🧠 Menopause & Hair Thinning – What’s Really Happening?

By Jazmyne van Gosliga

Over 50% of women experience it — you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.

If you’ve started to notice your hair feeling finer, shedding more than usual, or losing body and thickness — it could be due to hormonal changes linked to menopause or perimenopause.

And while it’s incredibly common, it’s also something that’s not talked about nearly enough.

💡 So, what’s going on?

As oestrogen and progesterone levels decline during menopause, the protective effects they have on your hair cycle fade. This can lead to:

• Shortened growth phases (anagen)

• Increased shedding (telogen)

• Hair follicle shrinkage (miniaturisation), especially at the crown or part line

At the same time, androgens (like testosterone) become more dominant in your system, which can further shrink follicles in those genetically predisposed — a condition known as female pattern hair loss [¹].

📊 By age 50, more than half of women experience some degree of hair thinning. By age 70, over 70% of women are affected [²].

🧠 The emotional side

Hair is part of how we express ourselves — and losing volume or noticing thinning can feel frustrating, deflating, or even a bit scary.

Research shows that menopausal hair thinning is closely tied to lowered confidence, self-image, and increased emotional stress [³]. And often, women don’t feel they can talk about it openly — or don’t know where to turn.

At Aboki, we want you to know:

We are talking about it. We see it. We understand it. And we’re here to support you.

✂️ Where do you go from here?

While you can’t always control the hormones, you can control the way your hair looks and feels — and the right style or treatment can make all the difference.

✅ What can you do?

🧴 Start with scalp + strand support at homeWe offer three professional ranges to help you manage thinning hair, support density, and nourish your scalp.

🌿 Nioxin – Create the look and feel of fuller hair

Designed for thinning hair, Nioxin’s 3-step systems improve scalp health and strengthen existing strands — helping hair appear thicker and denser.

Which system is right for you?

• System 1–2 – Natural hair (light to progressed thinning)

• System 3–4 – Coloured hair (light to progressed thinning)

• System 5–6 – Coarse or chemically treated hair

Also available:

• Night Density Rescue – Antioxidant-rich serum to boost nighttime follicle support

• Scalp Relief System – Soothing, fragrance-free option for sensitive scalps

  
  

  💧 Kérastase – Strength, density, and scalp renewal

• Genesis – Reduces fall from brushing/styling and strengthens weakened strands

• Densifique – Encourages hair fibre renewal and visibly fuller hair💡 Add a Kérastase in-salon ritual for a personalised, ultra-nourishing treatment and luxurious scalp massage.

🌱 Davines Naturaltech – Botanical approach to stress-related thinning

• Energising Shampoo, Lotion & Superactive

  Contains caffeine, niacinamide and essential oils to stimulate the scalp and support follicle activity

  
  

  💡 Ideal for women seeking a more natural or sensitive-skin-friendly approach.

💬 Want to know more about Davines? We’ve done a full write-up on the brand — including why it’s new to Aboki and why we’re already obsessed. From their beautiful philosophy to the results we’re seeing in the salon, this is a range we can’t wait for you to fall in love with too. 👉 Follow this link to read our write up

💇 Cut and colour with purpose

Strategic shaping, light layering, or carefully placed colour can make hair appear fuller and thicker. We’ll help you choose a look that flatters your hair texture and makes the most of what you have — whether that’s a chic shorter cut, root volume boost, or soft gloss to add body and shine.

💆‍♀️ Book a consult and treatment plan

We offer discreet, supportive consultations where we assess your hair and scalp, talk through any concerns, and create a care plan just for you — no pressure, no hard sell.

In-salon treatments can include:

• Kérastase or Davines rituals

• K18 Repair for damaged, fragile hair

• Malibu C detox to remove buildup and reset the scalp

🩺 Considering Medical Options?

There are a lot of options out there when it comes to managing hair loss — and while we can advise on topical, salon-based products and treatments, we’re not medical professionals.

If you're interested in exploring things like medication, supplements, or clinical procedures, we recommend having a chat with your GP or dermatologist. Our goal is simply to bring attention to what’s available and help start the conversation — because this topic deserves to be talked about, not tiptoed around.

Here are some of the research-backed medical options for menopausal hair loss:

• Topical Minoxidil (2–5%)

  The only FDA-approved treatment for female-pattern hair loss [¹]. Helps extend growth phases and stimulate regrowth. Results often appear after 3–6 months of use.

  
  

• Prescription oral medications

  Medications like spironolactone (anti-androgen) or finasteride (DHT blocker) are sometimes used to prevent follicle miniaturisation in post-menopausal women [⁴].

  
  

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

  While not a direct hair treatment, HRT may help slow thinning in women already using it to manage menopausal symptoms [⁵].

  
  

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

  Light-based stimulation of the scalp to encourage follicle activity; available through medical clinics.

  
  

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

  Injections using your own growth factors to stimulate regrowth — a dermatology-led option for persistent thinning.

  
  

💬 Not sure if any of this is right for you? Start with a conversation in the salon. We can help guide you toward gentle support and, if needed, the right questions to ask your doctor.

📞 Book your private consult at 03 546-8680💻 Or visit www.abokihair.co.nz

💬 Hair thinning may be part of this season — but losing confidence doesn’t have to be. Let’s work together to help you feel like yourself again.

📚 Sources:

1. Olsen EA. “Female Pattern Hair Loss.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001.

2. Blume-Peytavi U et al. Hair Growth and Disorders. Springer, 2008.

3. Cash TF. “The psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia in women.” Br J Dermatol. 2001.

4. Birch MP et al. “Female pattern hair loss.” BMJ. 2012.

5. Harvard Health Publishing. “Hair loss in women: How to treat it.”