Crappy, fine, vaguely menopausal hair - help needed!

[BurningTheToast]

My hair has always been baby fine and I have had a bob all my adult life because it just won't do anything else - shorter and it just sits there, longer and it goes flat - but now that I'm starting to get some menopause symptoms, it's got worse. So flat, even a bit frizzy.

I use Paul Mitchell shampoo and conditioner, Tigi Bed Head to style with P. Mitchell mousse on occasion, and a spritz of dear old Elnett. Whatsisname's elasticiser on weekends if I remember. It's highlighted - needs doing again now I think about it so I'd better make an appointment.

What supplements do people swear by? I've hear Biotin and collagen suggested - has anyone had success with those? Or something else? And what are your wonder products that will transform my locks into something thick and luxuriant? Or at the very least, less crappy.

Thanks x

You sound like me! Mine is awful and I do believe I've tried everything! Collagen, biotin, folic acid -waste of time.. I've had the full range of blood tests (twice), which showed low levels of vitamin D- helped my mood but did bugger all for my hair. Thyroid etc fine. Sometimes pre shampoo treatments like Elvive clay masque seem to help a bit, ditto applying caster oil pre shampoo. Not shampooing daily helps, although it looks dire second day as it's so fine. Shampoo wise, as little in the way of additives as possible, so really good natural or baby type shampoo, ditto conditioner and easy on the styling products as that weighs it down more. Big hair to style and crimping close to roots helps give it volume for special occassions. Like you, I keep going back to a Bob as it's the only style that seems to work.

Have you tried co- washing? It works very well on my very fine, longish, dyed hair. It leaves it soft but not ‘stripped’ and lifeless.
I go on every hair care thread and song its praises!

sing

@Sulee - Our sort of hair is so crap isn't it? I think I might try one of the Big Hair dryers you mention and see if that helps. Like you, I hate not washing it every day as feels even worse than it looks. And I need to learn to love my bob!

@haverhill - I haven't tried co-washing. What product do you use?

Sorry this may be an old fashioned thing to say but have you thought about getting it permed so that you can blow it out and have a bit more body? Or is this something people only in their 80's do?

I am menopausal and have been having a bad hair time. My hair is long, thick and dark and was going like shredded wheat after being glossy and shiny all my life. I have upped my game to keep it in condition and a better colour by having Keratin treatments but I don't think that is for you as it makes hair look thinner by smoothing it down.

I have started taking HRT for other nasty symptoms but also looking forward to better hair with it.

I'm in the same fine haired boat. Highlighting helps as it seems to give it texture, weekly olaplex (which is probably the same as Elastciser (spelling?) thingie definitely helps. Regular cuts etc. But it's thinning badly. I must remember to take some vitamins- no idea if they work though...

@BrisaOtonal - does HRT improve hair? Well that's something to look forward to! I really don't want to risk a perm - too many bad memories from my teenage years!

@Notonthestairs - I'll have to try Olaplex. I wonder if it's very different to Elasticiser? Am interested in knowing more about vitamins/supplements but I suspect a lot of those that claim to give you amazing hair and skin are just snake oil.

I believe so. If hair thins due to decreasing hormones then replacing those hormones should have a positive effect on hair growth. Also, I have read a few things about women resisting HRT, then when their hair went like shit, gave in. That amused me.

@BrisaOtonal - I can imagine! We'll put up with a lot but for many women hair is so to their perception of self. Personally, given that the risks of HRT are largely disproved now and that I'm not in a category that is at higher risk, I'm planning to grab those patches with both hands.

I use any silicone- free conditioner and then put some leave-in stuff just on the very ends.