Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and involves a decline in hormone levels – which affects various aspects of a woman’s health. But how does it affect natural nails?
Dr Berrin Tezcan
“Nail changes caused by the menopause are likely to be associated with low oestrogen levels and dry skin,” explains Dr Berrin Tezcan, consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist & CEO of Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare.
“During or after menopause, the body may not produce enough keratin: the substance that nails require to stay strong, which can lead to brittle, weak nails that break easily.”
Lucy Price-Marshall
“Changes to hormones can affect the newly forming nail at the matrix, but there will only be a noticeable impact if these are long-lasting changes,” adds Lucy Price-Marshall, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2024 & OPI freelancer. “This is why the menstrual cycle does not impact nails, but pregnancy and menopause can.
“I have seen clients’ nails become drier and more brittle postmenopause, which I treat via regular maintenance appointments that include hydrating elements,” Lucy continues. “This brittleness can make nails more prone to breaks, so I recommend opting for a softer shape to prevent nails catching. Changes to the texture of nails are also very common as oestrogen levels drop, and clients can develop onychorrexis (vertical ridges), which may require an overlay for strength and protection.
“I’ve also seen nails and cuticles become oily and wet during perimenopause and menopause, which can cause nail lifting for clients that have previously not had retention issues.”
Claire Blincoe
“As menopause affects women in many different ways, the body doesn’t prioritise nails, skin and hair, and diverts nutrients to other places that it thinks need them,” comments Claire Blincoe, Gelish master educator.
“Personally, this has been one of the most frustrating aspects of menopause. My nails, which were previously strong, are now thin. Applying a moisturising hand lotion and hydrating cuticle oil is beneficial, and I use Morgan Taylor’s Daily Elixir Keratin Treatment to tend to extremely dehydrated, weak nails.”
Sue Davies
“Over the years, I’ve witnessed deep vertical splits on the nails of menopausal clients, along with brittleness, related to dryness of the body caused by hormone changes,” recalls Sue Davies, nail industry veteran & Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry winner 2017.
“Providing treatments, such as IBX from Famous Names or OPI’s Repair Mode™, supports healthy natural nails.”
Erin Searle
“I find that builder gel and acrygel enhancements provide strength to the weak nails of menopausal clients,” adds Erin Searle, Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education product & social development manager. The nail artist & educator experienced early menopause.
“I also advise regular maintenance appointments and to keep nails short, as well as aiding hydration and relaxation with moisturising massages at the end of treatments. These could be cooling massages for those suffering with hot flushes.”
Read Scratch’s article on menopause matters from the October 2024 issue here.