Dermatologist Summary

A 2026 systematic review of 24 studies found that people taking GLP-1 drugs, especially semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), have a higher risk of hair loss. The most common type is telogen effluvium. This is a temporary shed caused mainly by fast weight loss and eating less protein and fewer nutrients. Women seem to be affected more than men. The shed is usually reversible, and the researchers found no strong evidence of permanent damage to hair follicles. To support regrowth, focus on protein, key nutrients, and daily scalp care. The MDhair GLP-1 Hair Support Kit combines all three in one routine.

— Reviewed by Yoram Harth, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist

Quick answer: what does the new research say about GLP-1 hair loss?

• The link is real, but most cases are temporary. Across clinical trials and large drug-safety databases, GLP-1 users had more hair loss than people not taking them. One analysis the review cites found about three times the risk compared with placebo (a look-alike treatment with no medicine in it).
• Tirzepatide and semaglutide have the strongest link. These are also the GLP-1s that cause the most weight loss.
• More weight loss means more hair loss. In Wegovy trials, people who lost more than 20% of their body weight had about twice as much hair loss as those who lost less.
• Women are affected more. In Zepbound trials, 7.1% of women reported hair loss, compared with 0.5% of men.
• It's usually reversible. Shedding tends to start about 2–3 months after starting a GLP-1 or raising the dose. It usually improves 3–6 months after your weight levels off.

What did the new GLP-1 hair loss study look at?

In 2026, a team of dermatologists from the University of Toronto, The Permanente Medical Group, UC San Francisco, and Case Western Reserve University published a systematic review in the journal Science Progress. A systematic review is a study of studies. Researchers search medical databases using strict rules and then combine what all the good studies found.

The team found 133 possible studies and kept the 24 that met their standards. These included:

• Randomized clinical trials. Some people get the drug, others get a placebo, and the results are compared.
• Large drug-safety databases. These include the FDA's adverse event reporting system, where patients and doctors report side effects.
• Real-world patient records from hundreds of thousands of GLP-1 users.

The goal was to answer three questions. Do GLP-1s cause hair loss? Which ones? And what kind of hair loss is it?

Do GLP-1 drugs really cause hair loss?

The evidence points to a likely link. It is not proof that the drug itself damages hair. Here is what the review found:

• A meta-analysis of clinical trials (a study that pools results from many trials) found hair loss in 6.0 per 1,000 patient-years among GLP-1 users, compared with 0.8 per 1,000 on placebo. That works out to about three times the risk. ("Per 1,000 patient-years" roughly means: if 1,000 people took the drug for one year, this is how many would report hair loss.)
• In tirzepatide weight-loss trials, 5.4% of people reported hair loss, compared with 0.9% on placebo.
• Not every study found an increase. This was especially true for older drugs and smaller studies.

The authors believe most GLP-1 hair loss comes from what the drug does to your body, not from the drug attacking your hair. GLP-1s cause fast weight loss, a much smaller appetite, and less protein and nutrients. Those changes can trigger shedding.

Which GLP-1 drugs are most linked to hair loss?

GLP-1 drug	Brand names	Weight loss	Hair loss evidence
Tirzepatide	Mounjaro, Zepbound	Very high	Frequently reported
Semaglutide	Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus	High	Frequently reported
Liraglutide	Victoza, Saxenda	Moderate to high	Few reports
Dulaglutide	Trulicity	Moderate	Few reports
Exenatide	Byetta, Bydureon	Moderate	Only older-data studies
Lixisenatide	Adlyxin	Low	Only older-data studies

Adapted from Gupta et al., Science Progress, 2026.

Bottom line: the drugs that cause the most weight loss also show the strongest link to hair loss. For a full ranking of 10 GLP-1s, see Which GLP-1 Causes the Most Hair Loss?

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

The hair loss link with semaglutide appears to depend on the dose:

• At the lower doses used for type 2 diabetes (0.25–2 mg), hair loss was rarely reported.
• In a trial of high-dose oral semaglutide (50 mg a day) for weight loss, 7% of users reported hair loss, compared with 3% on placebo.
• In Wegovy (2.4 mg weekly) trials, 3% reported hair loss compared with 1% on placebo. People who lost more than 20% of their weight had 5.3% hair loss. Those who lost less had 2.5%.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

Tirzepatide usually causes the most weight loss: about 16–21% of body weight in trials. It also had the highest rates of hair loss:

• 5.4% of people in weight-loss trials reported hair loss, compared with 0.9% on placebo.
• Risk looked similar at the 5, 10, and 15 mg doses. Even the lowest dose causes big weight loss.
• Tirzepatide is especially linked to telogen effluvium. Its risk was about the same as after weight-loss (bariatric) surgery, which is a well-known cause of shedding.
• Women: 7.1% compared with 0.5% of men in Zepbound trials.

Liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide and lixisenatide

These GLP-1s have less evidence of hair loss. Most of it comes from looking back at patient records, and many studies found no increase at all. They also usually cause less weight loss, which fits the idea that fast weight loss is the main trigger.

What type of hair loss do GLP-1s cause?

The review found two main types. Both are non-scarring, meaning the follicle is not destroyed. There was little evidence that GLP-1s cause alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that leaves round bald patches.

Telogen effluvium: the temporary shed

Every hair goes through a cycle. It grows for years (the anagen phase), takes a short break, then rests for about 3–4 months (the telogen phase) before it falls out and a new hair grows in its place.

A big stress on the body can push many hairs into the resting phase at the same time. Fast weight loss, eating much less, or low nutrient levels can all do this. A few months later, those hairs fall out together. You'll see more hair in the shower drain, on your brush, or on your pillow, and the thinning is spread across your whole scalp. This is called telogen effluvium (TE). It is usually temporary.

Androgenetic alopecia: when genetic thinning gets "unmasked"

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is inherited, or genetic, thinning. In men it often looks like a receding hairline or thinning crown. In women it usually looks like a wider part. It gets worse slowly over time.

Some studies found more AGA in GLP-1 users. The review explains that a GLP-1-related shed can "unmask" thinning that was already developing quietly. In other words, the drug didn't create the genetic thinning. The shed just made it show up sooner. If you have a family history of thinning, this matters for you. Learn more in Do GLP-1 Drugs Cause Male Pattern Baldness?

Why does hair fall out on GLP-1s?

The review lists several possible reasons. The first is the most important.

1. Fast weight loss and eating less. Growing hair takes a lot of energy and nutrients. When you eat much less, your body sends nutrients to vital organs first. Hair is low on the list. Studies of GLP-1 users report drops in vitamin D, iron, calcium and protein. One study found TE showed up at about 15% weight loss and a pace of about 3.5 kg (7.8 lb) per month.
2. Hormone shifts. Fast weight loss can briefly change hormones like testosterone, estrogen, thyroid hormone and insulin. That may push hair follicles that are already sensitive toward thinning.
3. Changes to body clocks. GLP-1 affects the body's metabolism and daily rhythms, which help control the hair cycle. This idea hasn't been proven in people yet.
4. Direct effect on follicles. Unlikely. No human study shows GLP-1s directly harm hair follicles. Some lab research even suggests GLP-1 signals might support hair growth.

Why are women more affected?

Women showed higher rates of GLP-1 hair loss in several studies. The review gives a few possible reasons:

• Women in trials tended to lose more weight on GLP-1s than men.
• Women may be more likely to eat very little while on a GLP-1.
• Female hair follicles may be more sensitive to shifts in hormones like estrogen.
• Women are also more likely to notice and report hair loss, which can make the numbers look higher.

Best for women: if you're a woman starting Wegovy or Zepbound, think about supporting your hair from the start, before shedding begins. Here's how: Starting a GLP-1? Protect Your Hair Before the Shedding Starts.

When does GLP-1 hair loss start, and when does it stop?

• Start: TE usually shows up about 1.5–3 months after starting a GLP-1 or raising the dose. That delay is why many people don't connect the shedding to the drug.
• Stop: TE usually improves within 3–6 months after your weight levels off.
• Later-onset thinning: One large study found new hair loss diagnosed an average of about 1.75 years after starting a GLP-1. Hair loss that starts that late may have a different cause, such as unmasked genetic thinning, and is worth having checked. See also GLP-1 Hair Loss: How Long Until It Grows Back?

Is GLP-1 hair loss permanent?

Usually not. The review states that there is no strong evidence of permanent follicle damage from GLP-1 drugs. Most cases look like telogen effluvium, which typically clears up on its own. If GLP-1 shedding has unmasked genetic thinning, that part needs ongoing care, such as minoxidil or DHT-blocking scalp care.

How can you protect your hair on a GLP-1?

The review recommends these steps for preventing and managing GLP-1 hair loss:

1. Avoid losing weight too fast. Ask your prescriber whether a slower dose increase makes sense for you.
2. Get enough protein. Hair is made almost entirely of keratin, which is a protein.
3. Cover key nutrients: iron, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and vitamin A.
4. Treat genetic thinning if it shows up. For patterned hair loss, the review notes that treatments like topical minoxidil may be appropriate.

Important: don't stop or change your GLP-1 on your own. Any change to your dose should be decided with your prescriber.

Comparison: Nutrients only vs. a complete routine

Approach	Nutrients	Protein	Scalp care	Best for
Multivitamin or biotin gummy	Some	No	No	Mild nutrient gaps
Hair supplement only	Yes	No	No	People already eating enough protein
Nutrients + protein + scalp care (MDhair GLP-1 Hair Support Kit)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Most people losing hair on a GLP-1

Bottom line: GLP-1 shedding is linked to low protein and low nutrients. A routine that covers both, plus the scalp, matches what the research points to.

Comparison: Minoxidil vs. a non-medicated routine

	Minoxidil 2% / 5%	Non-medicated MDhair routine
What it is	FDA-approved over-the-counter drug	Supplements, collagen and a peptide serum
Best for	Patterned, genetic thinning (AGA)	Diffuse shedding from weight loss (TE), or anyone wanting a minoxidil-free option
Works by	Lengthening the hair growth phase	Supplying nutrients and protein and supporting the scalp
Can you combine them?	Yes. Many people with both TE and AGA use both	Yes

Bottom line: for diffuse shedding, start with nutrition and scalp support. Add minoxidil if you see a widening part or thinning crown.

When should you see a dermatologist?

The review recommends seeing a dermatologist if your hair loss:

• lasts longer than 6–9 months
• follows a pattern, such as a widening part, receding hairline or thinning crown
• comes with scalp itching, redness or pain, which could mean a scarring type of hair loss
• doesn't have a clear cause

A doctor may order simple blood tests: a complete blood count, ferritin (iron stores), thyroid (TSH) and vitamin D. These check for other causes of hair loss and for nutrient gaps.

Who this is for

• Best for women and men on Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound who are seeing more hair in the shower or on their brush
• Best for women on GLP-1s, who seem to be at higher risk
• Best for people losing weight fast (more than about 15% of body weight)
• Best for anyone with a family history of thinning, since a GLP-1 shed can unmask genetic hair loss
• Best for people looking for a minoxidil-free option for diffuse shedding
• Best for people starting a GLP-1 who want to support their hair before shedding begins

Recommended MDhair routine

The MDhair GLP-1 Hair Support Kit follows the research. It covers nutrients, protein and scalp care in three simple steps:

Step	Product	What it does	How to use
1	Restore Supplements	Biotin, iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins to help fill the nutrient gaps that come with eating less	1 capsule daily with food
2	Marine Collagen	Collagen peptides supply amino acids used to build keratin, plus vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Easy to take when your appetite is low	1 scoop in 8 oz of water, coffee or a smoothie
3	Restore Serum	Copper peptides with saw palmetto, rosemary and pumpkin seed oil support a healthy scalp and thicker, stronger-looking hair	1 ml on the scalp daily; leave on at least 4 hours

Tip: take a photo of your hair once a month, in the same light and from the same angle, so you can track your progress.

Add-on for patterned thinning: if you also notice a widening part or thinning crown, ask a dermatologist about adding Minoxidil 2% (women) or Minoxidil 5% (men).

Not sure what you need? Take the free MDhair hair assessment for a personalized plan.

Does the MDhair approach work? The evidence

In a company-sponsored 24-week clinical study of MDhair regimens, participants reported:

Result	Participants reporting
Thicker hair	88.9%
Less shedding	88.9%
Less brittleness	92.6%
Side effects	None reported

Individual results vary.

Key ingredients, explained

• Biotin: a B vitamin involved in making keratin, the protein hair is built from.
• Iron and zinc: minerals that hair follicles need while they're actively growing. Both are named in the 2026 review as nutrients to keep up on a GLP-1.
• Marine collagen: broken-down (hydrolyzed) collagen peptides that supply amino acids your body uses to build keratin.
• Copper peptides: small signaling molecules that support a healthy scalp and the collagen around each follicle.
• Saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil: plant extracts linked to lower DHT. DHT is the hormone behind genetic thinning, so these help most when a GLP-1 shed has unmasked AGA.
• Rosemary: a plant extract studied for supporting scalp circulation.

Frequently asked questions

Does Ozempic or Wegovy cause hair loss?

It can. A 2026 systematic review of 24 studies found that semaglutide, the drug in Ozempic and Wegovy, is linked to more hair loss, especially at the higher doses used for weight loss. In Wegovy trials, 3% of users reported hair loss compared with 1% on placebo. Most cases are a temporary shed called telogen effluvium.

Which GLP-1 causes the most hair loss?

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) and semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) have the strongest link to hair loss. These are also the GLP-1s that cause the most weight loss. In tirzepatide weight-loss trials, 5.4% of users reported hair loss compared with 0.9% on placebo. Liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide and lixisenatide have far fewer reports.

Why does hair fall out on GLP-1 medications?

The main reason is fast weight loss combined with eating less protein and fewer nutrients. This stress pushes many hairs into their resting phase at once, and they shed a few months later. Researchers have not found evidence that GLP-1 drugs directly damage hair follicles in people.

Is hair loss from GLP-1s permanent?

Usually not. The 2026 review found no strong evidence of permanent follicle damage, and most cases are telogen effluvium, which typically improves within 3–6 months after weight levels off. If the shed has unmasked genetic thinning, that part may need ongoing treatment such as minoxidil.

Why do women lose more hair on GLP-1s?

In Zepbound trials, 7.1% of women reported hair loss compared with 0.5% of men. Women tend to lose more weight on GLP-1s, may eat less, and may have hair follicles that are more sensitive to hormone shifts. Women are also more likely to notice and report hair loss.

When does GLP-1 hair loss start?

Shedding usually starts about 1.5–3 months after starting a GLP-1 or increasing the dose. The delay happens because hairs rest for a few months before they fall out. Hair loss that starts much later may have a different cause and is worth checking with a dermatologist.

What helps hair grow back on a GLP-1?

The 2026 review recommends avoiding very fast weight loss and getting enough protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and vitamin A. A routine that combines nutrients, protein and scalp care, like the MDhair GLP-1 Hair Support Kit (Restore Supplements, Marine Collagen and Restore Serum), follows this approach. For patterned thinning, topical minoxidil may also help.

Should I stop my GLP-1 if my hair is falling out?

Not on your own. Talk to your prescriber first. The 2026 review says that in severe cases, a doctor may consider adjusting the dose or pausing for a while, but that decision should be made for you personally. Most GLP-1 shedding is temporary and can be supported with good nutrition and scalp care.

What blood tests should I get for GLP-1 hair loss?

The review suggests doctors consider a complete blood count, ferritin (iron stores), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and vitamin D. These tests help find nutrient gaps or other causes of hair loss.

Is minoxidil or a supplement better for GLP-1 hair loss?

It depends on the type of hair loss. For diffuse shedding caused by weight loss (telogen effluvium), nutrients, protein and scalp care address the main triggers. For patterned genetic thinning, minoxidil is the FDA-approved over-the-counter option. Many people with both types use both.

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Source: Gupta AK, Teasell EM, Economopoulos V, Mirmirani P. GLP-1 therapies and hair loss: A systematic review of current evidence and implications for counseling. Science Progress. 2026;109(2):1–14. doi:10.1177/00368504261444578

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Non-medicated MDhair products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Minoxidil is an FDA-approved OTC drug for androgenetic hair loss; follow the label. Results vary. Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Victoza, Saxenda, Trulicity, Byetta, Bydureon and Adlyxin are trademarks of their respective owners and are mentioned for identification only. Do not change your GLP-1 medication without talking to your prescriber. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or under medical care.

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