The Real Tea on Hair Thinning for Black Women Over 40

Sis, Let’s Talk About Hormones and Hair Thinning: What’s Really Going On?

Hey, girl. Let’s get real for a second. Have you noticed your hair acting different lately? Like, it’s not as full, not as thick, and just doesn’t hit the same way it used to? If you’re over 40, first off, you’re in fabulous company. Secondly, let me tell you—it’s not just you. Hormones might be over here doing the most, and they’re probably the reason your hair isn’t giving what it used to.

But don’t stress, sis. We’re about to break this down, talk about what’s going on, and, of course, figure out how to get your crown thriving again.

Hormones Are Playing Games With Our Hair

Okay, so here’s the tea. Hormones basically run our entire body, including how our hair grows. Once we hit perimenopause or menopause, they start acting all brand new. Here’s what happens:

1. Estrogen and Progesterone Start Ghosting Us: These are the hormones that keep our hair strong and thick. When they start dipping, our hair follicles get weaker, and the strands get thinner. Not cute.

   
   

2. Androgens Get Bold: These male hormones step up when estrogen and progesterone take a backseat. Too much of them can cause hair thinning, especially around your crown or edges.

   
   

And if that wasn’t enough, throw in the years of protective styles, tight braids, and the occasional relaxer, and whew—we’re dealing with a lot.

Why Black Women Over 40 Are Feeling It More

You already know our hair is special, right? That means it also needs extra care, especially as we get older. Here’s why we might notice thinning more than others:

• Protective Styles with a Side of Stress: Sis, those snatched edges from braids and ponytails? They’re probably tired now. Years of tension can catch up with you.

• Dry Scalps for Days: Hormonal changes can make our scalp drier than the Sahara, and that’s not a good look for hair growth.

• Missing Nutrients: Let’s be real—most of us aren’t checking our iron, vitamin D, or biotin levels. But these are crucial for healthy hair.

  
  
  
  
  
  

How to Get Your Hair (and Confidence) Back on Track

Let’s get into the good stuff. You don’t have to just accept thinning hair. Here’s what you can do to fight back:

1. Show Your Scalp Some Love:

   • Massage your scalp with oils like rosemary or peppermint—think of it as self-care for your hair.

   • Use a gentle shampoo and follow it up with a deep conditioner to keep your scalp hydrated and happy.

     
     

2. Check Your Plate:

   • Make sure you’re eating foods that love your hair, like salmon, spinach, nuts, and seeds.

   • A good multivitamin or supplement can be a game-changer, especially if your diet isn’t hitting all the marks.

     

     
     

3. Try Holistic Treatments:

   • Look into things like oxygen treatments (yes, it’s a thing!) or scalp treatments that focus on improving hair health.

   • Don’t sleep on products like Minoxidil if you need a little extra help getting those follicles fired up again.

     
     

4. Call in the Experts:

   • A hair loss practitioner (like me, wink wink!) can help you figure out exactly what’s going on with your hair and create a plan that works for you.

     
     

Hey Gorgeous, Your Crown Is Still Beautiful

Let’s be clear—your hair doesn’t define you, but it’s definitely a part of what makes you feel good about yourself. Hormonal changes might be doing the most, but you don’t have to let them win. Take care of your scalp, feed your hair what it needs, and know that your crown can still thrive. You’ve got this!

If you are in the Metro Atlanta area I'd love to join you on your journey. Book a consultation here and let's get started.

picture credit: freepik.com