My hair dramas and perimenopausal hair
Are you at a similar stage of your life to me with all the battles and stress of perimenopause? Did you know it can also affect your hair? If not, read on, and I will share all about it which might help you understand changes you’ve noticed or are yet to experience. I also want to share with you my journey with my hair over recent years as I am sure some of you will relate!
This is a collaborative post.
My Hair, Dramas and Indecision!
I am naturally brunette with straight, thick, dark brown hair. When I was young, I mostly had my hair in a bob. Then, at 17, I had it cut really short, almost boy-like. I hated it! Cutting it short was one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made with my hair, and it took so long to grow out!
As my short hair grew out, I grew it longer and longer. For most of my 20s, I had it around halfway down my back, aside from about six months when I had it permed and curly. I loved it curly, but as a poor student, I couldn’t afford to keep buying the products and having it done, so I soon grew the curls out.
As I got grey hairs in my thirties, I started dying my hair the same brown I was naturally to blend them in. Then, at around age 33, I decided I wanted a change; I got bright red highlights in my hair! I absolutely loved my hair like this, but given my natural colour, it meant having my hair bleached in the highlighted sections, and as such, the red didn’t hold well.
Since my mid-30s, I have coloured my hair a deep pink that I love, and until a few years ago, I had it straight. Then I decided to have it permed again, knowing how much I loved it when I was younger. I know a perm sounds like something pensioners have, but I have honestly had nothing but compliments on my hair, and I absolutely love it.
Now at 43, having started perimenopause and with permed and coloured hair, my hair is in terrible condition. I use leave-in conditioner a lot and use conditioner rather than shampoo regularly to keep it from drying out and products designed for coloured hair but still it breaks easily and can get very dry.
How does your hair change during menopause?
During perimenopause, fluctuating hormone levels, most notably oestrogen and progesterone can have huge effects on your hair, and we’re not just talking about the occasional grey.
One of the most common issues is an increase in hair shedding and thinning, particularly around the temples and crown of the head. Dullness, dryness, frizziness, and a reduction in the hair’s ability to ‘hold a style’ can all cause issues too.
Tips for perimenopausal hair
It is recommended to be gentler with your hair and opt for a wide-toothed comb or a brush designed specifically for detangling. Limit tight hairstyles that put unnecessary strain on your strands, and if you must, make sure you give your hair a break for part of the day.
The body’s hormone levels are also influenced by what you eat, so consuming a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can be crucial for perimenopausal hair. Omega-3s, biotin, and antioxidants are your hair’s best friends. Consider supplements if you’re not getting enough from your diet, but always consult a doctor first.
Regarding products, we are told to look for shampoos and conditioners that hydrate and strengthen, with ingredients like keratin, biotin, and panthenol. When it comes to styling, we should consider weightless products designed to add volume. Dry shampoos can be life-savers when you’re pressed for time, too, and help liven up your hair.
Trying New Products
Recently, Very got in touch to share their new hair care ranges, so I was keen to try them. I usually buy cheap products for my hair, but this year, I have decided to spend more money and time on myself and start putting myself first a little more.
This is something I have always struggled with, but now it is time for this to change. I will put more time into doing things I enjoy, like reading, spending more time on my appearance and doing my hair, and generally loving myself a bit more.
It is easy in your 40s to let yourself go a bit, isn’t it? Or is that just me? I am happy and settled and see other priorities in life, but now it is time to focus on me a bit more. In my experience, perimenopause is a tough time for you mentally and physically, so it is important to make yourself happy sometimes, too, and do things that make you feel good.
Which products have I tried?
I have tried four products from the Color Wow range:
Color Wow Hooked Curl Shampoo £26
Color Wow Dream coat for curly hair £27
Color Wow Coco-motion curl conditioner £26
Color Wow Snag Free Detangler curl pre-shampoo £25
I also treated myself to some GHDs, which is something I would never have dreamed of buying before, and considered my hair as straight if I combed/brushed it straight, but now I think I will love doing my hair a little more. Of course, to protect my hair, I also ordered some heat-protecting spray from Cloud Nine. I am excited to start my new hair care routine and choose to have my hair straight or curly whenever I choose and take the time to do it however I like.
How has your hair journey been?
I would love to hear if you are like me in trying new things and taking more care of your hair as you get older. Are you keen on treating yourself or do you only ever buy gifts for others? Do you find your hair has got thinner and dryer since you started perimenopause? Have you found any perfect products that have made all the difference? Please let me know in the comments below. I will keep you all updated on my hair and how I get on!