We have all heard of Ozempic face - the hollowed out slightly haggard look that you can get with rapid weight loss.
There are even treatments available to help - from supplements to facials to injections.
But what about Ozempic hair? Is it a thing?
While taking Ozempic is not directly proven to cause hair loss, the subsequent rapid weight loss along with a sudden reduction in overall calorie intake, potential lack of proteins, deficiency in vitamins and minerals can all potentially contribute to temporary shedding, known as telogen effluvium.
This effect is not exclusive to Ozempic. Any sudden stress on the body including illness, surgery, childbirth, or emotional stress as well as slower hormonal changes for example the menopause or a lifestyle change can all contribute to hair loss.
Telogen effluvium is generally considered temporary pushing hair follicles prematurely into a resting phase, which leads to increased shedding. With Ozempic the ongoing weight loss process can impair the bodies’ ability to reset the hair shedding cycle. Because this type of hair loss is thought to be linked to the weight loss itself and not directly linked to the drug, there might be a delay between starting Ozempic and seeing the hair loss. Generally, once the weight stabilises along with appropriate dietary intake then the hair loss resolves itself.
How do you know that your hair loss is secondary to Ozempic and not another cause?
There are many other causes of hair loss - see our blog here for full detail about causes of hair loss, but below are a few common causes:
• Androgenic Alopecia - affecting up to 50% of people with males. In females it is commoner after the menopause and is a combination of age, genetics and hormones. Male and female pattern baldness are both forms of Androgenic Alopecia.
• Hormonal - postpartum your hormones change dramatically often causing hair loss. Read our blog here https://www.an-du.co.uk/blogs/hair-care/post-partum-hair-loss
• Alopecia Areata - an autoimmune condition
• Tinea Capitis - also known as ringworm of the scalp - is a fungal infection which causes itching and scaling of the scalp and can lead to hair loss.
• Endocrine disorders such as Thyroid disease.
What to do to help mitigate hair loss when taking Ozempic?
Firstly, remember it’s not the drug itself - but the sudden rapid weight loss exacerbated by potential nutritional deficiencies and ongoing inadequate calorie intake.
So - don’t despair - there are things that can be done - and - it is temporary and likely to resolve with time.
1. Work with your health care professional to design a steady and slower weight loss program rather than a rapid one.
It is tempting to lose as much weight as you can as quickly as you can - but this will put a lot of stress on your body - including the risk of ‘Ozempic face’ and hair loss. Your health care professional will be able to advise on a safe steady and hopefully slower weight loss program which will help mitigate the overall stress put on your body.
2. Make sure that your protein intake is adequate.
Hair is made up of the protein keratin. With a lack of protein intake, the hair follicles produce weaker keratin which in turn can lead to dry brittle hair as well as hair loss, The amount you need is dependent on several factors including age, sex, health status, weight. I like this summary here to see how much protein you need on a daily basis .
For a fun and interesting rundown of good protein sources check out the BBC Good Food page here. They also have good high protein recipes.
3. Ensure an adequate intake of Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for hair growth and shine. It’s a big topic and one that you might want to delve into further if you have a reduced calorie intake. There are many supplements for hair on the market - some without any robust evidence of their efficacy so it’s worth undertaking a bit of research before you buy. Common dietary deficiencies linked with hair loss include amongst other things iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, B12 and vitamin D. Read more about this here.
4. Exclude other causes of hair loss.
For most people the connection with Ozempic will be obvious but a few might wish to consider checking with their health care professional to exclude other causes - see above for a brief run down.
5. Be patient.
Telogen effluvium is typically temporary, and your hair should eventually regrow - although this will take time.
6. Look after your hair with gentle pH balanced shampoo
At An’du all our bars are pH balanced as well as being sulphate, silicone, petrochemical and phthalate free.
7. Help support your scalp microbiome - use a shampoo that contains microbiome friendly ingredients - all An’du shampoos contain microbiome friendly post – biotics, know to help support the scalp microbiome. Read our blog here about the importance of a healthy scalp microbiome