GLP-1 Hair Loss: Causes and Treatments

Jennifer Sullivan answers all your beauty-related questions with practical advice and zero judgment.

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images

If you’ve been taking Ozempic and think you might be losing more than just weight, you’re not imagining things. While it’s not officially listed as a side effect, many people taking GLP-1 drugs — like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro — report significant hair shedding. Their hair stylists are clocking it, too. “Clients on GLP-1s tend to have increased shedding and overall thinning, especially around the crown and hairline,” says colorist and stylist Temur Hamilton, who owns Manhattan salon TEMUR. “Hair texture can also feel drier or more brittle. It’s something I now ask about during consultations so we can adjust hair care and styling accordingly.”

The shedding usually starts two to three months after beginning treatment, and it may take even longer to notice. “My patients are so thrilled with their bodies at first that they don’t see the hair loss right away,” says board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. “You need to lose about half your hair density before it becomes noticeable.”

But don’t panic. The kind of hair loss linked to GLP-1 drugs is usually temporary and reversible — and you don’t need to stop taking the medication to resuscitate your strands. Here’s what to know.

While the precise reason has not yet been determined, it’s most likely a side effect of the weight loss itself, not the medication. “When you lose weight quickly, your body enters a stress response mode,” says Alexander GolBerg, MD, a double board-certified functional and aesthetic physician. That stress disrupts the hair growth cycle, pushing more hairs into the shedding (telogen) phase while fewer new ones grow in. Major weight loss can also cause a shift in nutrient absorption.

GLP-1-related hair loss is called telogen effluvium, which causes sudden, diffuse shedding — usually temporary. It’s different from the other most common types of hair loss: androgenic alopecia (hormonal or genetic hair thinning) or alopecia areata (autoimmune related).

Telogen effluvium happens when major life events knock hair’s natural cycles out of whack and can be triggered by illness, surgery, hormonal shifts, stress, nutritional deficiency — or rapid weight loss. “Normally, only about 10 percent of hair follicles are in the telogen phase, but during TE, that can jump to 40 percent,” says Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, a hair-loss specialist. We typically shed 50 to 100 hairs a day, but in telogen effluvium, it can be 300 to 500. That’s why it can feel like hair is suddenly falling out in handfuls.

Start by assessing your diet. Even if you’re eating less overall, your meals should be nutrient dense. Endocrinologist Caroline Messer, MD, recommends prioritizing protein (hair is made of keratin) along with iron, zinc, and B vitamins. She also advises gradual weight loss to avoid shocking the system. LoGerfo adds that copper, vitamin D, vitamin E, and selenium can support hair recovery.

“Yes, but be careful,” says Engelman. “There’s a lot of snake oil out there. Look for clinical studies and real research — not sponsored social-media posts and too-good-to-be-true before-and-after photos.” She recommends Nutrafol, which has been clinically shown to improve hair growth and density. Viviscal is another favorite thanks to its marine-derived protein content.

LoGerfo notes that while there’s little hard evidence to prove that most serums regrow hair, certain oils — like argan and coconut — can help with overall hair condition. Engelman often recommends Nulastin, a topical formula that supports elastin production around the follicle, helping to maintain a healthier growth environment. She emphasizes that because GLP-1-related hair loss is primarily nutritional and systemic, serums should be viewed as a supportive measure, not a standalone fix.

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved medication for regrowing hair, and it’s long been a mainstay in the treatment of various types of hair loss. It works by increasing blood flow to the follicles and extending the hair’s growth phase. “Topical minoxidil is effective, but many people struggle with using it consistently — it has to be applied twice daily and can cause scalp irritation or make the hair feel tacky,” says LoGerfo. “We’re now seeing great results with low-dose oral minoxidil. It’s easier to use and has been shown to be safe and effective in multiple studies.”

Dermatologists may recommend in-office procedures, especially if hair loss is more advanced. One of the most common is PRP, or platelet-rich plasma therapy. “PRP involves drawing your blood, spinning it in a centrifuge, and injecting the plasma into the scalp,” says LoGerfo. “It’s rich in growth factors that can help stimulate regrowth and improve density. In my experience, consistency matters. I usually suggest treatments every four to six weeks for at least six months — sometimes longer.”

At home, red-light therapy can provide additional support. Low-level laser devices (such as Current Body’s LED Hair Helmet or Higher Dose’s discreet Red Light Hat) stimulate blood flow to the scalp and may help promote healthier, thicker hair over time — though, again, consistency is key.

“Hair growth takes time — it’s like planting a tulip bulb,” says Engelman. “It starts deep in the dermis, and it can take months just to break the surface. First, you’ll notice less shedding. Then, slowly, the new growth will begin. You just have to be patient.”

LoGerfo agrees that managing expectations is essential. “One of the first steps in treating telogen effluvium is helping the patient calm down — because of the large amounts of hair that are lost with telogen effluvium, it can have a profound psychological impact. I always explain that this condition is typically temporary. Once the underlying trigger is addressed, the hair usually begins to return to normal within six to 12 months.”