If you’ve noticed more hair than usual in your brush, shower or around the house since starting a GLP-1 medication, you’re certainly not alone.
But why can this happen — and what can you do to help protect your hair?
When you lose a significant amount of weight relatively quickly, your body can experience this as a physiological stress. This can cause more hairs than usual to move from the active growth phase into the resting phase of the hair cycle.
This type of temporary shedding is known as telogen effluvium.
Research published in 2026 continues to investigate the relationship between GLP-1 medications and hair loss. Studies have found an association between some GLP-1 medications — particularly semaglutide and tirzepatide — and hair loss, although researchers have not yet established that the medication itself is directly responsible in every case. Rapid weight loss appears to be an important potential factor.
It’s not just about the weight loss
When your appetite is reduced, it can sometimes become harder to eat enough of the nutrients your body – and your hair – needs.
Hair is made largely from a protein called keratin, so adequate protein intake is particularly important.
Other nutrients involved in healthy hair growth include iron, zinc, vitamin D and a range of vitamins and minerals.
This doesn’t mean that everyone taking a GLP-1 medication will experience a deficiency, but eating substantially less can make it easier to fall short of your nutritional needs.
What might you notice?
With telogen effluvium, the shedding can sometimes appear weeks or months after the initial trigger, rather than immediately.
That’s one reason it can be confusing — you may have started losing weight some time ago before you notice a significant change in your hair.
Telogen effluvium is generally a non-scarring form of hair shedding, meaning the follicles are still present and capable of producing new hair.
Once the underlying trigger settles and the body has had time to recover, hair growth can gradually return to its normal cycle.
However, everyone’s hair is different, and persistent or significant hair loss should always be discussed with a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist so that other possible causes can be investigated.
If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication and want to support your hair, think beyond shampoo.
Rapid weight loss can place additional stress on the body, even 5-10lbs is enough to shock the body.
No appetite – No protein – No hair growth
Your nutritions crashes, which then what’s happening on the inside show’s in your hair skin & nails.
When your appetite is reduced, it can be easy to eat less protein than your body needs.
Protein is particularly important for maintaining healthy hair, as hair is primarily made from a protein called keratin. During periods of weight loss, try to include a good source of protein in your meals and snacks where possible.
Think eggs, fish, chicken, lean meat, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, beans, lentils and other protein-rich foods.
If you’re struggling to eat enough because your appetite has changed significantly, speak to your GP, pharmacist or a qualified nutrition professional for advice that’s appropriate for you.
Healthy hair starts from within.
When taking a GLP-1 medication, your appetite can change significantly, meaning you may naturally eat less. During periods of weight loss, it’s particularly important to make sure your body is still receiving the protein, vitamins and nutrients it needs to support healthy hair.
This is where a good-quality hair supplement can provide additional nutritional support alongside a balanced diet.
At Serenity, we love GLOWWA as part of an inside-out approach to hair health.
GLOWWA HAIR FOOD is formulated with a combination of nutrients including biotin, zinc, vitamin D3, MSM, B vitamins, vitamin C and L-lysine, designed to support healthy hair from within. Biotin and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, while MSM provides sulphur, which is involved in keratin production.
For additional support, GLOWWA COLLAGEN provides bovine collagen peptides, supplying amino acids that support the body’s natural production of collagen and keratin and helping to support hair strength and resilience.
We particularly like GLOWWA because it takes a whole-body, inside-out approach rather than simply focusing on the hair itself.
Our approach is simple:
If you’re experiencing noticeable or persistent hair shedding while taking a GLP-1 medication, supplements should not replace professional medical advice. It’s worth speaking with your GP or a dermatologist, particularly if the shedding is significant or ongoing.
Choose products appropriate for your scalp and avoid excessive scratching, harsh treatments or unnecessary irritation.
At Serenity, we recommend the K18 range as a supportive treatment for maintaining the health and condition of your hair and scalp, particularly if your hair is coloured, highlighted, chemically treated or exposed to regular heat styling.
Your medication and weight loss may affect your hair to feel finer, weaker or more fragile.
K18 is designed to help repair and strengthen what’s happening inside your hair follicle.
K18 cannot prevent hair shedding associated with GLP-1 medication but the K18 routine can help to:
Month 1 | renewal
Month 2 | momentum
Month 3 | visible transformation
K18 DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective SHAMPOO
A colour-safe, pH-optimized shampoo with the patented K18PEPTIDE™ to effectively cleanse while maintaining hair health and protecting hair from damage. pH-optimized formula helps reduce excess swelling of the hair cuticle during washing to help prevent frizz, preserve colour, and enhance shine. Scalp microbiome-friendly and gentle enough to use every time you cleanse.
K18 DAMAGE SHIELD protective CONDITIONER
This protective K18 Conditioner is proven to protect against UV rays, styling and environmental damage for up to three days after use, making your hair more resilient. K18 Damage Shield Conditioner strengthens hair to make it less vulnerable to damage, while K18PEPTIDE™ replaces the protein lost during washing. The result is stronger, shinier hair that’s soft and tangle-free.
K18 FutureIQ™ biomimetic hair longevity serum
FutureIQ is clinically proven to defy the visible signs of premature biological ageing. With MultiVital technology. Scientifically proven to help reduce greying, shedding, and scalp ageing. Hair is reborn with its natural colour. MORE HAIR. LESS GREY. Reduce greying, thinning + scalp ageing. Retain up to 19,000 hairs for more volume. 70% show fewer greys. Reverses premature biological ageing.
K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask
This patented bioactive peptide treatment strengthens and improves elasticity while reversing damage from chemical services, thermal styling, and mechanical styling. Restores 91% of original strength and 94% of original elasticity. For all hair types.
If your hair is shedding, it may feel more fragile.
Consult with your stylist about how you can adapt your style or colour.
Gentle colouring, possible minimal lighting hair colour services for a short period, till your body adapts.
Try to minimise excessive heat, overuse of heat appliances, aggressive brushing and tight hairstyles.
If you’re experiencing significant, sudden or persistent hair loss, speak to your healthcare professional. They may want to consider other possible causes and, where appropriate, check things such as nutritional status or iron levels.
Your body is changing. Your hair may need a little extra love too. 💜
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