GLP-1s and Hair Loss
If you’re part of the 1 in 5 Americans that have taken GLP-1’s at some point, it should come as no surprise that hair loss is one of the most widely documented side effects, with some studies finding up to 76% of patients reporting thinning.
This scalp-wide shedding phenomenon featuring widening parts and drastic overall thinning occurs for multiple reasons, and the result is an entirely different look from alopecia or female pattern baldness, both of which typically originate from a particular area of the scalp.
Thinning throughout the full head of hair goes down to the root of each strand, with two main causes: rapid weight loss and nutrient deficiency. Human hair grows in phases, two of which are the telogen phase (resting phase) and the exogen phase (shedding). 85-90% of hair is in the growing phase at any given point in time.
Rapid weight loss or intensive dieting often sends the body into shock, triggering a much larger portion of hair follicles to enter the telogen phase, and begin shedding within a 3-6 month period. While this can be devastating, it’s luckily temporary as long as the body returns to a more stable state of calorie consumption, allowing the body to shift the follicles back into growth.
Nutritional deficiencies are the other main culprit of hair loss while taking GLP-1’s, with decreased hunger often leading to a lack of protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients, all of which your body needs to retain existing hair and promote new growth.
The first and most important step to maintaining a healthy head of hair will always be getting enough to eat. This is vital to your overall health, and both proteins and healthy fats are key nutrients to building long, strong, healthy hair, skin, and muscles.
When it comes to micronutrients, biotin, and managing stress (another key factor in retaining hair), we happen to have you covered with our Hair Growth Vitamins. Featuring key nutrients like zinc, folic acid, and magnesium along with powerhouse ingredients like ashwagandha (stress relief), nettle leaf extract (blocks hormones that cause hair loss), and reishi mushroom (promotes healthy scalp circulation), these vitamins are formulated to attack hair loss, boost new growth, and have you feeling better overall.
Don’t believe us? There’s photographic evidence in the reviews.
Topical treatments also effectively boost new growth, and we’ve specifically formulated our Scalp Serum to aid those suffering from medical hair loss after our Founder & CEO’s struggle with both a brain tumor and Multiple Sclerosis.
Formulated with intensively hydrating ingredients, phyto-actives to fortify follicles, and soothing ingredients to restore an optimal scalp environment for growth, this serum is a fan favorite for its lightweight formula, luscious texture, and effective results.
When all else fails, the Laced Hair Foundation exists to restore the confidence of those experiencing severe hair loss. The cornerstone of our mission, this Foundation aims to support those navigating their toughest battles, equipping them with hope and a new head of hair.
To nominate yourself or a loved one, visit lacedhairfoundation.org.