Expert explains hair loss while on GLP-1

A hair expert and co-owner of an award-winning hair care brand has explained how to support your hair through the potential effects of rapid weight loss while on GLP-1 weight loss medications.

For some people experiencing significant or rapid weight loss on GLP-1s, increased hair shedding can emerge several months into their journey. While understandably concerning, certified and registered trichologist and co-owner of Voduz Haircare, Denise Phillips, explains that in many cases, this can be consistent with a temporary shedding condition known as telogen effluvium.

“Hair is incredibly responsive to changes taking place within the body,” Denise explains.

“Periods of rapid weight loss, a significant reduction in calorie intake, or inadequate intake of key nutrients can place the body under physiological stress. This can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and cause a greater number of follicles to enter the resting, or telogen, phase earlier than they ordinarily would.”

Rather than an immediate response, the subsequent shedding often becomes apparent months after the initial trigger, meaning someone may have been using GLP-1 medication for some time before noticing a change in the density of their hair or an increase in the amount being shed.

“That delay is something people often don’t expect,” says Denise.

“You might suddenly start noticing more hair when washing or brushing, but the change within the hair cycle has happened considerably earlier. It’s one of the reasons establishing the wider picture is so important when assessing hair loss.”

Denise stresses that the relationship is more nuanced than attributing hair loss to the medication alone. Significant weight loss itself, alongside reduced appetite and consequently lower calorie, protein, or micronutrient intake, can all have an impact on the normal hair cycle.

She explains: “Hair isn’t essential to the body in the same way our vital organs are, so when nutritional intake is compromised, it can be one of the places where we begin to see the effects.”

For this reason, Denise recommends that anyone experiencing significant or persistent shedding speaks with their GP rather than immediately turning to supplements or attempting to self-treat.

“Iron and vitamin D are among the areas that may be appropriate to investigate. There are many potential reasons for hair loss, so it’s important to understand what is happening rather than assuming the cause or supplementing unnecessarily,” says Denise.

For those experiencing telogen effluvium, the encouraging news is that the condition is generally temporary once the underlying trigger has been addressed. However, the nature of the hair growth cycle means that recovery takes time.

Denise advises taking a consistent, considered approach to hair and scalp care during this period, rather than frequently introducing new products in the hope of an immediate result.

“The scalp is the environment from which the hair grows, so maintaining its health should always be part of the conversation around healthy hair,” she says.

“Gentle scalp massage can be incorporated into your routine to support circulation, while good scalp care helps maintain the optimum environment for healthy hair growth.”

Telogen effluvium typically presents as increased shedding across the scalp rather than isolated patches of hair loss. However, Denise advises seeking professional guidance if shedding is particularly severe, persists for an extended period, appears in distinct patches, or is accompanied by changes to the scalp.

“Hair shedding can be distressing, especially when it seems to appear quite suddenly,” she says.

“But it’s important to remember that the hair cycle is dynamic and, in cases of telogen effluvium, shedding does not necessarily mean permanent hair loss.

“The priority is understanding why it is happening, addressing any underlying factors, and then giving the hair the time and conditions it needs to move back through its normal growth cycle.”