Estrogen & Your Glow: Why Your Hair Has Its Own Cycle 🌙✨

The Hormone Lab (Inside-Out)

Part 1 of 4 – Estrogen & Your Glow

 

Hey, sweetheart,

Have you ever wondered why some days your hair just “works”—it’s shiny, full of volume, and sits perfectly—and a week later it feels like someone pulled the plug? Your roots get greasy within hours, and the ends look lifeless and dull.

Welcome to my “hormone lab.” Today we’re going to take a look at the hidden force behind this whole show: estrogen.

1. The Estrogen Rush: Why the Pregnancy Glow Isn't a Myth

Estrogen is much more than just a reproductive hormone in your body. For your hair, it’s like a premium fertilizer.

When your estrogen levels are high (for example, during pregnancy or in the first half of your cycle leading up to ovulation), something wonderful happens in your hair follicles: the hormone extends the anagen phase (the growth phase). This means your hair not only grows faster, but it also falls out less often. At the same time, estrogen ensures that the sebaceous glands on your scalp produce less oil.

The result: hair that’s full of body and a scalp that’s perfectly balanced. That’s the moment when you see that “glow” in the mirror.

2. The Crash: When Hormones Turn Off the Lights

Just before your period (the infamous PMS phase) or shortly after giving birth, estrogen levels plummet. Now other neurotransmitters take over.

Suddenly, the sebaceous glands become more active again. Hair follicles enter the resting phase more quickly, which can make hair appear thinner or get greasy faster. Many women turn to harsh shampoos to combat the oiliness—but that’s exactly where they go wrong. If we stress the scalp with harsh chemicals at this point, the hormonal changes will only cause it to react even more strongly.

3. Deep Dive: Two Ingredients That Help Balance Your Hormones

At True Organic Cosmetics, we don’t rely on restrictions—we rely on the power of plants. Here are two ingredients from our formulas that will be your lifeline during these challenging times:

A) Cypress Oil (Cupressus sempervirens) – The Sebum Regulator

In our detox shampoo The Essential One , we use high-quality cypress oil. Why? In phytotherapy, cypress oil has a strongastringent (constricting) effect.

When your estrogen levels drop and your sebaceous glands overreact, cypress oil helps gently tone the pores of your scalp and regulate excess oil production. It acts as a natural “manager” for your scalp, keeping things in order without disrupting its important barrier function. Lavender oil further supports this process by soothing hormone-related irritation.

B) Raspberry Leaves (Rubus idaeus) – A Powerhouse for Women's Hair

In our leave-in cream The Good One you’ll find an ingredient more commonly found on the tea shelf: raspberry leaves.

In naturopathy, they are consideredthe herb for the female body. Raspberry leaves are extremely rich in tannins, vitamin C, and minerals. For your hair, they act as a natural strengthener. When hair appears limp and “lifeless” due to hormonal fluctuations, raspberry leaf extracts help strengthen the hair shaft from the outside and maintain its elasticity. They have an antioxidant effect and protect the hair from oxidative stress, which can occur more frequently during periods of hormonal change.

4. Your strategy for the “days that follow”

If you find that your menstrual cycle is affecting your hair, I recommend this duo:

Cleanse with The Essential One: Apply the shampoo directly to the roots. The combination of cypress oil and blood orange deeply cleanses, while olive and sesame oils help keep your scalp from drying out. It’s the perfect way to reset your scalp when it’s producing excess oil due to hormonal changes.

Hair Care with The Good One: Since hair affected by hormonal imbalances often loses its shine, this cream harnesses the power of apple cider vinegar and raspberry leaves. The vinegar neutralizes the pH level and seals the cuticle (remember Part 1?), while the herbal extracts nourish the hair.

My pro tip: Be extra gentle with your scalp during the week leading up to your period. Use a lower heat setting when blow-drying, and avoid tight braids. Your hair roots are more sensitive to tension and pressure during this time.

Have you noticed how your hair reacts to your menstrual cycle? Feel free to share your experiences with me, or book an appointment so we can tailor your hair care routine specifically to your “hormonal profile.”

Hugs 🫶🏻

All my love, Isabella