10 Tips for Coping with Menopausal Hair By Jo Robertson

When your hair changes, change with it

After 30 years in the hair industry, I thought I knew my hair inside out. Then menopause arrived – and changed the rules. My once-reliable hair began to feel drier, flatter, and more fragile. I had to learn (and am still learning) how to care for it differently.

If you’re in the same chapter, here are ten things that have helped me along the way.

1. Be kind to your scalp

Healthy hair starts at the scalp. During menopause, it can become drier or more sensitive, so take care to massage gently when shampooing. A scalp brush helps boost circulation and feels grounding, too.
Don’t forget what’s on your plate – a balanced diet supports stronger, healthier growth from the inside out.

2. Swap harsh cleansers for gentle ones

It’s all about balance. Choose sulphate-free shampoos that cleanse without stripping natural oils.
My go-to is ELEVEN Australia Gentle Clean Shampoo to rebalance scalp pH, followed by something prescriptive like Keep My Curl Shampoo & Conditioner to keep my curls bouncy and hydrated.

3. Don’t skip a good conditioner

Hydration is everything. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid or wheat protein to strengthen fragile strands.
I recommend ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment to everyone – it’s the perfect base before styling and has 11 benefits, from hydration and heat protection to reducing split ends.

4. Feed your follicles

This one’s a gamechanger. Supplements with biotin, zinc, and vitamin B6 can strengthen hair from the inside.
Once I started supporting my body nutritionally (not just cosmetically), I noticed a real difference.

5. Style with care

Turn the heat down. Use lower temperatures and slower passes with your tools.
And remember, a heat protector is non-negotiable when your hair’s structure is already under hormonal stress.

6. Add a weekly treatment

Think of it as therapy for your hair. Repair masks or scalp serums help restore moisture and elasticity.
My absolute favourite is the ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment Mask – it plumps and conditions each strand, adding shine without weighing fine hair down.

7. Go shorter, softer, or lighter – if you want

As your skin changes, so does your hair. Menopause can be the perfect time to refresh your cut or colour.
Even a subtle tweak can bring back texture, volume, and a sense of control.

8. Stress less (easier said than done!)

High cortisol levels can increase shedding, so try to find small ways to unwind.
A walk at lunchtime, journaling, or five quiet minutes in the car before heading home can make a real difference.

9. Talk about it

So many women feel alone in this, but trust me, you’re not. Chances are, half the salon feels the same.
The more we share, the more we normalise it – and that makes it so much easier.

10. Remember: it’s still your hair

It’s changed, not gone. Menopause hasn’t taken away my love of hair – it’s deepened it.
Learning to care for this new version has been oddly empowering. I’ve recently transitioned to white hair blending and couldn’t be happier with my colour – and that says a lot coming from a hairdresser.