Understanding Ozempic Hair Loss
How Rapid Hair Loss Affects Hair Growth
Many of our clients come to us concerned about hair loss—and we get it. Hair loss can significantly impact confidence and self-image. Several factors can cause thinning hair, such as genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle choices. Certain medications can contribute to hair loss, too.
Ozempic, used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes and associated with rapid weight loss, is the latest medication linked to an increased risk of hair loss.
But does Ozempic actually cause hair loss?
Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is an FDA-approved injectable medication developed to treat Type 2 diabetes. It helps the body perform a few important functions:
Releases insulin after eating
Stops the liver from producing more sugar
Slows how fast the stomach empties
People who take Ozempic feel fuller longer, resulting in a lower appetite. Although Ozempic is intended to improve blood sugar control for people with diabetes, it has an unintended side effect: weight loss.
While many people welcome losing a few pounds, rapid weight loss has a side effect that can be particularly troubling—hair loss.
Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss?
The short answer is no. There’s no proof that Ozempic itself causes hair loss.
However, people who lose a significant amount of weight quickly while on Ozempic might experience more hair shedding than usual. This is a temporary condition during the hair’s resting phase, called telogen effluvium. It occurs when the body experiences sudden changes and isn’t linked only to weight loss. A person might begin shedding hair more often if they’ve experienced any of the following:
Childbirth
Severe infections
Psychological stress
Thyroid issues
Discontinuation of birth control
High fever
Hair Loss Facts:
The average person loses up to 100 strands of hair daily. People experiencing acute telogen effluvium can lose up to 300 strands.
We know waking up to hair all over your pillow can be alarming and disheartening. When you experience hair loss, even if it’s only a few strands, it can feel like you’re losing part of yourself. Noticeable hair loss can take a toll on your confidence and emotional well-being.
We want you to know you’re not alone.
Many of our guests struggle with hair loss due to rapid weight loss and other bodily changes. As distressing as hair loss is, we have hair care solutions that can make a difference in how you feel about yourself and your hair.
What to Do if You Have Ozempic Hair Loss
Want to stop Ozempic hair loss? First, speak with your healthcare provider to confirm the loss is related to telogen effluvium and not something more serious.
Give your hair a break. Chemicals can damage hair follicles. We recommend taking a break from coloring your hair for a few months to let the hair move through the resting stage and resume the growth stage.
Consider changing your hair styling routine. Do you heat-style your hair? Consider air-drying your hair or limiting blow drying to a few times a week—and always use heat-protectant products.
Ditch tight hairstyles. High ponytails and tight braids are pretty, but avoid them when you’re recovering from unexpected hair loss.
Your Thinning Hair Care Routine
Hair should reenter the growth phase within three months of stopping Ozempic or after your weight plateaus. It can take another three months or so before your hair becomes noticeably thicker or fuller.
While you wait, it’s important to use the best thinning hair products to nurture the follicles and stimulate growth. You want to use products that improve hair from root to tip.
L’Oréal Professionnel’s Serioxyl line of products offers the best protection for thinning hair, “restoring fiber density, improving resistance to breakage, and providing energy and nutrients to help the hair follicle fulfill its role.”
The Serioxyl Advanced Purifier Bodifier Shampoo improves hair density, and the Serioxyl Hair Density Serum, with daily use, multiplies the number of hairs. A clinical study of 79 women over 12 weeks found that those who used the daily serum saw a significant improvement in density.
Other L’Oréal Professionnel products we recommend to clients with hair loss include the Pro Longer and Volumetry lines.
At-home Pro Longer products include a thickening shampoo and conditioner, a hair-thinning mask, and renewal cream. If you want fuller ends and reduced split ends, ask us about Pro Longer’s in-salon End-Filler Concentrate.
Styling thinning hair can be frustrating too, which is why we recommend using root-lifting products like Volumetry’s Anti-Gravity Root Lifting Spray. Apply it to towel-dried roots for amazing lift and volume.
Stock Up on Hair-Thickening Products!
Stop into The Color Room and refresh your hair care routine. Now through October 31, 2024, get up to 15% off during our Pick a Pumpkin special.
Switch Up Your Hairstyle
Another way to combat hair loss and thinning hair is to change up your hairstyle. Some cuts work better with thinner hair, making it look fuller. Your stylist might recommend one of the following cuts:
Blunt
Graduated hair
Asymmetrical triangular bob
Long layers with face framing
Shaggy bob
Not sure what those terms mean? No worries! Your hairstylist is available to explain everything and offer personalized solutions based on your unique hair type, lifestyle, and specific hair loss challenges.
From recommending nourishing treatments and gentle styling techniques to suggesting products that promote hair growth, we help you manage the overwhelming effects of hair loss. With the right guidance and care, you can navigate both the hair loss phase and the grow-back period with confidence.
Hair loss is a journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone!
At The Color Room, we work with you to manage the process and ensure your hair remains healthy and strong. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or are well into the grow-back phase, personalized care and expert advice can make all the difference in helping you feel empowered and beautiful every step of the way.
Call The Color Room to book an appointment with the best hair stylists in Wentzville and enjoy the best hair of your life!
