Hormones and hair growth: how hormonal changes affect your hair

Hair growth isn’t just about genetics or good shampoo, it’s deeply connected to hormonal health. Hormones control when your hair grows, rests, falls out, and grows again. Knowing how hormonal changes impact your hair can help you spot early signs of imbalance and take steps to support healthy, natural growth. Whether you’re dealing with hair loss, noticing more facial hair, or just curious about how your body works, understanding the hormone-hair connection is helpful for everyone. 

List of Contents

1. How hair growth works: the basics

2. Key hormones that affect hair growth

3. Hormonal changes and hair growth: life stages

4. Signs that hormones might be affecting your hair

5. Common hormone-related hair conditions

6. How to manage hormonal hair changes

7. Myths about hormones and hair growth

8. Hair care tips to support healthy growth

9. When to see a specialist

How hair growth works: the basics

Your hair follows a natural cycle made up of four phases. The anagen phase is when your hair actively grows, and it can last years. Next comes the catagen phase, a brief transitional period, followed by the telogen phase, when hair rests. Finally, during exogen, old hairs shed to make room for new ones. Each strand on your head is at a different stage, which is why you don’t lose all your hair at once. Hair follicles and stem cells within your scalp play a crucial role, constantly regenerating and deciding which hairs grow, rest or fall out.

Key hormones that affect hair growth

- Androgens like testosterone and its derivative, DHT, are the biggest players when it comes to body and facial hair. They stimulate hair growth in areas like the chin, chest, and back, especially in men. But too much DHT can shrink hair follicles on the scalp, leading to male and female pattern baldness. That’s why products that block DHT are popular in hair care.

- Estrogen, on the other hand, helps hair stay in its growth phase longer. Higher levels, like during pregnancy, often make hair feel fuller and healthier. When estrogen drops, like after giving birth or during menopause, many people notice shedding or thinning.

- Progesterone works alongside estrogen, helping to balance its effects. If levels drop or spike, hair can become noticeably thinner or lose its usual volume.

- Thyroid hormones also play a big role. If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), hair can become dry, brittle, and thin. If it’s overactive (hyperthyroidism), hair might fall out more quickly. Maintaining a healthy thyroid helps your hair stay strong and shiny.

- Cortisol, the stress hormone, can wreak havoc when it stays elevated for too long. Chronic stress often triggers telogen effluvium - a condition where more hairs than usual enter the shedding phase. This is one reason why stressful life events sometimes lead to sudden hair loss.

Hormonal changes and hair growth: life stages

Hormonal changes happen throughout life, and your hair responds every time. During puberty, androgens increase, causing new hair to grow in places like the underarms and groin. Some might also see thicker or oilier scalp hair. Pregnancy is often a high point for hair, thanks to elevated estrogen, strands look thicker and healthier. But after childbirth, estrogen levels crash, and many people experience noticeable shedding.

Menopause brings a new shift. As estrogen and progesterone levels drop, hair may become thinner, finer or grow more slowly. Some people also notice more facial hair, a sign of changing androgen levels. Aging overall brings subtle hormone shifts that can make hair grow slower, change texture, or appear less vibrant. These changes can affect waxing preferences too, making formulas like our Plumeria Hard Wax gentle but effective - a favorite among long-term users. If you're preparing for waxing during these times of change, it's useful to read our guide on hair length for waxing: Waxing 101 - What’s the ideal hair length for best results?

Signs that hormones might be affecting your hair

If you're noticing excessive shedding in the shower or on your pillow, it might not just be seasonal. Bald spots, a widening hair part, or sudden texture changes, like hair feeling brittle or dry, can all point to hormone-related issues. For women, increased facial or body hair, especially around the chin or abdomen, might signal higher levels of androgens.

Common hormone-related hair conditions

Androgenetic alopecia is a form of pattern hair loss linked to DHT sensitivity. It’s common in both men and women, though the patterns differ. Telogen effluvium is another condition triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal shifts like after childbirth. Hirsutism causes unwanted hair growth in women due to excess androgens. Alopecia areata, often autoimmune, may also be influenced by hormone fluctuations and leads to patchy hair loss.

How to manage hormonal hair changes

Start by getting a full hormonal panel that checks levels of estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones and more. An endocrinologist or dermatologist can interpret results and recommend treatment options. Natural methods can support hormonal balance too. Diets rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins D and B12 help your hair grow strong. Supplements like biotin are also popular, but they work best when part of a broader approach.

Medical treatments like hormonal therapy or medications like minoxidil and finasteride are available for certain types of hair loss. If you’re looking to manage your waxing routine through these changes, using high-quality wax like our Kai Hard Wax can be a great way to maintain smooth skin while minimizing irritation.

Myths about hormones and hair growth

Many people believe only women experience hormone-related hair loss. That’s not true- men are often the first to notice it due to receding hairlines or bald spots. Another myth is that hair loss from stress is permanent. In reality, most people see regrowth within months once the trigger is gone. And no, biotin alone won’t fix hormone-driven hair loss, it helps, but only when the root cause is addressed.

Hair care tips to support healthy growth

Be gentle with your hair. Avoid washing it every day if you can, limit heat styling, and skip tight hairstyles that tug on the scalp. Scalp health is just as important. Regular massages, gentle exfoliation, and nourishing treatments can help improve circulation and follicle strength. Use products that support your goals. Look for caffeine-infused serums, lightweight oils, or those containing DHT blockers. When it comes to waxing, tools like the 5lb Wax Warmer offer professional-level results and make at-home care simple and efficient. Don’t forget accessories - our Wooden Waxing Sticks help with even application and are easy to use for beginners.

When to see a specialist

If you’re losing hair faster than it’s growing back, or if your scalp looks patchy or feels inflamed, it might be time to seek help. A dermatologist or endocrinologist can perform tests, recommend treatments, and help set realistic expectations. Hair regrowth takes time. With patience, the right tools, and a bit of support, progress is absolutely possible.

Final thoughts

Hormonal changes are a natural part of life, and their effects on your hair can be frustrating but they don’t have to be permanent. Paying attention to your body, getting proper medical guidance, and building supportive hair care habits can help you take control of the changes. Whether you're addressing thinning hair, managing postpartum shedding, or trying to reduce facial hair growth, you’re not alone and there are solutions. Keep your scalp and hair healthy and don't hesitate to reach out to professionals when needed. At Black Coral Wax, we’re here to support your journey -every step of the way.