Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Hair Loss: Why It Happens and What You Can Do

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Posted in Weight Loss

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Hair Loss: Why It Happens and What You Can Do

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If you’ve started a weight loss journey with semaglutide or tirzepatide, you may have heard concerns about hair loss as a potential side effect. At Ivím Health, we believe in providing you with clear, accurate information so you can make informed decisions about your care. Let’s explore what the research actually shows about GLP-1 medications and hair health, and what you can do to support your body throughout your weight loss journey.

Does Semaglutide Cause Hair Loss?

Hair thinning is a side effect that some people experience while taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide. Clinical trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that about 3% of people taking Wegovy reported hair loss, compared to 1% of those taking a placebo. The FDA’s prescribing information for Wegovy lists alopecia (hair loss) as a known side effect. 

However, researchers believe this hair thinning is linked to weight loss rather than the medication itself. This type of shedding is called telogen effluvium, and it can happen with any significant weight loss, whether from medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes alone.

Does Tirzepatide Cause Hair Loss?

Similar patterns have been observed with tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound® and Mounjaro®. Clinical trial data showed that 5-6% of participants experienced hair loss at higher doses, compared to about 1% taking placebo. Tirzepatide generally produces more weight loss than semaglutide, and some experts note that this could help explain the slightly higher rate of hair thinning observed. While the trials did not evaluate the specific cause of shedding, the pattern aligns with what is typically seen when the body undergoes meaningful weight loss.

Why Do GLP-1 Medications Trigger Hair Thinning?

Understanding how hair grows can help explain what’s happening. Your hair grows in cycles, with about 85-90% of your hair in the active growth phase at any given time. When your body goes through significant changes, whether from meaningful weight loss, eating fewer calories, or variations in nutrition, it can shift more hair follicles into a resting phase. 

This is what triggers telogen effluvium, which typically causes even thinning across the scalp rather than patchy hair loss. The shedding usually becomes noticeable 2-4 months after the triggering event, which is why some people notice hair changes several months into their semaglutide or tirzepatide treatment plan. 

Several factors may contribute to hair thinning during weight loss: 

  • Caloric deficit: Eating less means fewer nutrients are available for hair follicle function 
  • Protein intake changes: Hair is primarily made of protein (keratin), and not getting enough protein can affect hair growth 
  • Micronutrient shifts: Changes in iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D levels can influence hair growth 
  • Metabolic adaptation: Your body may temporarily prioritize essential functions over hair growth when calorie intake is reduced 

The good news is that this type of hair thinning is usually only temporary. Once your weight stabilizes and your body adjusts, people can see their hair return to its normal growth cycle.

Is Semaglutide Hair Loss Reversible? How Long Does Recovery Take?

For most people, yes, telogen effluvium is reversible, and hair typically returns to normal once your body adjusts to its new baseline. Based on dermatological research, recovery generally follows this timeline: 

  • Months 1-3: Shedding may continue as hair follicles complete their resting phase 
  • Months 3-6: New hair growth usually begins as follicles re-enter the active growth phase 
  • Months 6-12: Some people may notice improvement in hair density and thickness 
  • Months 12+: Continued improvement is possible, and some people report hair returning close to pre-treatment thickness 

Recovery can vary based on factors like age, recurrent or new stressors, overall health, nutritional status, and genetic predisposition to hair thinning. Our individualized approach at Ivím Health allows your care team to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

How to Help Stop Hair Loss on Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

While you may not be able to completely prevent hair loss on semaglutide or tirzepatide during weight loss, there are evidence-based strategies that can support healthy hair throughout your GLP-1 journey.

Prioritize Protein

Hair is made up of primarily keratin, a protein, making adequate protein intake essential for minimizing hair loss with semaglutide or tirzepatide. Research suggests that people experiencing weight loss may benefit from higher protein intake than usual to support hair health. Since protein needs vary based on your body composition and goals, our protein calculator can help you find the right target for you. Our nutrition guidance at Ivím Health can help you meet these targets even with reduced appetite, and our Whéy+ protein supplement can be a convenient way to boost your daily intake.

Support with Key Nutrients

Several micronutrients play important roles in reducing semaglutide and tirzepatide hair loss: 

  • Iron: Essential for hair follicle function; consider checking ferritin levels when medically indicated 
  • Vitamin D: Supports hair cycling; deficiency is common and linked to hair loss 
  • Biotin: Supports keratin production, though deficiency is rare 
  • Zinc: Important for hair tissue growth and repair 
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: May support scalp health and hair density 

Your Ivím Health provider can guide supplementation recommendations if needed. Our Multí-V multivitamin is formulated with bioavailable forms of essential nutrients, including methylated B vitamins, to help fill potential nutritional gaps during your weight loss journey.

Consider Gradual Dosing

Slower, steadier weight loss may help to reduce the likelihood of telogen effluvium. Our GLP-1 ID individualized dosing program allows for individualized dose adjustments based on your response and goals, which may help minimize stress on your body. For a detailed breakdown of dosing options, see our semaglutide weight loss dosage chart or tirzepatide dosage chart.

Practice Gentle Hair Care

While these tips won’t prevent telogen effluvium, they can minimize additional stress on your hair: 

  • Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on follicles 
  • Reduce heat styling and chemical treatments 
  • Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair 
  • Choose sulfate-free, gentle shampoos 

The key is to focus on what you can control and healthy habits like proper nutrition, gradual weight loss, and minimizing everyday damage to your hair. If you’re concerned about hair loss from semaglutide or tirzepatide, talk to your Ivím Health provider about personalized strategies that fit your treatment plan.

Supporting Healthy Hair Throughout Your Weight Loss Journey

Hair thinning during GLP-1 treatment can be concerning, but for most people, it’s a temporary response to rapid weight loss rather than a permanent side effect. With adequate nutrition, support from your care team, and time for your body to adjust, hair typically returns to normal as your weight stabilizes. 

At Ivím Health, we support you through every aspect of your weight loss journey. Our personalized approach to GLP-1 therapy means your provider can help you achieve effective weight loss while also supporting your overall health, including your hair. 

Ready to work with a care team that sees the whole picture? Explore our GLP-1 programs and take the first step toward sustainable results. 

Medically reviewed by Courtney Floyd, MD, Physician at Ivím Health

Disclaimer:  

Compounded Medications: Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved. Compounded drugs have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or manufacturing quality. The FDA does not verify the safety, effectiveness, or quality of compounded drugs. 

Prescription Medications: Prescription provided only if clinically appropriate. All prescriptions are at the sole discretion of licensed healthcare providers based on individual patient evaluation. 

Individual Results: Individual results may vary. Weight loss outcomes depend on medication adherence, lifestyle factors, and individual response. Consult your healthcare provider before making any medication changes. 

Medical Advice: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider regarding your health needs, diagnosis, and medication management. 

Trademarks: Wegovy® and Ozempic® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. Ivím Health is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by these manufacturers. 

Sources: 

  • Wilding, John P.H., et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 384, no. 11, 2021, pp. 989-1002. NEJM, https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. 
  • Jastreboff, Ania M., et al. “Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 387, no. 3, 2022, pp. 205-216. NEJM, https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. 
  • Leite, Alex Carvalho, and Ademir Carvalho Leite Jr. “Telogen Effluvium and Metabolic Stress in Modern Weight Loss Interventions: A Narrative Clinical Review.” Brazilian Journal of Hair Health, vol. 3, no. 1, 2025. brazjhairhealth.com/index.php/BJHH/article/view/bjhh38. 
  • Almohanna, Hind M., et al. “The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review.” Dermatology and Therapy, vol. 9, no. 1, 2019, pp. 51-70. PubMed Central, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6380979/. 
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