Why Your Hair Might Be Shedding on GLP-1’s (and Why It’s Not Forever)
Starting a GLP-1 medication is a big and exciting step toward better health and lasting weight loss. But if you’ve started to notice extra strands in the shower or on your brush, it can be a little unsettling. Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and the best news is this: hair loss is usually temporary, totally manageable, and often reversible.
In fact, recent studies — and even the official FDA label for Zepbound (tirzepatide) — note that a small percentage of people experience hair shedding. Most of the time it isn’t the medication itself doing the damage, but the ripple effects of losing weight quickly, shifting your nutrition, and your body adjusting to major changes. Don’t fret, though! With the right support, your hair can bounce back — and sometimes even come back stronger than before.
At Flow Wellness, we help patients not just understand what’s happening but also create a personalized plan to keep their hair (and confidence) thriving.
Why Hair Loss Happens on GLP-1
Hair shedding during weight loss is usually linked to:
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Rapid weight loss → triggers telogen effluvium, the technical name for a temporary hair-shedding phase.
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Nutrient deficiencies → low protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, B12, or biotin.
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Physiological stress → your body adjusting to fewer calories and faster metabolic shifts.
This kind of hair loss is temporary and preventable with the right game plan. Here’s the Flow Wellness three-step approach:
Step 1: Nourish From Within
Healthy hair starts from the inside out. On GLP-1 medications, it’s especially important to:
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Prioritize protein: Aim for 80–100g daily.
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Cover your nutrient bases: Iron, zinc, vitamin D, B12, and biotin are essential. Try a nutrient-dense diet and/or a hair-focused multivitamin like our go-to Hair Force One ($149 for a 2-month supply).
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Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Your hair follicles love water. A good rule of thumb? About 1 ounce per pound of body weight every day.
Step 2: Targeted Hair Support
Once your nutrition is solid, targeted treatments can help boost results:
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Hair vitamins with biotin, zinc, and antioxidants. In Bend, try our Glow IV to get these nutrients directly into the bloodstream where they can immediately start working.
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Topical prescription hair foam (with latanoprost, minoxidil, melatonin, finasteride, or tretinoin) to prevent shedding and increase growth. ($99/month)
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GHK-Cu (copper peptide): Topical through our Fullscript store or injectable for next-level scalp and follicle support ($299/vial). Read more here.
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Collagen-rich foods or supplements to strengthen the building blocks of hair, skin, and connective tissue. (We love Designs for Health Whole Body Collagen)
Step 3: Personalized Hair Solutions at Flow Wellness
Because no two patients are alike, we customize your plan. That may include:
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Slower weight loss or microdosing adjustments to reduce shedding triggers
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Regular check-ins to track progress and side effects
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Supplement or peptide recommendations tailored to your goals and genetics
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Hormone optimization with our in-house expert whether or not you’re on GLP-1 or just have genetics working against you. Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Shena Vander Ploeg
Our goal isn’t just to reduce shedding — it’s to help you grow back stronger, healthier hair while continuing your wellness journey. And because confidence is part of wellness too, we want you feeling great inside and out.
