Do Women in Menopause Need Different Shampoo? The Science vs. The Sell

Menopause is having a moment, and it’s about time. Once brushed under the rug, this evolutionary phenomenon is being aired out along with its laundry list of side effects only a woman could handle. Among them are hair loss and hair thinning. See also: loss of volume, widening of the part, and changes in hair texture. If you’re starting to see more of your scalp than you’d like, you’re not alone. Nearly half of post-menopausal women in one study experienced some form of female pattern hair loss (1). 

Naturally, menopause-specific solutions, like supplements, pharmaceuticals, and products, have flooded the market. Among them is something branded “menopause shampoo,” formulated to address hair-related menopause issues, like hair thinning. Actress Brooke Shields even launched a menopause-focused hair care brand. 

If you’re skeptical of the “meno tax,” a marketing ploy to profit off of older women looking for symptom relief, you may raise an eyebrow at these products. We’re here to help you navigate these claims, explain how menopause shampoos differ from regular hair loss shampoos, and decide whether they’re worth your money.

Experts

Ross Kopelman, D.O., is a Hair Restoration Surgeon practicing at Kopelman Hair Restoration in New York City, New Jersey, and Palm Beach, FL. 

Michele Green, M.D., is a board-certified Cosmetic Dermatologist practicing in New York City. 

Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, M.D., is a board-certified Dermatologist and Trichologist based in the UAE.

Why Does Hair Change During Menopause?

Let’s start from the top–pun intended. Internal changes drive menopause-related hair loss. And it can be complex. During menopause, hormonal shifts, especially a steep drop in estrogen and progesterone, affect hair texture and volume.

Estrogen and progesterone keep hair follicles in the “growth” phase, but their decline triggers follicles to begin their shedding phase—hence the shower drain full of hair (2). The hormonal shift can also increase the balance of androgen hormones, which can lead to a condition called androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss (3), where thinning typically occurs near the top and crown, explains Dermatologist and Trichologist Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed.

Remember when we mentioned complexity? Other reasons behind menopause-related hair issues include genetics, stress, body mass index, diet and nutrition, underlying health conditions, and other hormonal imbalances (2). If female pattern hair loss runs in your family, you’re more likely to experience it.

What Is Menopause-Formulated Shampoo?

Menopause shampoos are designed to address the unique hair concerns of menopausal women. They primarily “focus on increasing hair volume and density and stimulating hair growth,” says board-certified NYC cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. Key ingredients include minoxidil, biotin, and niacin.

These shampoos also address scalp health, follicle nourishment, and dryness. Declining estrogen levels reduce sebum production, making hair more prone to thinning, dryness, and fragility (4). To combat this, they contain oils and hydrating agents, like jojoba oil and aloe leaf extract, to nourish the scalp and follicles while focusing on moisture retention and gentle cleansing. 

Some products even include probiotics (yes, like the same kind used for gut health) (5). “Early research suggests topical probiotics may improve scalp health, but it is still too soon to know if they make a big difference in hair growth,” says Hamed. 

More Hair Loss

6 Ways to Combat Hair Loss During Perimenopause

Finasteride vs. Minoxidil: What You Should Know

Can I Just Use Regular Hair Loss Shampoo?

It’s not your best option. While regular hair loss shampoos have been around for ages and may appear similar to menopause shampoos, they often lack the specific nourishing elements that menopausal women need. Both include key strengthening ingredients like caffeine or collagen to promote hair growth, density, and volume, but regular hair loss shampoo may also contain irritating ingredients.

Is Menopause Shampoo Worth It?

Yes, it’s worth it for its hydration and nourishing properties, which combat the unique hair concerns of menopausal women. Remember, menopausal hair is often drier due to hormonal changes, so meno-shampoos typically focus on these pain points. 

When choosing a menopause-specific shampoo, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin, which help retain moisture, advises Kopelman. “Shampoos with colloidal oatmeal or tea tree oil can also offer soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits for irritated scalps,” he adds.

As far as ingredients to avoid? “Stay away from shampoos that contain high concentrations of alcohol, sulfates, or fragrances, as these can be particularly drying and irritating for those with a dry or sensitive scalp,” warns  Kopelman. Menopause shampoos often include richer oils or hydrating agents to combat dryness, while regular hair loss shampoos may focus on hair regrowth over moisture. 

Will Menopause Shampoo Solve My Hair Issues?

Menopause shampoos aren’t snake oil, but they’re not magic either. Hair issues are complex, and since shampoo cannot address the hormonal shifts causing hair loss during menopause, a holistic approach is essential. “Caring for your hair from the inside out is what will really make a big change over time,” says Hamed.

In addition to using a menopause-formulated shampoo three times a week, there are a few lifestyle remedies you can implement at home. Across the board, our experts recommended adding a topical hair serum to your routine.

“One popular option is topical minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, which promotes new hair growth,” says Green. You might also want to discuss nutraceutical supplements with a healthcare provider, as some have been shown to improve hair growth (6).

Of course, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, like iron and omega-3s, helps keep hair strong and healthy (7). Managing stress and minimizing the use of hot styling tools can also play a big part. If hair loss is significantly impacting your quality of life or you want to chat about other options, consider seeing a healthcare provider or dermatologist. They may recommend Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or other medications.