Hair ResQ: Trichologist Chelcey Salinger explains what’s happening to hair in perimenopause

Hot flushes and sleep changes get talked about. Hair loss and thinning? Far less. Yet for many women, the perimenopause-to-menopause transition is the moment they first notice their ponytail thinning, their part widening, and more hair collecting in the shower drain.

In Australia, menopause is a pivotal life stage for around 3 million women aged 45-64. And while symptoms vary, national survey reporting shows one-quarter of women aged 45-64 say symptoms they attribute to menopause have made day-to-day activities harder.

Trichologist Chelcey Salinger says the hair changes can feel especially confronting because they're so visible and often unexpected. "For a lot of women, hair thinning is the first 'out-loud' sign that hormones are shifting," says Salinger. "It can be subtle at first, with women noticing less volume at the roots, flyaways, and scalp that's suddenly more visible in photos. But emotionally, it can hit hard because hair is tied so closely to identity. The multiple factors to be aware of are hormones, thyroid function, nutrition and stress. Optimising all of these factors leads to the best outcome."

Why menopause can trigger thinning

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) presents as a gradually thinning on top of the scalp, and is more common after menopause. Health information sources also note that almost half of females show signs of hair loss by age 50, making midlife a key turning point for many. 

What's driving it? Research and clinical guidance point to a mix of factors: as oestrogen levels decline, hair may spend less time in the growth phase and follicles can progressively produce finer strands, while genetics and other hormones can influence the pattern and pace of thinning.

"Think of it as a perfect storm, hormone changes, stress, poorer sleep, and sometimes nutritional dips," says Salinger. "The good news is there are smart, evidence-informed steps women can take to support their scalp and hair through this transition."

Chelcey Salinger's trichologist-approved recommendations for menopausal thinning

Salinger recommends focusing on consistency, scalp health, and ruling out common contributors.

1. Rule out look-alikes first: Hair loss can be linked to conditions such as iron deficiency or thyroid issues, so it's worth discussing with a GP and checking relevant bloods.

2. Support the scalp like you would your skin: A calm, healthy scalp environment matters. Gentle cleansing, avoiding heavy buildup, and regular scalp massage can support a better foundation for hair.

3. Choose "thickening" routines that don't weigh hair down: Look for lightweight formulas designed for thinning hair that pair well with daily use. Hair ResQ's Thickening Treatment range positions itself around a simple goal, thicker-looking, healthier-feeling hair made easy, using biotin alongside peptides in lightweight, gentle formulas.

4. Be realistic about timelines: "Hair growth is slow, results take a minimum of 12 weeks, so give any routine at least 3 months of consistent use before you judge it," says Salinger. "And track progress with photos in the same lighting. Day-to-day perception can be misleading."

Hair ResQ hero products for thinning concerns

Hair ResQ's thickening-focused products include options designed to work as part of a regular routine:

• Hair ResQ Clincially Proven Hair Follicle Stimulator™ Serum (RRP $21.99) - formulated with a CBP Tri-Complex (caffeine, biotin and peptides) and positioned to help nourish follicles and improve the appearance of fuller, thicker hair with continued use.
• Hair ResQ Thickening + Growth Hair Oil (RRP $17.99) - formulated with biotin and peppermint oil, plus caffeine and botanical oils (including rosemary), and can be used on scalp and/or lengths depending on hair needs.

"When women feel informed and supported, they stop blaming themselves," says Salinger. "Midlife hair loss is common, it's not superficial, and it's not something you just have to 'put up with'. There are practical ways to help your hair feel stronger and to feel like yourself again."

Available exclusively at Priceline, Hair ResQ brings salon-grade results without the salon price tag, making thicker, stronger hair accessible to all Australians.

PR Contact: Lisa Solomons | 360PR | m: 0416 175 518 | e: lisa@360pr.com.au