Medically reviewed by Dr. Levent Acar
Updated on: February 25, 2026
Tirzepatide can be associated with temporary hair loss in a small percentage of users. In clinical trials of Zepbound®, approximately 4–5% of participants reported hair loss as an adverse event. However, current evidence suggests that shedding is usually related to rapid weight loss or nutritional changes rather than direct damage to hair follicles.
Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, is a dual GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. By suppressing appetite and improving metabolic control, it can produce significant weight reduction. For some individuals, this metabolic shift may coincide with increased hair shedding.
Understanding why this happens — and whether it is permanent — is essential before considering treatment changes.
Is Hair Loss a Known Side Effect of Tirzepatide?
Hair loss has been reported in a minority of patients using tirzepatide, particularly in weight-loss trials involving Zepbound®. It was less frequently reported in Mounjaro® diabetes trials.
Importantly, tirzepatide is not known to directly injure hair follicles. Most cases appear consistent with telogen effluvium, a reversible form of diffuse shedding triggered by physiological stress.
The distinction between temporary shedding and permanent follicle damage is critical. In telogen effluvium, follicles remain viable and capable of regrowth.
Why Does Tirzepatide Cause Hair Loss in Some People?
Three mechanisms are most commonly implicated: rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and caloric restriction.
Rapid Weight Loss and Telogen Effluvium
The most frequent explanation is rapid weight loss.
Hair grows in cycles consisting of a growth phase (anagen), a transitional phase, and a resting phase (telogen). Under normal conditions, the majority of hair follicles are in the growth phase. When the body experiences significant physiological stress — including rapid weight loss — a larger proportion of follicles prematurely enter the resting phase.
Approximately two to three months later, those resting hairs shed.
This condition, known as telogen effluvium, is characterized by diffuse thinning rather than patchy baldness. The scalp typically appears healthy, without inflammation or scarring. Because follicles are not destroyed, regrowth usually occurs once the triggering stress resolves and the body adjusts.
Weight loss greater than 10–15% of body weight over a short period increases the likelihood of this response.
Nutritional Deficiencies During Appetite Suppression
Tirzepatide reduces appetite, which can unintentionally reduce intake of nutrients essential for hair health.
Hair is metabolically active tissue. When energy or micronutrients are insufficient, the body prioritizes vital organs over hair follicles. Even mild deficiencies can contribute to shedding.
Common nutrient deficiencies associated with hair loss include:
- Iron (especially low ferritin levels)
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
- Inadequate protein intake
Iron deficiency is particularly significant for hair loss. Reduced iron stores impair oxygen delivery to follicles, potentially increasing shedding. Zinc plays a role in follicular repair and regulation of the hair cycle. Protein is essential because hair shafts are composed primarily of keratin.
Maintaining a balanced diet during a weight loss journey is therefore critical to preserving hair density.
Caloric Restriction and Metabolic Stress
Independent of specific vitamin levels, substantial caloric restriction can itself trigger telogen effluvium.
When energy intake drops sharply, the body conserves resources. Hair growth may temporarily slow as follicles shift into the resting phase. This mechanism is not unique to GLP-1 receptor agonists and has also been observed after bariatric surgery, severe dieting, and major illness.
In most cases, shedding decreases once caloric intake stabilizes and metabolic stress declines.
How Common Is Hair Shedding on Tirzepatide?
In Zepbound® clinical trials, approximately 4–5% of participants reported hair loss. The majority of cases were mild to moderate.
It is important to note that not all shedding reported during tirzepatide use is directly caused by the medication. Rapid weight loss itself — regardless of method — is a well-recognized trigger for telogen effluvium.
Most patients do not experience clinically significant thinning.
How Long Does Tirzepatide Hair Loss Last?
Telogen effluvium follows a predictable timeline.
Shedding typically begins 8–12 weeks after the triggering event. The active shedding phase often lasts several weeks to a few months. As the body adjusts and nutritional status improves, follicles gradually return to the growth phase.
Visible regrowth may take three to six months, while full density recovery can take up to nine months due to the natural pace of hair growth.
The presence of short regrowing hairs and reduced daily shedding are positive indicators of recovery.
Is Tirzepatide Hair Loss Permanent?
In the majority of cases, no.
Telogen effluvium does not cause scarring or permanent follicle destruction. Once the underlying trigger resolves, hair typically regrows.
However, rapid weight loss may sometimes reveal pre-existing androgenetic alopecia (genetic pattern hair loss). In such cases, thinning may follow a characteristic pattern, such as temple recession in men or widening of the part line in women.
Distinguishing between temporary shedding and progressive pattern loss requires clinical evaluation.
How to Reduce Hair Loss While Taking Tirzepatide
Management focuses on supporting the body during metabolic transition.
Gradual weight reduction is preferable to extreme rapid loss when possible. Discussing dosage adjustments with a prescribing physician may help moderate the pace of weight loss.
Adequate protein intake should be prioritized. Including protein at each meal helps support keratin production and follicular strength.
If shedding appears excessive, laboratory testing for iron stores, vitamin D levels, and thyroid function may be appropriate. Correcting a documented nutrient deficiency can significantly reduce ongoing hair shedding.
Hair care practices should also be conservative during active shedding. Minimizing traction, chemical processing, and heat styling reduces additional breakage.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Is Hair Loss Different?
Both tirzepatide and semaglutide are GLP-1–based medications that promote weight loss through appetite suppression and metabolic regulation. Hair shedding has been reported with both drugs.
Current evidence suggests that shedding is related to rapid weight reduction rather than a unique drug-specific toxicity. Individual response varies, but neither medication is widely associated with permanent follicle damage in most patients.
When Should You Seek Medical Evaluation?
Professional assessment is recommended if:
- Shedding persists beyond six to nine months
- Thinning follows a defined pattern
- Bald patches develop
- Scalp symptoms such as redness or inflammation occur
A dermatologist can determine whether the cause for hair loss is telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia, thyroid imbalance, or another condition.
Because telogen effluvium is reversible, surgical intervention is not appropriate during active shedding. Treatment decisions should always be based on confirmed diagnosis rather than temporary changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tirzepatide Hair Loss
Does tirzepatide directly damage hair follicles?
There is no strong evidence that tirzepatide directly injures hair follicles. Most reported cases are consistent with telogen effluvium triggered by rapid weight loss.
How common is hair loss on Zepbound?
In clinical trials, approximately 4–5% of participants reported hair loss. Most cases were temporary.
Will my hair grow back after tirzepatide shedding?
Yes. If shedding is due to telogen effluvium, regrowth typically occurs within six to nine months as the body adjusts.
Should I stop tirzepatide if I notice hair shedding?
Not necessarily. Shedding often resolves without discontinuing treatment. Medication changes should only be made under medical supervision.
Can supplements stop tirzepatide-related hair loss?
If a nutrient deficiency such as low iron or zinc is present, correction may reduce shedding. Supplementation should be guided by laboratory testing.
The Bottom Line
Tirzepatide can be associated with temporary hair shedding, most commonly due to rapid weight loss and metabolic stress rather than permanent follicle damage.
The condition most frequently involved is telogen effluvium — a reversible shift of hair follicles into the resting phase. In the majority of cases, hair density improves once weight stabilizes, nutritional intake is adequate, and the body adjusts.
Persistent or patterned thinning warrants professional evaluation, but most individuals experiencing shedding during tirzepatide treatment can expect gradual recovery without surgical intervention.