Hair Loss on GLP-1 Medications: Why It Happens & How to Support Healthy Hair Growth

Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® have changed the landscape of weight loss, but one of the most unexpected side effects people notice is increased hair shedding.
 The good news? It’s usually temporary and treatable with the right approach.

Why Hair Loss Happens on GLP-1s

Most patients aren’t losing hair because of the medication itself, but because of what the body is going through during rapid weight loss.

This process is called Telogen Effluvium, a temporary condition where more hair than usual enters the shedding phase.

Common triggers include:

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Reduced protein intake
  • Lower calorie consumption
  • Decreased iron, zinc, biotin, or vitamin D
  • General metabolic stress
  • Significant changes in appetite

The reassuring part: once the body stabilizes, so does the hair cycle.

Is It Telogen Effluvium? Signs to Look For

  • Diffuse shedding all over the scalp
  • Hair coming out more in the shower or with brushing
  • Thinning that starts 2–3 months after weight loss begins
  • No round bald patches

If that sounds familiar, you’re likely experiencing temporary shedding rather than permanent hair loss.

How to Support Hair Growth While on GLP-1s

Below are the effective strategies we recommend in-clinic.

1. Nutritional Foundations

Eat Enough Protein

Hair is made of keratin, a protein, so sufficient dietary protein intake can be helpful for hair growth.
 Aim for 0.8–1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight, or what your clinician recommends.

Don’t Under-Fuel

If you’ve lost your appetite, try:

  • Adding protein shakes
  • Eating small but nutrient-dense meals
  • Prioritizing lean proteins, eggs, fish, nuts, and Greek yogurt

Check Crucial Nutrient Levels with Lab Work

  • Ferritin
  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin B12
  • Vitamin D
  • Folate

Correcting deficiencies makes a significant difference.

2. Supplements That Can Help

Nutrafol

A physician-trusted supplement that addresses internal root causes of thinning such as stress, nutrient gaps, and inflammation. Great for women experiencing diffuse thinning or increased shedding.  They have several different formulas with standardized ingredients to address multiple causes of thinning hair for men and women throughout life stages and lifestyles.

Why patients love it:

  • Reduces shedding
  • Supports thicker, stronger hair over time
  • Includes adaptogens that support stress balance

Viviscal

A marine-based supplement backed by strong clinical data showing improved hair density and a decrease in shedding.

Best for:

  • People who have nutritional stress
  • Those wanting a simple, well-studied formula

Both Nutrafol and Viviscal can be safely paired with topical treatments like serums or minoxidil.

3. Topical Treatments That Make a Difference

Obagi Nu-CIL™ BioStem Scalp Serum

This clinical-grade scalp serum which includes amino acids, peptides, biotin, pumpkin seed extract supports a healthier, fuller-looking head of hair by nourishing the scalp and strengthening follicles.

Benefits include:

  • Improved hair density
  • Healthier scalp environment
  • Reduced breakage
  • Support for visibly thicker strands

How to use it:

Apply nightly to the scalp and massage in. Consistency is key.  Expect visible changes in 8–12 weeks, with fuller results around 24 weeks.

Other Topical Options

  • Minoxidil (Rogaine)
  • Microneedling treatments with exosomes for stimulating growth
  • Scalp massages for boosting circulation

We often combine these with supplements for the best results.

4. Procedures That Make a Difference

Platelet Rich Plasma Scalp Injections

These injections can be done in a series of 3 to utilize the body’s own growth factors to stimulate hair regrowth.

 

When to See a Dermatology Clinician

If your hair loss is:

  • Sudden
  • Patchy
  • Causing bald spots
  • Associated with redness, flaking, or itching
  • Continuing beyond 6 months

Your hair loss  may be unrelated to GLP-1 medication and worth an in-clinic evaluation.

The Bottom Line

Hair shedding on GLP-1 medications is common, temporary, and fixable.
 With the right combination of nutrition, supplements, and topical support, most patients regain thickness and stability as their body adapts over months.

If you’re experiencing increased shedding, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Our team can help create a customized plan based on your needs, product preferences, and goals.


 Call us at 205-580-1500 or send us a message to schedule a consultation.