Hair loss affects 30-50% of GLP-1 patients, typically starting 3-6 months after beginning treatment. The good news: it's almost always temporary, and hair regrows completely within 6-12 months.
How Common is Hair Loss on GLP-1s?
Prevalence Data
- 30-50% of patients experience noticeable hair thinning or shedding
- More common in women than men (hormonal factors)
- Higher risk with tirzepatide (20-25% weight loss) vs semaglutide (15-20%)
- Most cases are mild to moderate, not severe baldness
Why Does Hair Loss Happen?
#1 Telogen Effluvium (Primary Cause)
What it is: Stress-induced hair shedding triggered by rapid weight loss
- Rapid weight loss (10+ lbs/month) shocks the body
- Hair follicles enter "resting phase" prematurely
- Shedding begins 2-4 months after the stress event
- Completely reversible - hair regrows once weight loss stabilizes
#2 Nutritional Deficiencies
Eating 40-60% less food = potential nutrient gaps
- Protein: Building block of hair, need 1.0-1.2g/lb daily
- Iron: Essential for hair growth, deficiency common in women
- Biotin, zinc, vitamin D: All critical for healthy hair
- B vitamins: Energy production for follicles
#3 Hormonal Changes
Rapid fat loss affects hormone levels - estrogen stored in fat cells is released, thyroid function may temporarily shift. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger shedding.
Timeline: When Hair Loss Starts & Stops
| Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Months 1-2 | No hair loss yet - rapid weight loss occurring |
| Months 3-4 | Shedding begins - more hair in shower, on pillow |
| Months 5-6 | Peak shedding - most noticeable thinning |
| Months 7-9 | Shedding slows as weight loss stabilizes |
| Months 10-12 | New growth visible - baby hairs at hairline |
| 12-18 months | Full regrowth complete |
Prevention & Treatment Strategies
✅ Proven Prevention Strategies
- Protein priority: 1.2-1.4g per pound body weight daily
- Take multivitamin daily: Covers nutritional gaps
- Biotin supplement: 5,000-10,000 mcg daily
- Iron (if deficient): Get levels checked, supplement if low
- Collagen peptides: 10-20g daily supports hair structure
- Vitamin D3: 2,000-4,000 IU daily
- Slower weight loss: Aim for 1-2 lbs/week vs 3-4 lbs/week
💊 Supplements That Help
- Nutrafol: Clinically studied for hair growth ($88/month)
- Viviscal: Marine collagen complex ($40-60/month)
- Hair, Skin & Nails vitamins: Biotin + other nutrients
- Omega-3s: Anti-inflammatory, supports scalp health
🧴 Topical Treatments
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): FDA-approved, stimulates regrowth
- Rosemary oil: Studies show comparable to minoxidil
- Caffeine shampoo: May stimulate follicles
- Scalp massage: Increases blood flow, 5 min daily
When to See a Doctor
⚠️ Concerning Signs
- Severe, rapid hair loss (losing handfuls daily)
- Bald patches or spots (not typical telogen effluvium)
- Hair not regrowing after 12-18 months
- Other symptoms: Fatigue, cold intolerance (thyroid?), brittle nails
- Scalp issues: Itching, redness, scaling, pain
Get thyroid panel, iron levels, vitamin D checked if concerned
The Bottom Line
Hair loss affects 30-50% of GLP-1 patients but is almost always temporary. Caused primarily by rapid weight loss (telogen effluvium), not the medication itself.
Timeline: Starts month 3-4, peaks month 5-6, regrowth begins month 10-12, full recovery by 12-18 months.
Prevention: Prioritize protein (1.2-1.4g/lb daily), take multivitamin, biotin, collagen, and aim for slower weight loss.
Treatment: Supplements (Nutrafol, Viviscal), topical minoxidil or rosemary oil, and patience.
Bottom line: Hair will regrow once weight loss stabilizes. Focus on nutrition to minimize shedding.