GLP-1 Associated Hair Loss & Our Solution

GLP-1s are a class of prescription drug widely used to treat obesity. By mimicking a natural gut hormone, they decrease appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar - which can lead to rapid weight loss that in turn results in significant hair loss.

The hair loss occurs as our bodies perceive the weight loss as shock, and it redirects all it's energy away from non-essential functions, like hair growth, and towards our vital organs instead. The hair follicles in turn go into their resting phase, known as the telogen phase. This is a normal phase of our hair growth and usually effects only 10-15% of our hair follicles at any given time, and lasts from 2-3 months. The difference between this phase in a normal growth cycle and one accelerated by the use of GLP-1s, is that a large percentage of your hair follicles in their growth phase (that are usually between 80% and 90% of your follicles) are pulled out of this phase and forced into their shedding phase. Although this is only a temporary side effect, it can be overwhelming to witness your hair shedding faster than it grows. 

So what can we do to in the meantime?

• Massaging your scalp is a quick way to stimulate blood flow around your follicles, which delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the roots. Massaging your scalp also helps distribute natural oils and prevents product buildup, and unclogs pores, creating an optimal environment for growth. 
• The next step is to introduce a scalp exfoliator to your routine. Like massaging, your scalp exfoliator will unclog your follicles and prevent the buildup. A clean, breathable follicle allows for stronger hair to grow and for growth serums to penetrate into the scalp more effectively. (Pro Tip: The Remi Bye Bye Build Up provides quick results)
• Use the Aveda Invati system as your haircare riual. The Invati range is an innovative system that reduces hair loss due to breakage and instantly thickens the look of hair when applied once daily.  Featuring an invigorating blend of Ayurvedic herbs, this also helps keep the hair you have longer, reducing the amount of shedding. Your hair will look fuller and have a greater volume, helping you stay confident and look fabulous. 
• Use the Kerastase Genesis scalp serum. This is a daily anti hair-fall hair serum to reduce breakage and strengthen fragile hair strands in weakened hair, prone to hair-fall. Enriched with Aminexil, this serum works by preventing the collagen around the hair root from hardening which stops premature shedding. Ingredients like Edelweiss prolongs the growth phase of your hair follicle, directly combatting the effects of the rapid weight loss, and ginger root protects follicles from damage and promotes a cleaner, healthier scalp.

With the combination of all of our tips above, you will be able to feel more confident in yourself as well as protect your hair from the side effects of weight loss associated with the use of GLP-1s. Our expert team of knowledgable hairdressers are also only a phone call away, to answer any questions you might have.