The menopause brings many strange symptoms – some you’ll have read about, others a complete surprise.
It has been the same for me. Over the past two years, I’ve suffered from standard symptoms like brain fog and mood swings. But another issue arose that I didn’t initially link to midlife: an itchy scalp. Does that sound familiar? Many women report itchy skin in general (a friend mentioned getting itchy shins), and I experienced that too. A soothing oat shower gel and lotion helped my body, but my scalp wouldn’t calm down.
© Getty ImagesI tried soothing shampoos, prescription creams, special serums, and even stopped dyeing my hair in the hope it would help, but nothing worked. I found myself scratching my head constantly – far from ideal when spending my working day face-to-face with clients. I even noticed my hand reaching for my scalp during important Zoom calls, or surreptitiously scratching with a pen in meetings.
I had spent hundreds of pounds on over-the-counter remedies and daily high-strength antihistamines to no avail. I needed a new approach, so when I heard about a scalp facial, I decided I had nothing to lose – even when I realised it would cost around £600. As someone wary of spending on gimmicky 'meno' products, I spoke first to the specialist offering the treatment.
Why Menopause Triggers Scalp Itching (And Why Normal Shampoos Fail)
Dr Sabika Karim, aesthetic doctor and founder of Skin Medical, where I had the treatment, explained: “During perimenopause and menopause, we tend to talk a lot about changes to the skin on the face, but the scalp is skin too, and it is very much affected by the hormonal changes taking place. As oestrogen levels decline, the skin can produce less sebum and its ability to retain moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier is compromised. On the scalp, this may present as increased dryness, tightness, flaking, sensitivity or itching. Some of us experience a drier scalp, while others become oilier.
“We need to start treating the scalp much more like we treat the skin on our face. Keeping it clean without over-stripping it, supporting the skin barrier, maintaining hydration, and addressing inflammation can all help create a healthier scalp environment – which becomes increasingly important as we move through perimenopause and menopause.”
What Does The Treatment Entail?
The treatment itself consisted of three parts. First, a HydraFacial on my scalp. Similar to the facial treatment, it’s a deep cleanse using water, not unlike a miniature carpet cleaner (complete with dirty water at the end). Next came biosomes – a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, barrier-support ingredients, and hyaluronic acid ‘needled’ into the scalp. It wasn’t painful at all, feeling more like someone tapping their nails against my head. It finished with an infrared treatment, where I lay face down while bright red lights targeted my scalp. It felt futuristic – and surprisingly relaxing.
© Jenny HollidayFinally, I was sent home with Mesoestetic Trichology products (from £43.50), designed to reduce excess sebum, ease inflammation, and support barrier health. Leaving the clinic, my hair was a little dishevelled – not wet or greasy, but certainly not 'coiffed'. I was advised to avoid washing it for a full week to let the ingredients work; in reality, I managed four days.
The 4-Week Verdict: Did It Finally Stop the Itch?
Four weeks on, I've definitely noticed a difference. It felt wonderful to dedicate proper care and attention to an area we so often neglect, and overall the treatment has genuinely soothed and calmed my scalp. To get the full benefit, you do need to commit to a return visit, which is an important consideration given the price tag.
© Jenny HollidayBizarrely, there is still one small, stubborn patch near my right ear that continues to itch. Because it’s so specific, I’m planning to get it checked by my doctor to rule out anything else. But other than that isolated spot, the relief has been tangible – and thankfully, I’m now reaching for that pen in meetings just to take notes.
