Menopause is a time of transition for women in their 40s that can wreak havoc on both their hair and skin health. As we age, our hair naturally changes texture and density, but did you know that hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to hair loss?
"Menopause causes a drop in estrogen and progesterone — two hormones that help keep hair in its growth phase," explains Vanessa Coppola, a nurse practitioner and the founder and CEO of Bare Aesthetic MedSpa and Bare Soul Wellness.
"As these levels decline, hair follicles can shrink, leading to thinning hair and increased shedding, particularly at the crown and part line," she suggests.
To dive deeper into the topic of hair loss during menopause, we spoke with Coppola and three certified trichologists who were also able to speak on how to not only treat menopausal hair loss but to achieve fuller, more voluminous locks at any age.
Keep scrolling to find the best expert-recommended menopausal hair loss products. Shop top-rated picks from reputable brands like Act + Acre, Vegamour and more. We also included a few of our favorite editor-tested hair loss products as well to help round out the list.
How to treat hair loss due to menopause
Menopause can, no doubt, be a stressful time for any woman so we're here to help by providing expert-approved hair care tips. When it comes to treatment options for hair loss during menopause, Coppola says it should be multifactorial.
"I recommend a combination of topical minoxidil, nutritional supplementation, hormonal optimization and if indicated, peptide therapy or PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections," she says. "Evaluating underlying thyroid dysfunction, iron levels and stress-related cortisol imbalances is also essential."
Sara Hallajian, an IAT trichologist and the owner of Âme hair salon in Santa Monica, California, explains that there is no one-size-fits-all product for combating hair loss during menopause and advises women to consult with a trichologist. "I recommend working with a provider who understands the interplay between hormones, gut health, nutrient status and overall wellness," she notes.
"Using quality hair products that protect the integrity of the hair and scalp can enhance both appearance and growth potential," adds Hallajian.
"After 30, we lose 3-5% of our muscle mass per decade as we age, and during menopause, 40% of women will experience hair loss due to hormonal changes," shares Mandy Buechner, a certified trichologist at Thairapy Wellness Center in Crescent City, California.
Like Coppola and Hallajian, Buechner also promotes a multi-therapeutic approach to aging. "Not only should you be using topical therapies to combat aging, but internal nutritional therapies should also be taken into account," she insists.
The best products for menopause hair loss, according to experts
“A nourishing, hormone-safe option infused with tea tree, peppermint, and witch hazel to rebalance an oily or flaky scalp, often triggered by estrogen decline,” explains Buechner. “Great for calming itchiness and improving overall scalp circulation.”
“This is a lightweight oil that reinforces and seals in moisture, making it ideal for all hair types and textures,” explained Bridgette Hill, a certified trichologist.
"Formulated with copper tripeptides, niacinamide, and caffeine, this serum helps stimulate collagen at the follicle level, reduce shedding, and strengthen the scalp barrier," suggests Buechner. "Copper peptides are especially effective in menopausal hair therapy for promoting thicker, fuller hair by supporting cellular repair and angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth)."
"This proactive and clean topical serum is formulated to reduce the signs of aging hair while promoting healthier, more voluminous hair," explains Hallajian.
"This oil-based pre-cleanse helps to remove buildup, restore pH balance, and stimulate microcirculation at the follicle," notes Hallajian. "I like this product for clients with texture changes and sebum imbalance."
Reviewers also love it because it lasts a while, provides scalp hydration and how quickly they noticed improvement in their hair after using it.
Coppola is a big fan of this hair serum from Vegamour. “A hormone-safe, plant-based topical that includes red clover, curcumin, and mung bean extract,” she says. “It’s great for sensitive scalps, and the daily dropper application makes it easy to stay consistent. I often recommend this as a first step in topical follicle support.”
More products for hair loss, according to editors
"I needed a solution to my hair growth and dry skin dilemmas, and according to dermatologists, one could be found in the right scalp serum," said associate editor Shannon Garlin. "I no longer find myself itching my head throughout the day (unless I’ve gone too long without washing my hair), and the flaking is completely gone. Plus, my skin and strands went from feeling dry to hydrated and moisturized."
“I didn’t feel any side effects or had anything concerning happen so I would recommend it to others looking for a solution," mentioned commerce editor Vivien Moon. "It’s easy to apply and I especially loved that it only took a minute to apply it once a day (that’s what I was doing at least)."
Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto recently tested the Higher Dose Red Light Hat. "Red light has a ton of beauty benefits — and boosting hair growth is one of them — so I was excited to try this cap by HigherDose," she explains. "It looks like a regular baseball hat but has 120 diodes of red light bulbs that use FDA-cleared technology to stimulate hair growth."
"Since it’s cordless, it’s super easy to use while watching TV, cleaning or even while cooking each night," adds Ricevuto.
In conjunction with the red-light cap, Ricevuto also used the Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo and SickScience PowerCycle Scalp Treatment Serum and saw positive results.
Frequently asked questions
The short answer is yes. Coppola explains that discontinuation often leads to regression though. "A maintenance plan is essential," she adds.
Good news! The answer is no. "As long as the follicle is still alive, there is hope," explains Coppola.
Yes, you can still color your hair while using products for hair loss. "Just be gentle and use bond-building masks," advises Coppola.
"The truth is it depends," says Coppola. "We can usually achieve improvement but truthfully it may never be as thick as it once was before. However, with consistency and care, we bring your hair back to life."
"Frizz, coarseness, or wiry strands are common complaints and are often tied to reduced sebum production, hormonal shifts, and nutrient deficiencies," suggests Hallajian. "These are treatable once identified."
"Most serums or detox treatments should be used 1–5 times per week nightly, depending on the formula," recommends Buechner. "Consistency is key. Follow the brand’s instructions and adjust based on how your scalp responds."
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best products for menopause hair loss by enlisting the recommendations of a nurse practitioner as well as three certified trichologists. We also included a few tried-and-true editor favorites for hair loss as well.
Meet the experts
- Vanessa Coppola, DNP, FNP-BC, is a Yale-educated Doctorally-prepared nurse practitioner and the founder and CEO of Bare Aesthetic MedSpa and Bare Soul Wellness.
- Sara Hallajian is an IAT trichologist and the owner of Âme hair salon in Santa Monica, California.
- Mandy (Mandy B. Beauty) Buechner is a certified trichologist at Thairapy Wellness Center in Crescent City, California.
- Bridgette Hill is a certified trichologist.
