At Poza Salon in Charlotte, NC, we always keep an ear out for trends, especially regarding health and beauty. Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. These meds have been life-changing for many people trying to manage their weight, but we’ve also noticed something else popping up in conversations: hair loss and thinning.
If you’re taking one of these medications and have noticed changes in your hair, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into what’s going on and what you can do to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists—fancy name, right?—are medications like Ozempic and Wegovy that help people manage their blood sugar and appetite. They’ve become super popular for weight loss because they work, often leading to significant changes on the scale. But as with any big change, there can be some side effects, and for some, that includes changes to hair thickness and health.
How Can These Medications Affect Your Hair?
While hair loss isn’t officially listed as a side effect of GLP-1 medications, we’ve heard about it from some clients. Here’s what might be happening:
- Quick Weight Loss = Nutrient Deficiency: Losing weight too quickly can sometimes cause your body to miss out on key nutrients, like zinc, biotin, and iron. These nutrients are essential for keeping your hair healthy and strong. When your body’s focusing on more “urgent” needs, like keeping your heart and brain running smoothly, hair growth might get put on hold.
- Hormonal Shifts: GLP-1 meds affect your hormones, and those changes can mess with the natural growth cycle of your hair. Your hair might shift to the shedding phase (called telogen) faster than usual, which is why you might see more hair falling out in the shower.
- Stress: Losing weight is a big deal for your body, and that kind of physical stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, where more hair than usual moves into the shedding phase.
- Underlying Health Issues: If you’re taking these medications, you might already have other conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems, which can also impact your hair health.
What Can You Do About It?
If you’ve noticed your hair thinning or shedding more than usual while on these medications, don’t worry—you’re not stuck! Here’s how you can give your hair some extra love:
- Focus on Your Diet: Make sure you’re eating foods that are packed with hair-healthy nutrients. Think lean proteins, leafy greens, and plenty of nuts and seeds. A little extra iron, zinc, and biotin can go a long way.
- Supplements Can Help: Biotin supplements or a good hair, skin, and nails multivitamin could help boost hair growth. But always check with your doctor before starting any new supplement routine.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drinking enough water is key to keeping your hair hydrated and healthy. Hair follicles thrive when they’re well-moisturized.
- Salon Treatments: At Poza Salon, we offer scalp treatments and hair masks designed to stimulate growth and restore moisture to thinning hair. Whether you need a deep conditioning treatment or specialized care for thinning, we’ve got you covered.
- Reduce Stress: Stress can contribute to hair loss, so adding some stress-busting activities into your routine—like yoga, meditation, or a nice walk—can make a difference.
- Talk to Your Doctor: If the hair loss persists, it’s worth having a chat with your healthcare provider to see if the medication or other health issues are playing a role. Also, reducing your dose typically helps stop hair loss.
How Poza Salon Can Help
At Poza Salon, we’ve been helping our clients keep their hair looking its best for over 18 years. If you’re struggling with thinning hair or hair loss, our team of expert stylists is here to help you find solutions that fit your needs. Whether it’s finding the right products, offering specialized treatments, or even helping you change up your hairstyle to boost volume, we’re with you every step of the way.
We also understand how frustrating hair loss can be, and we’re here to provide compassionate, expert care to help you regain confidence in your hair.
Final Thoughts: Your Hair’s in Good Hands
If you’re on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and you’re noticing changes in your hair, know that you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to go through it without support. At Poza Salon, we’re committed to helping you navigate these changes with personalized care and treatments designed to bring back your hair’s health and vitality.
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment with one of our Vidal Sassoon-trained stylists, and let’s work together to give your hair the love it deserves.
