I’ve always had pretty long hair, past my shoulders, for as long as I can remember. Since menopause I’ve been clipping or tying into a bun to keep it up, as having it down gets uncomfortably hot sometimes and I’m thinking may even be a trigger for hot flashes. For these reasons, I’m probably going to cut my hair. Wondering how short I should go and if it will help with keeping me cooling and maybe even prevent a hot flash or two. Has anyone else made a similar decision, and if so, how did it go?– Carlie, Las Vegas
Community comments
38Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
Join the discussion
Share what worked for you — comments are reviewed before they appear.
sophie6 years ago
I have found my hair has become much poorer in quality recently and thinner too. Yesterday I had 6 inches cut off my hair going from past my shoulders to just under my chin in a funky choppy bob. If nothing else I feel younger and funkier and a lot happier in myself, if it has any impact on my heat levels that is yet to be seen. I would say if you want it cut have it done but only do it if you want it.
Catherine4 years ago
I wish I could see a pic of your new hair! Sounds great - I’m thinking of doing the same
Lisa4 years ago
I did the same, cut it shorter just to see what it would be like and to keep it off my neck (which helps keep you cooler) and I love the new style too. People comment on it, it looks younger and it’s going to grow back if I want long hair again. It’s a time where we are going through so many changes and feeling a lose of our sense of self at times (or that’s how it feels to me), so experimenting a bit and making some changes that make you feel good or just for the hell of it means we can discover new and interesting things about ourselves and life. So if the inclination is there then go for it, if you feel it would be a really sad loss of hair you love or it’s key to your identity then tie it up and enjoy ?
Barb4 years ago
I wear mine just longer than chin length now as my hair is thinner and because it’s fine textured it really flattened. With it shorter I have more body, my waves turned into natural curls. I just use a curl cream to keep it from getting fuzzy.
Schelly6 years ago
I cut my hair didn’t make any difference
Michelle-STL6 years ago
I had shoulder length hair that was mostly kept in some up do to stay cool. I went for a very short swing bob cut in January and have zero regrets (clipper short about 3” up the back). Less hair=more air during hot flashes and spend less time under the hot hair dryer. Ice packs/cool rags provide quicker relief also. As a hairdresser I do recommend choosing length complimentary to your face shape. Hope this helps!
Jeanette6 years ago
Hi Carlie I too had long hair through my menapuse - I’m 59 now and still get hot flashes but no where near as many. I simply wore my hair up, in various ways - I used Pinterest for ideas. I think cutting your hair will maybe keep you cooler but I doubt it will prevent the flashes. Maybe consider cutting it to a length that you can still put up but take some of the weight from your head which would contribute to the uncomfortable sweaty feeling! Or layers which will take the weight away but still have some length to put it up. I’m just thinking if you go short straight away you may regret it after having long hair for such a ‘long ‘time. Whatever you do good luck! Jeanette
Shirl6 years ago
I have short hair and still get hot flushes. It’s entirely your choice but if you enjoy having long hair, I would keep it and just continue to tie it up. If you do want to go shorter then it may be better to have a look at different hair styles on line and see what will suit the shape of your face. My hair is completely white so I’ve used this period of my life to try different colours as well. Up until the lock down it was dark purple with blond flashes at the front. Who says middle aged women can’t have fun! Now it’s almost completely grown out so Im going for steel gray with purple streaks woven into it next time!
Teresa4 years ago
I Agree. I’m Naturally Brunette but now Gray. Always Colored my hair. Been Everything from Blonde to Red. Now I Proudly Wear Bright Purple with Fuchsia Pink on Top. Long hair does Contribute to my Headaches. Wearing it up Contributes too. I have Hot Flashes with Long and Short. Find a Cute Style, maybe color. If you don’t like it, Don’t worry, The Best thing Hair Grows Back?
Pam6 years ago
I had very long hair for a while. Below my shoulder blades at least. I was gradually getting shorter because I’ve been growing out my grey and I wanted the dye gone. It’s still not all gone, 19 months in. In January, pre-hot flashes, I went to just above my shoulders. Barely could put it up. When I did, most of it fell down without clips. February/March is when the hot flashes started. Honestly, I regretted cutting it. At least long I could put it up off my neck. And I also knew I couldn’t do the short, boy cuts. I never connected my hair with triggers though. I just knew I regretted going shorter. ? Sorry not very helpful. A lot of women look great with shorter/short hair. I’m just not one of them. I’m happier now that’s it’s growing out and I can almost get it all in the messy bun or pony. Good luck with your decision!!
Nicky6 years ago
Hi, I have recently had mine cut shorter which was working Well prior to lock down. Lol. Looking forward to getting it cut next week ?
Rebecca6 years ago
I actually like having it long so that there is something I can change when a hot flash starts. I pull it into a pony tail or clip and put a fan on me and meditate through the hot flash. Similarly in the spring, fall, and winter I dress in layers so I can take one layer off at the start of a hot flash. It may be psychological but when I get a hot flash and I have nothing that I can change it’s harder for me to weather through it. Also I’m resisting cutting my hair, because I figure the hot flashes will be done someday, but my hair probably won’t grow much by then so then I’d be stuck with short hair after I was done with hot flashes.
Theresa6 years ago
I usual pin it up with a clip, don’t cut your hair.
Savonia6 years ago
Honey the flashes will happen whether your hair is long or short even bald. Lol!! I have long dreadlocks to my rear end and love them with the flashes and all. Keep your lovely long hair and YouTube some cute buns.
Tracey6 years ago
I agree with you Savonia
Michelle4 years ago
Absolutely- it doesn’t matter if my hair is long or short. If I’m going to have a hot flash hits going to happen regardless. I have gone back to cute braids and pony buns.
Lea6 years ago
Hey there, I had long hair in to my late 40’s. I keep it up all the time as it was hot if I left it down. Got on my nerves in the end. Had it all cut off and never looked back. I love my short hair. Although it’s a bit wild during lockdown. But I have a hair appointment next week! I think it’s more cooling. Great in bed as it’s not all over the place. The only down side as far as I’m concerned is the fact you have to have it cut more often to keep its shape. Try it. What’s the worst that can happen. It will grow back!
Jackie6 years ago
I have short hair (before COVID it was ear length) but I still suffer from hot flashes and night sweats ? it is really thick though so that doesn’t help. I’m not looking to get it cut short again as you can’t put it up and get it out of your face when it’s short and I have found braiding my hair wet helps keep me cool on really hot days ??
Anne6 years ago
Mid because i cannot reach it long
Gillian6 years ago
I’m 52. I have never bothered much with my hair until peri menopause struck. I just washed it once a week, let it air dry then mostly stuck it up into a ponytail. The riskiest thing I had done with it was start dying it to cover the grey. I had always had long hair. In January I had it cut into a ‘Pixie Bob’. Really helped with the hot head; especially in bed. Still get the hot flushes but the back of my head is now comfortable instead of my hair being sopping wet. My hair has grown an awful lot in lockdown and I really notice the difference. Can’t wait for my hairdressers appointment. My advice is if you decide to have it cut - go as short as you are comfortable with; even if that means going a little shorter each visit to your hairdressers. I looked online for styles that would suit me (with a friend for advice and opinion). The added bonus was that short hair made me look 10 years younger. Who knew. ?
Immy6 years ago
I’ve always had long, long hair. For the first time in my life though, my hair is growing really long. Past my waist long; I’m almost sitting on it long. Not I l’y is it long, it’s shiny and soft but strong and healthy. I’m suddenly sound everything I. An to enrich it, to protect it. It’s grey, and it’s >waist length, and I love it. Some people – women and men – are repelled by it. Others, very much not.
Sherri4 years ago
Repelled? Sounds beautiful
Tracey6 years ago
I always had shorter hair, but found when I did get hot it lost shape straight away because it’s quite fine. Although my neck gets hotter when I wear it down, I find putting it in a ponytail or bun stays and looks more flattering
Jan6 years ago
Hi ladies. I have had hot flushes since a hysterectomy 20 years ago and I’ve always had hair long enough to put in a ponytail. The lockdown arrived the week before I was due to have it cut. Two things have happened that had completely changed my mind about my hair length. First my hair has become long enough to put in a bun on top of my head and second my fringe has become long enough to go into that bun. I still have as many but thay don’t seem to last as long. I’ve started to go to bed with my hair in a bun and I’m awake as much but not for as long. So next week I’m booked in for my first cut of the year. I’m having a inch off but leaving it long enough to keep the bun and what was my fringe long enough to stay into the bun. So I would say it might be worth going longer!
Shaz6 years ago
If your hair is not dyed and it’s long could you possibly think of donating 8inches to The Princess Trust. This organisation takes it and makes it into wigs, for people who through illness has lost their hair. I have turned 60 and am now growing my very short hair as I txt this. Good luck, and remember if you do go for a shorter look, don’t go from very long to very short. Take it a bit at a time.
Beenadee6 years ago
I got extensions! Yayyy! So fun! My hair loss made me super sad and this has been a game changer.
Shaz4 years ago
Hi, I am 62, and have had very short hair for most of my life, but at 60 I decided to let it grow for The Princess Trust. So I’ve now got shoulder length hair, abet thinner. So if you’re going to cut an amount of length think about this. ( you can inquire at your hairdresser) But remember for some women hot flashes and night sweats are not forever, and may lessen or become very intermittent. So before you loose your length have a wee think, because it will take longer to grow and not be as thick. Best regards Shaz
Lesley4 years ago
I didn't want to cut my hair so I got it cut in an asymmetric Bob Looks long in front but shorter at back. It was still too hot down so I shaved the back of my head in an upside down V. Don't need all that hair anyway lol I tie it in a top knot or down at base of neck, pigtails even! So versatile & no more electric blanket on my head when I wear it down ??
Liz T4 years ago
I actually grew my hair during menopause as I preferred to be able to put it up, use it to hide my menopausal acne and it’s so much nicer wet long hair than wet short hair which dries quickly! I always wear it up at night and find it hasn’t had any effect on my night sweats what so ever!
Toni4 years ago
I thought the same thing at one time. I just wanted a change. But then I still got hot and wished I could put it all up in a bun again. So be sure it’s what you want todo.
Reena4 years ago
I’m losing my hair for the second time in 4 yrs. My new doctor 1 1/4 yrs ago said my thyroid levels had been off the charts. I had what was supposed to be a pea size lobe of parathyroid removed that was walnut sized. Went back to my normal hair care routine. I have fine thin limp hair. At top of shoulders right now. Color treated. I use warm light olive oil, 20+ minutes with Saran Wrap either shower cap over or towel. For freedom of movement, not to get oil anywhere. Has anyone had luck with vitamins, lotions or potions. Eventually I would probably try them all. But if your advice gets me closer to my fuller head of thin limp hair quicker I would be grateful. Thanks ♥️
Teresa4 years ago
I have Always had Very Long Hair. Now Long Hair and Keeping it up has been giving me Headaches Everyday. So I got my Ling Hair Cut Short. # Freedom. Less to Deal with. ?
Jillian4 years ago
In my experience, raising my ferritin level with the Iron Protocol on Facebook or if you have a hematologist that can follow you and give you a iron infusion if you are unable to absorb iron. My hematologist follows my bloodwork and ferritin, and I have a iron infusion about once a year to get my ferritin level back above 50. It drops 20 points every crazy menstrual cycle that I have, and sits around 6-8 points, which is severely iron deficient (without anemia, although if feels just like anemia and has all the same symptoms as anemia & peri menopause, hair loss, bone-tired fatigue, odd rashes, low immunity-lots of colds, heart palpations, etc). Most studies show symptoms in the majority of women with ferritin below 50 points, even if the lab chart shows it’s low normal. I hope more research is done around low ferritin and perimenopause, bc iron supplementation helps tremendously. It does take approx 6-12 weeks for your body to build back the proper red blood cells so your feel the increase, just like anemia as well. The other thing that helps is braiding my hair. I am a white, 48 year old, biological female with extremely thick hair. Lately the hot flashes are back (I’m due for another iron infusion) and having a hair stylist braid my hair into a French braid, two side braids, or the 4 braid style that is trendy right now (see boxer braids), helps soooo much with my heat, temp, and just getting my shoulder length, very thick, annoying hair out of the way without cutting it short. However, if the braids ever stop working, a pixie cut will be in my future! ?
Patti4 years ago
Hi Carlie! I recently cut my shoulder length hair short , mostly for that reason. I cannot stand my thick hair on my neck when it is hot (thanks hot flashes!) and it also cuts down on dryer time ?
kai4 years ago
I have really, really short hair and it still gets so sweaty at night.
Donna2 years ago
My hair is really dry and I have tried so many shampoos and conditioners my hair constantly looks like I’ve had an electric shock 😫it’s shoulder length not sure if I have it cut short if it will bring it back to life?
Beth2 years ago
My meno is Medically induced, Thanks Very Much Chemo 😊🤔 Heat Flashes started then too, 2017. I think they are like a permanent Fixture 😂😂 As for hair length, I can testify to that, being, Chemo Bald in December & not being able to wear my favorite Christmas shirts cause of Medical Induced Meno 🥵🥵😂😂 I did the whole Short funky thing for a “New Me” Decided the old me was definitely better. And that Mr. Heat Flash was gonna Hang Out with me either way & there’s always a good Clip or scrunchie close by 😂😂🥵🥵🤔🤔
Amanda1 year ago
I’m so glad I came across this and I’ve been contemplating a haircut myself.