There’s no arguing that for many, taking a GLP-1 drug (aka glucagon-like peptide-1 drugs, which are commonly known by brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound) can be life-changing. The first GLP-1 was created to treat the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, per GoodRx. But in recent years, GLP-1s have developed to treat obesity as well.
And though many people are thrilled with the way GLP-1s have affected their health and their bodies, some patients on these drugs have reported issues with hair loss and hair thinning. If you have any concerns about changes in your hair growth or body related to your medication, you should consult your doctor.
But if you are simply looking for a new way to style your thinning hair, look no further. Marcos Diaz, a celebrity hairstylist based in New York City (whose clients include Katy Perry, Sienna Miller and Hailey Bieber) and Andrea Claire, a hair and makeup artist (whose celebrity clients include Seal, Henry Golding and Alanis Morissette) are here to help.
We recently spoke with both stylists to find out what haircuts they recommend for those experiencing hair thinning on GLP-1s, and below, they share their expertise on exactly what you should ask your stylist. Spoiler alert: all the cuts are on the shorter side.
“As a general rule of thumb, whenever you go shorter with hair, it can make the overall profile and silhouette look thicker,” Diaz explains to Parade. “When someone already has thin hair and continues growing it longer, the ends can start to look thinner and wispier.”
Keep reading for their insights and three favorite haircuts for hair thinning linked to GLP-1s.
Related: 7 Best Hair Colors After 50 To Brighten and Rejuvenate Your Face, According to a Celebrity Stylist
Do GLP-1s Cause Hair Thinning?
Although many people on GLP-1s experience hair thinning, this side effect has not been proven to be directly caused by the medication.
For instance, a June 2026 study published in BMJnoted that changes in nutritional health and weight loss, two main effects of GLP-1 drugs, are already known as risk factors for telogen effluvium, which is a rapid yet temporary form of hair loss.
However, the drug itself can potentially directly cause hair loss in some situations. The same study found that for patients with type 2 diabetes, taking a GLP-1 was associated with a slightly increased (though still fairly low) risk of non-scarring alopecia (which is when hair falls out, but the follicles aren’t destroyed and the hair can grow back).
Related: Dermatologist Says This Is the Biggest Mistake People Make When Trying To Fix Ozempic Face
3 Best Haircuts for Thinning Hair on GLP-1s, According to Stylists
Here’s what they recommend.
1. Bob
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For thinning hair, Diaz recommends “a bob that hits around the shoulders or slightly above.”
“Bobs are great for thinning hair as shorter styles have less weight pulling on the follicles, vs. longer styles, which can stress the follicles with heaviness,” Claire says. “A bob cut can create an illusion of weight and movement which is often compromised with thinning hair.”
What to tell your stylist if you want a bob
When getting a bob, Diaz recommends telling your stylist to avoid “over-layering” your bob, “because once you start taking too much weight out of it, it defeats the purpose of trying to make the hair look fuller.” But Claire explains that a few “layers can help create an illusion of thickness and movement.”
That being said, she warns, “Avoid thinning shears. If your hair is thinning to begin with this will add to the problem.”
And because bobs can vary so much, Claire recommends working with your stylist to determine the right length for you. “Don’t just say you want a bob. Bobs can be micro short, to just above the shoulders,” she says.
Make sure to look in the mirror with your stylist and consider all different lengths and styles, based on what will best suit your face shape, profile and preferences (such as being able to tuck your hair behind your ears, etc.).
Related: 7 Hairstyling Tricks to Look Younger, According to Celebrity Stylists
2. Graduated bob
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A graduated bob is a bob that gets gradually shorter as you go from the front to the back.
Diaz thinks a graduated bob is “a super chic haircut, and the shorter shape can make the overall profile and silhouette look stronger.”
Claire agrees that this haircut is a great choice for people with fine hair. She notes that it’s also known as a stacked bob, and is typically “cut with elevation to create an illusion of weight.”
What to tell your stylist if you want a graduated bob
Diaz says you can “ask for a graduated bob that hits around the chin or above,” but make sure it’s tailored to your head shape. “The most important thing is making sure the haircut follows and respects the head shape and doesn’t remove too much of the weight you’re trying to preserve,” he advises.
“The big thing to discuss here is how exaggerated do you want your graduation to be,” adds Claire, adding that too much graduation is never a good look.
“Just make sure the graduation doesn’t hit the ‘I want to speak to your manager’ tipping point,” she jokes.
Related: 7 Best Layered Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists
3. Pixie cut
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“There are so many different versions of a pixie, and you can find one that works with different hair types, whether the hair is curly, wavy or straight,” Diaz tells Parade. “Again, going shorter can make the overall profile and silhouette of the hair look stronger.”
“So many women are afraid of pixie cuts, but done well with the right perimeter for your face shape, this cut can defy thinning hair,” adds Claire. “The texture that’s often cut into pixies can create a diffused illusion gently hiding the thinning roots.”
What to tell your stylist if you want a pixie cut
Diaz and Claire agree that when going from longer hair to a pixie cut, the most important thing to understand is your natural hair texture.
“Hair texture will impact how a pixie sits and the limits your hair might have,” explains Claire, adding that “pixies generally look best when cut with a lot of texture and different lengths.”
It’s also important to work with your stylist to get the perfect length—too long, and it could give off “combover vibes,” says Claire. Too short, and it’s no longer a pixie, but nearing buzzcut territory.
“Ask for a pixie that works with their head shape and natural hair texture, with movement and a shape that feels easy … to style and wear,” advises Diaz.
Up Next:
Sources:
Ozempic, Trulicity, and More: 11 GLP-1 Drugs and How to Navigate Your Options. GoodRx.
Risk of hair loss associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in adults with type 2 diabetes: target trial emulation. BMJ.
This story was originally published by Parade on Sep 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Beauty section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.