Hair shedding is one of the topics that comes up regularly when we chat to our friends in the SlimrChat community. It can be worrying, especially when you’re losing weight and feeling healthier.
The good news is that for most people this type of hair loss is temporary and you will start to recover without needing to stop your treatment.
A side effect
Hair loss isn’t experienced by everyone taking GLP-1’s.
Three to six people in every hundred users of Mounjaro or Wegovy have reported hair loss in meaningful clinical trials. Other research has shown higher rates but that was based on a smaller number of people and hasn’t been further tested yet.
Hair loss isn’t listed as one of the most common side effects in the patient information leaflets, but enough people experience it for healthcare professionals to recognise it as something that can happen during significant weight loss.
Why does it happen
Doctors believe the shedding is linked more to rapid weight loss than to the jabs itself. The most common type is called telogen effluvium (TE). This is a fancy name for stress-related hair shedding.
I definitely started to notice my hair thinning and falling more about 3-6 months after starting mounjaro – as I’m in my fifties though I’m never very sure what is menopause and what is something else. It was quite noticeable and I did get a bit paranoid about it – Mary
What’s going on inside your body:
Stress on the system: fast weight loss is a physical stress which can push more hairs than usual into the “resting” phase. As a result they fall out a few months later.
- Nutrient gaps: as many of us know from experience, GLP-1s reduce appetite. Eating less can sometimes mean not getting enough protein, iron, zinc or vitamin D. These are all key for healthy hair. Have a look at our advice on protein and macro nutrients.
- Hormones and lifestyle: Changes in insulin, thyroid balance or just the emotional side of being on weight loss treatments can also contribute.
- Shedding often starts two-four months into your weight loss journey and it can feel very sudden, and shocking. Hair cycles take time, so it may be a while til you notice changes.
The timing
Hair shedding doesn’t usually start straight away.
Most people notice it around two to four months after starting treatment or after a period of rapid weight loss. Because hair grows in cycles, the delay can make it feel as though the shedding has come out of nowhere.
What can you do?
The most important step is don’t panic and don’t stop your jab without advice from your doctor or healthcare provider.
There are ways to support your hair while staying on track with your weight loss.
Look after your nutrition:
- Protein is key: SlimrChat recommends 1.6 to 2.2 g of protein per kilogram of target body weight per day when you’re losing weight (meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils).
- Check your levels: Ask your GP about iron, vitamin D, zinc and B12 blood tests.
- Consider supplements: A good multivitamin can help. Some people also use specialist hair growth supplements, but start simple with balanced meals and protein.
Gentle hair habits:
- Avoid heat styling and tight hairstyles.
- Use mild shampoos and conditioners.
- Be kind to your scalp. Massaging it can help with circulation.
I didn’t particularly want to go the pharmaceutical route though so I did a bit of research and I’ve done 3 things: upped my protein, been quite careful to do less heat styling (I was always using my straighteners) and I’ve been taking pumpkin seed and saw palmetto oil capsules religiously for about the last 8 months. Some or all of that has helped – it is much improved particularly in the last 3 or 4 months – Mary
Stress and lifestyle:
- Prioritise sleep (7–9 hours a night).
- Try mindfulness, yoga or gentle exercise.
- If weight is dropping very fast, speak to your doctor, healthcare provider, about slowing the pace a little.
Medical treatments
If your hair loss is severe, continues for many months or you’re developing obvious thinning or bald patches we suggest you speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
They might recommend seeing a dermatologist. They might offer treatments such as topical minoxidil if appropriate or investigate whether another condition is causing your hair loss.
Patchy hair loss, scalp inflammation or shedding that continues long after your weight has stabilised should always be checked.
Will my hair grow back
Yes, in most cases it will. Once your weight stabilises and your body adjusts the shedding slows and new hair starts to come through.
You can expect to see improvement within 6-12 months. Although for some of us, it may take up to 18 months.
Hair regrowth is usually full, which is a relief. If you notice patchy or continuous thinning, speak to a professional as it could be something else like pattern hair loss.
Hair loss on GLP-1s can feel upsetting, but it’s usually a short-term side effect of rapid progress, not a permanent change.
With the right nutrition, gentle hair care, and a bit of patience, most of us will see our hair bounce back.
