Your Hormones Might Be Messing With Your Hair — Here’s How to Tell
If your hair’s been thinning, shedding, or just not feeling like it used to—don’t rush to blame your products. The root cause might be deeper than your shampoo. Literally.
Hormones can have a huge impact on your hair health, and most people don’t even realize it until the signs are loud enough to ignore. Whether you're navigating postpartum changes, stress, birth control shifts, thyroid imbalances, or just getting older—your hormones could be influencing how your hair grows, falls out, or even refuses to grow at all.
Let’s break down how to tell if hormones are behind your hair struggles—and what you can do about it.
1. Sudden Shedding That Doesn’t Make Sense
You haven’t changed your routine. You haven’t colored it. You’re not styling it more aggressively. But you’re still noticing more hair in the shower, on your brush, or on your pillow.
What it could mean:
Hormonal fluctuations—especially estrogen and progesterone drops—can push your hair into the “shedding” phase too early. This is common postpartum, during perimenopause, and even after a high-stress period.
What to do:
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Talk to a medical provider or trichologist for a hormone check.
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Start supporting your scalp health with stimulating treatments (like caffeine serums or rosemary oil).
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Keep your styling gentle and prioritize bond repair products.
2. Hair That’s Just... Thinner Overall
If your ponytail feels smaller, or your volume seems to vanish no matter what mousse you use—it could be more than just fine hair.
What it could mean:
A slow shift in androgens (male hormones we all have) can lead to miniaturization of hair follicles. This causes strands to grow in finer over time—especially at the crown or hairline.
What to do:
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Look for topical DHT blockers (like saw palmetto or green tea).
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Consider professional low-level light therapy (LLLT) to boost growth.
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Nourish your hair internally with collagen, iron, and omega-rich supplements.
3. Breakage That Wasn’t There Before
Dry, brittle strands snapping off around your face or ends? If your products haven’t changed, look at your internal health.
What it could mean:
Hormones like cortisol (your stress hormone) and thyroid hormones directly affect how your body produces keratin—the protein that makes up your hair.
What to do:
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Strengthen with bond-building treatments like K18 or Olaplex.
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Minimize heat and chemical stressors while your hair is vulnerable.
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Add adaptogens or calming support to your routine (like ashwagandha) if stress is a major factor.
Why It’s Not “Just Hair”
Your hair is a reflection of your overall health. When your hormones are off balance, your body shifts resources to prioritize essential systems—meaning hair growth often takes a backseat.
That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the shedding, breakage, or lack of growth forever. It does mean the solution might require a little more digging, a little more support, and a lot more understanding.
When to See a Pro
If your hair concerns came on suddenly, are getting worse, or are starting to affect your confidence, it’s time to get expert help. A stylist who understands hair health (not just haircuts) can point you toward professional in-salon treatments, at-home regimens, and refer you to a provider if deeper support is needed.
At The Warehouse Salon, we’ve helped hundreds of clients identify whether the issue is product-related, hormonal, or both—and create a plan that actually works.
Your Hair Is Talking. Are You Listening?
If something feels “off,” don’t ignore it. From postpartum shifts to thyroid flares, your hormones and your hair are deeply connected—and the sooner you act, the easier it is to correct course.
Want a professional hair health assessment?
Book a consultation with one of our stylists in Fairfield, NJ today and start your journey back to strong, balanced, thriving hair.
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About the Author
Sofia Montella
Sofia is a highly skilled beauty expert at Deland Florida Location. She possesses a thorough understanding of hair products and the science behind hair and hairstyling.
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