Mounjaro & Hair Loss: What’s Really Going On

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or chatting with friends lately, you’ve probably heard whispers about Mounjaro and hair loss. For many, this medicine (also known as tirzepatide) has been life-changing for weight management — but along with the dramatic transformations, some people are noticing a less-welcome side effect: shedding strands.

We know how personal and emotional hair can be. If you’re experiencing more hair on your pillow or in your shower drain, you’re not alone — and you’re certainly not imagining it. Let’s break down what’s really happening, and what you can do to help your hair feel like “you” again.

First Things First: What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a prescription medicine originally designed to help people manage type 2 diabetes. Today, it’s also being used for weight loss, and for many it works quickly. That’s where hair concerns sometimes come in.

Is Hair Loss Really a Side Effect?

The science is still catching up. Hair loss isn’t officially listed as a common side effect, but many people are talking about it — and studies suggest a small percentage of users do notice extra shedding.

The key here? It may not be Mounjaro itself doing the damage, but rather the speed of weight loss. Rapid changes can put stress on the body, which sometimes shows up as thinning hair. It’s something dermatologists call telogen effluvium (a fancy way of saying your hair takes an unplanned holiday from growing).

The good news: this kind of shedding is usually temporary.

Why Does It Happen?

A few possible reasons:

• Rapid weight loss: The body prioritises vital systems, sometimes putting hair growth on pause.
  

• Nutrient gaps: Not getting enough protein, iron, or other key vitamins can make hair more fragile.
  

• Stress (inside and out): Hormonal and metabolic shifts can trigger shedding, even if you feel calm on the surface.
  

What You Can Do To Support Your Hair

If you’re on Mounjaro and noticing changes in your hair, here are some stylist-approved, science-backed ways to help:

• Nourish from within: Make protein and colourful, nutrient-rich foods a non-negotiable. Your hair is made of keratin (a protein), so it needs good fuel.
  

• Gentle care: Swap harsh shampoos for kinder formulas such as the Miracle Shampoo avoid tight ponytails, and go easy on the heated tools.
  

• Check your levels: Ask your GP about iron, vitamin D, and thyroid checks — all can play a role in hair health.
  

• Patience: Perhaps the hardest tip of all. Telogen effluvium often improves once your body adjusts. Regrowth takes time, but it does happen.
  

Colour & Styling Tips While Shedding

As colourists, we understand how unsettling it feels when your hair doesn’t look or feel the same. If you’re experiencing shedding:

• Keep colour appointments gentler — think Glosses or Miracle System
  

• Add volume with a clever cut: layers, texture, and movement can make hair look fuller.
  

• Explore temporary Airbrush or Root Smudge to give you confidence day to day.