Hair Longevity and Menopause

Let’s talk about a common concern: hair becoming thinner and harder to manage with age.

This research looks into "hair longevity"—essentially, how to keep hair healthy throughout life.

Traditional hair loss treatments—like pills or minoxidil—are limited. Hair follicles are complex and react to everything from stress to diet, acting as indicators of overall health.

The study reveals that hair ageing involves more than just baldness. It affects growth length, thickness, colour, and resilience. As we age, growth cycles shorten, resting phases lengthen, and more follicles stop functioning—like tired workers taking longer breaks.

Interestingly, hair ages in ways we hadn’t fully understood. Follicles accumulate damage, mitochondria slow down, inflammation rises, and the scalp becomes less supportive of growth.

The solution? A holistic approach: proper nutrition, stress management, scalp care, treating underlying health issues, and using targeted treatments. Think of it like gardening—you need more than just water.

The research also links hair loss to treatable conditions like thyroid issues, low iron (especially in women), hormonal shifts (like menopause), vitamin D deficiency, and chronic stress.

But there’s a caveat: many hair products make big claims with little evidence. Clinical trials are expensive, so reliable treatments are harder to come by, this leaves consumers going through a sea of marketing nonsense, trying to find what genuinely works.

‍Just a friendly reminder: I'm sharing what I've learned, not prescribing what you should do. Always chat with your GP about what's right for your unique situation!