client Comfort and Holistic Hair Care
Ensuring client comfort isn't just about providing a pleasant salon experience—it directly impacts the success of natural hair regimens. A relaxed environment fosters better communication between the stylist and client, allowing for more personalized care. This shift also reaffirmed the importance of Natural Hair Theory, which emphasizes working with the hair’s natural curl pattern rather than forcing it into styles that compromise its health.
By prioritizing moisture retention, reducing stress-inducing styling techniques, and adapting to hormonal changes, we empower clients to embrace their evolving hair journeys. As more professionals in the field recognize these shifts, the approach to menopausal hair care will continue to advance, ensuring that clients feel supported at every stage of their lives.
Ultimately, the key to successful natural hair regimens during menopause lies not only in products or styling techniques, but in understanding and respecting the complex relationship between hair, hormones, and overall well-being. By making mindful adjustments and prioritizing holistic hair health, we can empower clients to navigate this stage of life with confidence and grace.