If you have noticed your hair becoming thinner, drier, or more fragile over the years, you are definitely not alone. Many of us start to see major hair changes during perimenopause and menopause. Hormone shifts can shorten the hair growth cycle, slow regrowth, and make strands more delicate.
I started paying much closer attention to my own hair routine once I realized that what worked in my thirties was not working anymore. The good news is that some of the newest hair advice circulating online actually aligns well with what many dermatologists recommend for midlife hair.
One routine that has been getting a lot of attention is the Abbey Yung Method. Created by a certified trichologist, the routine focuses on improving scalp health and preventing breakage so hair can retain length and look fuller.
For women over 50, the philosophy behind it makes a lot of sense. At this stage of life, the goal is often less about forcing hair to grow faster and more about protecting the hair we have.
The Idea Behind the Abbey Yung Method
The Abbey Yung Method has gone viral on social media, but the basic principle is surprisingly simple.
Healthy hair grows from a healthy scalp and strong strands. If you reduce breakage and keep follicles healthy, hair can retain more length and appear thicker over time.
Instead of relying on a single miracle product, the routine focuses on several small habits that work together to protect the hair fiber.
When I looked into the method, what stood out most was how many of the steps are actually helpful for women experiencing menopause related hair changes.
Step 1: Support Your Scalp
The scalp is often overlooked, yet it is where healthy hair begins. Product buildup, excess oil, and hard water minerals can clog follicles and irritate the scalp. A weekly clarifying shampoo can help reset the scalp and remove buildup.
Good options include:
• Ouai Detox Shampoo
• Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
I like to use a clarifying wash about once a week because it makes my hair feel lighter and helps my other products work better. I use Kevin.Murphy maxiwash.
If your scalp feels dry or irritated, a soothing scalp serum can also help.
Popular options include
• Vegamour GRO Scalp Serum
• The Ordinary Multi Peptide Serum for Hair Density
• Briogeo Destined for Density Scalp Serum
These formulas focus on supporting scalp health and encouraging stronger hair growth over time.
Step 2: Strengthen the Hair You Already Have
Breakage is one of the biggest reasons hair seems thinner as we age. Coloring, hot tools, and environmental damage weaken the internal structure of the hair shaft.
Bond repair treatments are designed to rebuild that structure. I started using one after a stylist recommended it for menopausal hair, and the difference in texture was noticeable.
Well-known bond repair treatments include
• Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
• K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
• Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Mask
Using one of these treatments once a week can help fragile strands become stronger and more resilient.
Step 3: Condition Generously
Hair tends to become drier during menopause because the scalp produces less oil. That dryness can lead to tangling and breakage.
A good conditioner or mask adds moisture and smooths the hair cuticle.
Great options for mature hair include
• Living Proof Restore Conditioner
• Moroccanoil Hydrating Mask
• Pureology Hydrate Conditioner
I have learned that conditioner is not something to rush through. Letting it sit for a few minutes allows ingredients to penetrate the hair.
Step 4: Protect From Heat
Heat damage is one of the fastest ways to weaken aging hair. Blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can create tiny fractures in the hair shaft.
That is why heat protection is a key step in the Abbey Yung routine.
A few reliable heat protectants include
• Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray
• Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
• Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer
Even if you only use a blow dryer, a heat protectant can make a real difference in preventing breakage. I personally use Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray.
Step 5: Be Gentle Between Washes
One of the biggest lessons I have learned over the years is that how we treat our hair between washes matters just as much as what products we use.
Simple habits that help protect aging hair include
• using a silk or satin pillowcase
• brushing gently with a soft bristle brush
• avoiding tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp
Many women also find that switching to a microfiber hair towel reduces breakage when hair is wet and most vulnerable.
A Realistic Routine for Women Over 50
The viral version of this routine includes many steps, but most women do not need an elaborate regimen. Consistency matters far more than complexity. A practical version might look like this
- Weekly clarifying shampoo
- Regular shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type
- A weekly bond repair or hair mask
- Daily leave-in conditioner or heat protection when styling
When to Talk to Your Doctor
While hair routines can improve hair strength and appearance, sudden or severe hair loss may signal an underlying issue. Hormonal changes, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications can all affect hair density. If you notice rapid shedding or significant thinning, it is worth speaking with a dermatologist or healthcare provider.
The Takeaway
Hair after 50 is different. I had to accept that what worked decades ago would not necessarily work today. The encouraging news is that small changes in how we care for our hair can make a noticeable difference. A healthy scalp, stronger strands, and consistent protection can help hair look fuller and healthier at any age. And if there is one lesson I have learned from my own hair journey, it is this. The goal is not perfection. It is simply taking better care of the hair we have now.
