Period Hair
Special treatment for our hair every month
Our cycle not only affects our skin, but also our hair – it’s called period hair!
© Volodymyr / Adobe Stock
It happens once a month. A very special season is beginning: strawberry season! It gives us dynamic hormones that not only leave our skin but also our hair untouched. That’s what period hair is all about.
Something is different… but what? The mood is changeable, a new pimple is starting to appear on my chin and the hair is somehow not in place. This connection is no coincidence! But rather completely natural. All of this is related to the female cycle, which occurs during the period is at its best. That changes when our period hair gets on our last nerve.
Period-Hair: Cycle change!
Scalp is skin – that’s for sure. We (unfortunately) already know that impurities on the face increase during our menstruation. It is therefore also conclusive that the scalp undergoes changes due to hormonal changes. Skin expert and medical beautician Susanne Martens explains the scientific background in an interview with BRIGITTE:
Medical beautician and skin expert Susanne Martens.
Increasing sebum production in the luteal phase, which continues after ovulation until the onset of the period, is evident on the face and on the scalp can be explained by the falling estrogen level and the increase in progesterone.
Since sebum and hair follicles exit the same opening in the skin, our hair is directly affected by the increasing oil production from our sebaceous glands. The scalp becomes greasy more quickly, which affects the appearance of our hair: the result is flat hair with less volume and a greasy shine. But don’t worry about a bad hair day, because with these tips it won’t be half as bad.
Bad hair day during menstruation – that helps!
In the first step we try to get the excessive sebum production under control. Skin care expert Susanne Martens tells us what really helps:
Active ingredients such as salicylic acid (BHA) and fruit acids (AHA) can have a supportive effect on excessive sebum production and hardening, not only on the face and body. The dosed use (1-2 times per week) of shampoos with salicylic acid and scalp peelings with mild fruit acids regulate the accumulation of sebum in the hair follicle and gently remove calluses, which can lead to dandruff and irritation in addition to an oily scalp.
If you generally have a problem with your scalp becoming greasy, the chemical peels described with BHA and AHA can help. If you are only affected during your period, you can incorporate it days before or during to keep sebum production in check.
Hairstyle ideas for period hair
No time to wash your hair? No problem with these hairstyles for period hair! Our all-time favorite: the Sleek Bun. All you need is a brush – preferably with (synthetic) boar bristles – and a braid or a hair clip. Simply comb your hair back with a little gel so that even the smallest hairs are laid out and tie them together. This hairstyle not only looks stylish, it is also quick to do. Alternatively, you can simply style the hair on the top of your head back and tie it together. Then the greasy roots are hidden and you can wear your mane half-open.
Of course, dry shampoo is also our savior in times of need. Sprayed on before bed the night before, your hair will look even fresher the next morning. A dry shampoo foam that you either leave on overnight or dry with a hairdryer is also a great solution to counteract period hair.