Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications have their fair share of reported side effects. Add to the list—hair loss—or what is being dubbed “Ozempic hair.” If you’re experiencing shedding or notice your hair hasn’t quite been what it was before starting the medication, understanding the root cause is the first big step toward curing your hair woes. Ahead, we spoke with dermatologists about this phenomenon and what you can do to help yourself through the shed.
Featured experts
- Dr. Shereen Teymour is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Anna Chacon, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami
What is Ozempic hair?
“Ozempic hair is a social media term for the increased shedding or thinning that some patients notice while taking GLP-1 medications such as Semaglutide or Tirzepatide,” says New York dermatologist Dr. Shereen Teymour. In many cases, this hair loss resembles telogen effluvium, which is a temporary form of hair shedding that can occur when the body undergoes a significant physiological change. In this instance, rapid or substantial weight loss can trigger telogen effluvium, whether you’re on a GLP-1 or not. Reduced intake of protein and key micronutrients may compound the problem, rather than being a direct effect of the medication on the hair follicle itself.
“Essentially, the body interprets this metabolic shift as a stressor and prematurely pushes a larger percentage of hairs from the active growth, or anagen phase, into the resting, or telogen phase. Those hairs are then shed several months later,” explains Miami dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD. The reassuring part, explains Dr. Teymour, is that classic telogen effluvium is generally temporary and reversible once the underlying trigger stabilizes.
Can products actually help to thicken hair?
It’s important to distinguish between products that make the hair look thicker and treatments that actually affect the hair-growth cycle. “Topical products can help improve the appearance of hair thickness and overall hair quality, but they have limited ability to stop shedding on their own. True regrowth depends on correcting the underlying trigger—most importantly stabilizing weight and optimizing nutrition,” explains Dr. Chacon.
A volumizing shampoo, conditioner or thickening product can coat the hair shaft and temporarily increase its diameter, which can make the hair appear fuller, while you’re waiting to recover. “This can be very helpful cosmetically, but a shampoo alone generally isn’t going to correct telogen effluvium,” explains Dr. Teymour. Medical therapies such as minoxidil can be used to help support regrowth, but over-the-counter products alone are typically supportive, rather than curative. However, Dr. Teymour points out that clinical evidence for minoxidil’s use is stronger for androgenetic alopecia (aka female-and male-pattern baldness), rather than for isolated telogen effluvium.
What ingredients should you look for in products to treat Ozempic hair?
To both mask and support hair regrowth, product ingredients should support scalp health and hair strength. Maintaining a healthy scalp environment is key for allowing hair to regrow, and ketoconazole does just that. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps rid the scalp of dandruff. “A healthy scalp provides a much better environment for healthy hair growth,” says Dr. Teymour.
Niacinamide, peptides, amino acids and hydrolyzed proteins are all conditioning agents that can strengthen, minimize breakage and temporarily plump hair fibers, “which makes a meaningful cosmetic difference when someone’s overall density has decreased," says Dr. Teymour.
Additionally, antioxidants and zinc help support overall scalp health. Studies have also shown that caffeine slows shedding and can increase hair density.
Products to try
