Hair Loss, Skin, and Nail Changes During Weight Loss – and How GLP-1 Users Can Support Healthy Growth
- TM Research
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Weight loss can feel amazing — your energy improves, your clothes fit better, and your labs often look healthier. But if you’ve noticed thinning hair, brittle nails, or changes to your skin while on a GLP-1 (or any other weight loss journey), you’re not alone.
Let’s break down why this happens, what’s really causing it (hint: it’s usually not the GLP-1 itself), and what you can do to support healthy hair, skin, and nails while continuing your progress.
Why Hair Loss Can Happen During Weight Loss
Most people are surprised to learn that hair loss during weight loss isn’t actually caused by GLP-1s like tirzepatide or semaglutide. Instead, it’s typically linked to rapid weight loss or major dietary changes.
This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium, and it happens because your body temporarily shifts resources away from non-essential functions (like hair growth) toward maintaining core systems. This can be triggered by:
Calorie deficits that are too aggressive
Protein deficiency (not getting enough to support tissue repair)
Vitamin and mineral gaps (like zinc, iron, biotin, and B vitamins)
Hormonal shifts that naturally occur when you lose weight quickly
The good news? Telogen effluvium is usually temporary, and with the right nutritional support, your hair growth cycle can normalize within 3–6 months.
Skin and Nail Changes During Weight Loss
It’s not just hair that may be affected. People also notice:
Brittle nails – often from lower protein or biotin intake
Dry skin – common when your diet changes and you lose body fat quickly
Loose skin – more common with significant or fast weight loss
Breakouts – hormonal shifts and detox processes can temporarily affect skin
These changes can feel discouraging, but they are part of the natural adjustment process as your body rebalances.
How to Support Hair, Skin, and Nail Health
Here’s what you can do to support your body during weight loss — along with recommended products that can help.
1. Prioritize Protein
Goal: 0.7–1 gram of protein per pound of goal body weight per day.
Recommended products:
Whey or plant-based protein powders
Protein Waters
High-protein snacks
2. Cover Nutrient Gaps
A high-quality multivitamin is a good baseline, but you may need more targeted support.
Recommended supplements:
Collagen peptides
Biotin
Zinc & Iron – check levels with your doctor before supplementing
3. Stay Hydrated & Support Skin
Hydration improves elasticity and prevents dryness. Pair water intake with skin barrier support from outside in.
Recommended products:
Water tracking bottles
Moisturizers with ceramides or hyaluronic acid
4. Manage Stress & Support Growth Cycles
Stress can worsen shedding. Gentle scalp care and circulation support can speed recovery.
Recommended products:
Scalp massager brushes (inexpensive and easy to use in the shower)
Rosemary oil or serums for scalp health
Satin pillowcases to reduce breakage
5. Be Patient
Even with support, hair regrowth can take 3–6 months to become visible. Celebrate non-scale victories and remember: your body is healing, not failing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re using a GLP-1 medication and notice hair thinning, brittle nails, or skin changes, remember: this is your body adjusting to weight loss, not a direct side effect of the medication.
Focus on nutrition, hydration, and overall wellness. Pair that with supportive products to minimize side effects and speed recovery. If you’re concerned, check with your provider to rule out vitamin or thyroid deficiencies.
> Pro Tip: Build a weekly self-care routine — meal prep protein-rich foods, take your supplements, use your scalp massager, and moisturize daily. Small steps add up and help your body thrive through this transformation.