Clients on GLP-1 medication: what hair and skin professionals are seeing and how to talk about it

Quick answer: Many clients now take GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide or tirzepatide for diabetes, weight management or heart health. Hairdressers may notice extra shedding, often a temporary type called telogen effluvium, and skin therapists may see drier skin or changes in facial volume. Ask about all medicines on your consultation form, talk about hair and skin rather than weight, never diagnose, adjust treatments gently and refer clients to their doctor, prescriber, a trichologist or a dermatologist when something needs a closer look.

A regular client settles into your chair and says, quietly, "My hair's been coming out in the shower. Is that normal?" Or a skin client mentions that their face feels drier than it used to, and they're not sure why.

More and more professionals are having conversations like these. GLP-1 medicines have become part of everyday life for millions of people around the world, and their effects can show up in the hair and skin we look after.

This guide is for hairdressers, barbers and skin therapists. It covers what the evidence says, how to ask about medication on your consultation form, how to talk about it with care, and when to refer. You don't need to be an expert in medicine. You need to be observant, kind and clear about where your role ends.

Why you're seeing more of this

GLP-1 medicines are used worldwide. A KFF poll of 1,350 US adults in late 2025 found 12% were currently taking a GLP-1 drug and 18% had taken one at some point. In Great Britain, a UCL study published in BMC Medicine, based on a survey of 5,260 people, estimated that around 1.6 million adults used weight loss medicines between early 2024 and early 2025.

In December 2025 the World Health Organization issued its first guideline on using GLP-1 medicines to treat obesity in adults, noting that obesity affects more than a billion people worldwide. Whatever country you work in, it's likely some of your clients are taking one.

These medicines are prescribed for different reasons, including type 2 diabetes, weight management and heart health. Some clients will tell you, many won't, and that's their choice.

What hairdressers may notice: shedding

The most common hair change linked to GLP-1 medicines is diffuse shedding. A 2026 systematic review of 24 studies in Science Progress brought together the evidence so far:

• In the Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) trials, 3% of adults reported hair loss, compared with 1% on placebo.
• Across pooled tirzepatide trials for obesity, 5.4% reported hair loss, compared with 0.9% on placebo.
• In semaglutide 2.4 mg trials, hair loss was more common in people who lost more than 20% of their body weight (5.3%) than in those who lost less (2.5%).

The review found most cases look like telogen effluvium. This is when a shock to the body, such as illness, stress or rapid weight change, pushes more hairs than usual into the resting phase at once. A few months later, those hairs fall. Shedding of this kind usually appears around two to three months after starting a medicine or increasing the dose, and generally improves within three to six months once weight settles. The authors found no strong evidence that GLP-1 medicines permanently damage hair follicles.

The review also found some reports of patterned thinning, and the research is still developing. Shedding has many possible causes, including thyroid changes, low iron, stress, illness, childbirth and changes in diet. That's why your role is to notice and refer, never to decide the cause.

What skin therapists may notice

A 2025 review in Dermatology and Therapy looked at how GLP-1 medicines may affect the skin. Changes reported include:

• Facial volume changes. Losing weight quickly can reduce fat in the cheeks, lips and chin, which can make folds and lines more visible.
• Skin laxity. Skin may feel looser along the jawline and body after significant weight loss.
• Dryness. Some people notice drier skin, which can mean a weaker skin barrier.
• Reactions. Redness or itching at injection sites is the most commonly reported skin reaction, and rashes have occasionally been reported.

The authors point out that much of this evidence comes from small studies and case reports. Treat it as a reason to look and ask, not a checklist to diagnose against.

How to ask on your consultation form

The simplest way is to ask about all medicines, so nobody feels singled out. For example:

• "Are you currently taking any prescribed or over the counter medicines, injections or supplements? This includes medicines for diabetes, weight management or heart health."
• "Have you had any changes to your health, weight or diet in the last six months?"
• "Have you noticed any changes to your hair or skin recently?"

Add a short line explaining why you ask: some medicines and health changes can affect how hair and skin respond to treatment. Review the form at every visit, because medicines change. Keep the information private and store it in line with the data protection rules in your country.

How to talk about it with care

Weight is personal. Some clients are proud of changes they've made, some are managing a health condition, and some would rather not discuss it at all. The kindest approach is to focus on the hair or skin in front of you and follow the client's lead.

Phrases that keep things warm and neutral:

• "I've noticed a bit more shedding than usual today. Have you noticed anything at home?"
• "Your skin's feeling a little drier than last time. Has anything changed with your routine or health?"
• "Shedding like this has lots of possible causes, so it's worth mentioning to your doctor. In the meantime, here's how we can look after your hair."

Things to leave out of the conversation:

• Comments on weight or body shape, even if you mean them kindly
• Slang labels for facial changes linked to these medicines
• Opinions on whether someone should be taking a medicine
• Advice to stop, change or reduce any medicine
• Diagnoses such as "that's definitely from your injections"
• Recommending supplements or diets

If a client brings up their medicine themselves, you can simply say "thank you for telling me, that helps me look after you" and move on to the treatment plan.

When to refer

Encourage the client to speak to their doctor or prescriber if you notice:

• Shedding that is sudden, heavy or still going after a few months
• Patches, a widening parting or a receding hairline
• An itchy, red, flaky or sore scalp
• Shiny or smooth areas where hair has gone, which can be a sign of scarring
• A rash, swelling or skin reaction that spreads or doesn't settle
• Signs the client seems unwell, very tired or is struggling to eat

The 2026 review suggests doctors consider referring to a dermatologist when hair loss lasts beyond six to nine months, follows a pattern, involves scalp inflammation or may be scarring. A qualified trichologist can also assess the hair and scalp and work alongside the client's doctor. If a client mentions side effects from their medicine, suggest they let their prescriber know.

Adjusting your treatments

For hair:

• Handle gently during a shedding phase. Use a wide tooth comb and soft brushes, and detangle from the ends up.
• Go easy on tension. Tight styles and some extension methods put extra pull on fragile hair.
• Lower the heat and use protection on styling tools.
• Strand test before colour or lightening if the hair feels different.
• With the client's permission, take photos at each visit so you can both track changes over time.

For skin:

• Patch test again if a client's skin, medicines or health have changed.
• Focus on barrier support and hydration for dry skin, and review the strength of exfoliating treatments such as chemical peels, dermaplaning and microneedling.
• Avoid treating directly over recent injection sites, and take extra care when waxing dry or sensitive skin.
• Some clients feel nauseous on these medicines. Offer water, check they're comfortable lying flat and let them sit up slowly.

Keep a note of any changes in the client record, and adjust your aftercare advice to match.

FAQs

Can GLP-1 medicines cause hair loss?

Hair loss is a reported side effect. In the Wegovy trials, 3% of adults reported it compared with 1% on placebo. Most cases seen so far resemble telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding linked to rapid weight change. A doctor should assess any hair loss.

Is hair loss from GLP-1 medicines permanent?

Current evidence suggests it is usually temporary. Shedding of this type generally improves within three to six months after weight settles. If it continues or follows a pattern, the client should see their doctor or a dermatologist.

Should I ask clients if they take weight loss injections?

Ask about all medicines, injections and supplements on your consultation form, so the question is routine for everyone. Explain that it helps you choose safe, suitable treatments, and keep the answer confidential.

Can I do facials or peels on clients taking GLP-1 medicines?

Often yes, with care. Check the consultation form, patch test if anything has changed, support the skin barrier and adjust the strength of exfoliating treatments for dry or sensitive skin. If you're unsure, ask the client to check with their prescriber first.

What should a hairdresser say to a client who is losing hair?

Describe what you see without guessing the cause, reassure them that shedding has many possible reasons, and suggest they speak to their doctor. Then explain how you'll care for their hair in the meantime.

Clients want professionals who understand them. Our treatment guides help clients know what to expect before they book. If you'd like clients to find you, list your business for free and get a free visibility report. Verified profiles show your qualifications and insurance have been checked, so clients can book with confidence.