subsection: Mind & Body

Ozempic and Hair Loss: What’s the Connection and What Can You Do?

A loss of appetite—and, in turn, weight—may have been what you signed up for when starting GLP-1 injections, medicines such as semaglutide sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy. But hair loss? Not part of the plan. While this side effect wasn’t recognized in initial clinical trials of weight-loss drugs, their widespread use has revealed this correlation.

Why GLP-1s Might Be Causing Hair Shedding

“Although hair loss hasn’t been reported from all my clients taking GLP-1s, I would say most of them do experience it, and it’s exceptionally common,” Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley, tells Bazaar. She isn’t surprised, though; rapid weight loss almost always causes hair loss. “As hair is non-essential tissue, it is incredibly sensitive to internal fluxes—particularly to our nutritional status,” the trichologist says. “The body prioritizes hair cell production last, so when we lose weight rapidly, and/or we aren’t getting the vitamins and minerals we need, energy and nutrients are diverted away from follicles to maintain essential systems and tissues functioning.”

Hairstylist and hair health expert Tom Smith adds that rapid weight loss can similarly put your body into a state of shock, “and we know that when your body is shocked by physical or emotional stress, it can interrupt your hair growth cycle, knocking it into a dormant phase, which then is followed by shedding.”

Is It the Drug Itself, or the Weight Loss?

The current consensus is that hair loss from medicines like Ozempic is caused by weight loss and its subsequent effects (not by the drugs themselves), although broader ways these drugs might adversely affect the hair growth cycle are being investigated, Kingsley notes. “For instance, there may be other mechanisms at play causing hair loss from GLP-1s, such as their impact on thyroid hormones.”

By observing his clientele’s weight and hair-loss journeys in his hair longevity-focused salon, Aevum, Smith is keen to explore additional nuances, from potential hormonal shifts to possible direct effects on the follicle. “I can only speak from my very small reference point, but anecdotal evidence does make me wonder if there’s more going on than just the two obvious things,” he tells us. That said, he doesn’t recommend anyone stop taking their medication—especially as confidence in managing this side effect increases.

What Type of Hair Loss Is Associated with Weight Loss Injections?

If you’re noticing excessive daily hair shedding, it’s likely telogen effluvium, a reversible type of hair loss that happens in response to an internal stressor. “Telogen effluvium occurs three to four months after the trigger and can result in someone losing up to three times their normal amount of hair on a daily basis,” Kingsley explains. So, this can mean losing 300 hairs a day compared to the 100 we typically lose under normal circumstances.

Is This Type of Hair Loss Temporary?

Telogen effluvium is considered temporary and reversible; shedding gradually improves over time, and hairs should grow back once the underlying cause is addressed (such as your weight stabilising, in this case). If there’s any doubt about the type of hair loss you’re experiencing, a trichologist or dermatologist can make a diagnosis and rule out other conditions like alopecia.

Can You Stop Ozempic Hair Loss Once You’re Experiencing It?

“If your hair has moved into the shedding phase, you won’t necessarily interrupt it in that moment,” Smith tells us. However, you might be able to unhurried the shedding down. Smith highly recommends the Calecim Professional Advanced Hair System, a scalp elixir that utilizes exosomes and growth factors from stem cells to rejuvenate hair. “If there are hairs that are moving into that phase but haven’t yet, it will catch those and stop that wave of hair shedding continuing for any longer than it absolutely has to.” Meanwhile, he says it will encourage hair follicles that have moved into the shedding phase to return to the growth phase more quickly, “which is going to help get your hair back to normal.”

Diet and Supplements for Hair Health

“The first thing I always remind people is that hair is mostly made up of protein—so if your diet isn’t giving you enough, your hair will let you know,” says Gabriela Peacock. As Kingsley notes, “the recommendation for protein intake for those on GLP-1s is higher than the general population: 1.2 to 1.6 g of protein per kg of body weight, versus 0.8 g.”

Peacock also says to up your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are “essential” for scalp and hair health. “Oily fish like salmon and mackerel are great sources, as well as plant-based options like avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.”

While you should optimise your plate with nutrient-dense ingredients, Kingsley says not to “waste space on processed foods, which are low in essential nutrients”.

What Supplements Can Help with Hair Loss?

While the experts agree that a food-first approach is best, Kingsley feels that supplements can be used alongside a healthy diet as a booster if necessary. “Coordinate with your doctor so they can do regular blood tests to monitor for vitamin and mineral deficiencies—particularly iron, vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin B12,” Kingsley says. “I don’t recommend popping supplements without knowing exactly what you need, or the dose required—but it’s safe to say a good starting point would be a protein supplement containing all essential amino acids, and to speak to your doctor about a vitamin D supplement.”

“Collagen is another great addition to support healthy hair growth,” says Peacock, “and you can easily weave it into your daily routine.”

Scalp Care and Professional Treatments

While Kingsley believes nutrition is the most important factor to address when treating GLP-1-induced hair loss, scalp care can also help. “Many people with hair shedding reduce their shampoo frequency, which just makes things worse as it can lead to inflammation, flaking, and clogged follicles,” she cautions. “A clean, cared-for, healthy scalp is essential to hair growth. The scalp is the bedrock of hair follicles.”

Meanwhile, topicals, “like drops or serums, containing peptides and anti-inflammatory ingredients, can help reduce the amount of hair fall you have and speed up recovery.” She recommends the Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops, “which contain a biomimetic peptide blend, azelaic acid, zinc, caffeine, and anti-inflammatory piroctone olamine, as well as our clinic prescription-only Hair Shedding drops, which are formulated with peptides as well as melatonin.”

For a data-driven approach to treatment, Aevum offers access to the TrichoTest, a saliva swab that analyses your genetic predisposition to hair loss, referring its clients to Sophie Shotter for bespoke protocols that may include topical treatments, oral medications, supplements, or lifestyle adjustments. Crucially, a medic such as Shotter “will be best placed to look at the interaction between weight loss medications and other prescriptions, as well as supplements,” Smith says.