Menopause and Hair Loss: Expert Advice from Dubai’s ‘Queen of Color’
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Nearly two-thirds of women experience hair thinning or increased shedding during menopause, but experts say there are proactive steps to slow progression and restore confidence.
For many women, menopause signals more than just hormonal shifts; it often brings a subtle erosion of self-perception. The initial signs – disrupted sleep, hot flashes, mood swings – can quickly be followed by the distressing finding of increased hair loss. “The biggest myth being that there is nothing you can do to treat it,” says Maria Dowling, Creative Director and Founder of Maria Dowling salon in Dubai. “While hormonal changes during menopause affect the hair, there are ways to slow progression, stimulate regrowth, and improve hair health.”
The Prevalence of Menopausal Hair Loss
Approximately two out of three women experience some form of hair thinning or increased shedding during menopause. A recent study conducted in Saudi Arabia, published in the Majmaah Journal of Health Sciences in 2025, found that 69.9% of women reported hair loss or thinning after menopause, yet only 30.1% sought medical advice. This highlights a notable gap in awareness and proactive care.
How Hormonal Changes Impact Hair Growth
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause significantly affect hair growth and thickness due to declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Both hormones play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair follicles. “Oestrogen promotes hair growth by extending the anagen phase – the active stage of the hair growth cycle were new hair is produced,” Dowling explains. “Progesterone, simultaneously occurring, helps balance the effects of androgens (male hormones) in the body.”
As oestrogen levels decline, the anagen phase shortens, leading to thinner hair fibers and increased breakage. This results in hair that is often finer, drier, and more brittle, with reduced scalp oil production diminishing its natural shine. simultaneously, decreasing progesterone levels allow androgens to exert a stronger influence on hair follicles, possibly altering hair density and texture.
“As progesterone levels fall, the relative number of androgens increases,” Dowling notes. “Androgens can bind to receptors in hair follicles, leading to the miniaturisation of follicles – a process also seen in pattern hair loss.”
Understanding the Types of Hair Loss
The rising androgen-to-oestrogen ratio resulting from declining hormone levels frequently enough causes female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).In some cases, increased facial hair growth may also occur as androgens impact different hair follicles in varying ways.
Androgenetic Alopecia typically begins with gradual thinning at the hair parting line, followed by more diffuse hair loss across the top of the scalp. To combat this,Dowling recommends focusing on hair health. “Prioritise gentle hair care practices, avoid harsh chemicals and excessive heat styling, and consider haircuts that reduce tension on fragile strands, and minimize breakage. Layered cuts, shorter styles, or soft waves make the hair look fuller and healthier.”
Dowling also cautions that certain medications can contribute to hair loss. “With the recent rise in weight-loss injections, I’ve seen many clients experience hair loss as a result. It’s crucial to only use these medications under the guidance of a healthcare professional and never self-administer over-the-counter products.”
Ultimately, Dowling emphasizes the importance of finding a trusted stylist experienced in working with menopausal hair. “Speak to them openly and honestly about your frustrations and how you want your hair to make you feel. And as always, share your insights with your friends, as as women, we are all in this together.”
A compelling image showcasing healthy, vibrant hair can be found on Instagram at @goddesses_and_divas.
