“Ozempic affects your appetite, so by restricting your food intake, you’re also restricting the number of vitamins and minerals you’re ingesting, which are beneficial for healthy hair growth,” says Helen Reavey, trichologist and founder of Act + Acre. The American Hair Loss Association also hypothesises that hormonal shifts from the drugs can trigger temporary shedding as part of telogen effluvium phase.
Neglecting your scalp
“50% of people before the age of 40 have some type of hair loss, while one in two suffer from some type of scalp issue,” Helen says, some of which is the result of a scalp that has been thrown out of balance.
High levels of pollution and a growing reliance on dry shampoo creates a paste-like mixture with dead skin and oil. According to Helen, this congestion within the hair follicle won’t create the optimum environment for hair growth and, worst-case scenario, can even trigger what she calls “inflammatory responses”, which can result in hair loss.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 and D are relatively common deficiencies in hair loss sufferers. Reasonable dietary B12 can only be obtained from animal sources, which is why the deficiency is common in vegetarians and vegans.
Vitamin D deficiency is on the rise, as 85% is made via our skin during sun exposure. In recent years as we have become educated on sun exposure; to cover up, seek shade and use high SPF to prevent burning, hence the increase in deficiency rates. Taking supplements can really help to boost your Vitamin B12 and D levels.
Hormones
Hormones also play a major role in your hair growth cycle. “Oestrogens are ‘hair friendly’ and help to keep your strands in the anagen phase for anywhere between three to seven years,” explains Anabel. Androgens and progesterone (male hormones) can have the opposite effect.
If you’re switching up your birth control or have just started the pill, it can have a negative effect on your hair. Generally-speaking, birth control pills with oestrogen tend to be better for your hair, but ones with progesterone only can contribute to hair loss. Before selecting the right birth control, consult your doctor about possible side effects.
Pregnancy can cause a rise in oestrogen, which typically makes hair luscious and thick, especially in the final few months. “Essentially, this increase keeps hairs in the growth phase for longer,” explains Anabel.
But what goes up, must come down and, thanks to hormonal changes, hair loss is also a possibility. “After childbirth or after breast-feeding, oestrogen levels return to normal and approximately 50% of women experience ‘post partum’ shedding,” Anabel notes. While distressing, this shedding should stop after three months.
The biggest hormonal shift, however, occurs in your 40s and 50s. You might be perimenopausal or in the throws of the menopause and notice some hair loss or thinning. “When oestrogen levels drop, your hair follicles are more exposed to the influence of testosterone, a male hormone,” says Anabel. She adds that applying prescription-only anti-androgenic scalp drops such as Minoxidil every day can help to block testosterone’s effect on your hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.
Thyroid conditions
Thyroid conditions, particularly hypothyroidism, can cause hair thinning and is most common in postmenopausal women. “The condition also causes hair to become dry, lead to brittle nails, weight gain and tiredness,” says Sally-Ann. If you’re concerned you may be suffering with hypothyroidism, consult your GP.
The best hair loss treatments
Increase the amount of protein and iron in your diet
Hair is made of protein, perhaps making this the most essential nutrient for hair growth. “Increasing the amount of dietary protein you eat, can help with nutritional hair loss,” says Sally-Ann, especially if you consume it first thing in the morning when hair cells are their most active.