Why Is My Hair Falling Out? How Hormones, Weight Loss & GLP-1 Medications Affect Your Hair, And What You Can Do About It.
You're Not Imagining It
If you've been noticing more hair on your pillow, in the shower drain, or coming out on your brush lately, you are absolutely not alone. Hair loss in women is incredibly common, and it's becoming even more talked about as more people understand the very real connection between our hormones, our bodies, and our hair.
At Honey and Muse, we're having this conversation with clients every single week. Women come to us confused, frustrated, and sometimes quite emotional about changes they're seeing. The good news? Understanding why it's happening is the first step to doing something about it.
In this blog, we're breaking down the most common causes we're seeing right now, hormonal shifts, rapid weight loss, and the growing use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, plus what your hairdresser can actually do to help.
First, Let's Talk About Telogen Effluvium
Most of the hair loss we see in women isn't permanent, it's a condition called telogen effluvium, which is basically your hair's response to stress or shock. Your hair grows in cycles. At any given time, about 85-90% of your hair is actively growing, and the rest is in a resting (telogen) phase before it naturally falls out. When your body goes through a significant physical or hormonal change, it can push a large chunk of your hair into that resting phase all at once, meaning you'll see a big shed around 2-4 months after the triggering event. This is often temporary and very treatable, but it can be alarming if you don't know what's causing it.
Hormonal Changes & Hair Loss
Hormones are one of the biggest drivers of hair health in women. Here are the key hormonal shifts we see most often in our clients:
Perimenopause & Menopause
As oestrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, hair follicles can become more sensitive to androgens (male hormones like DHT). This often leads to a pattern of thinning around the temples, crown, and parting. Perimenopause can begin as early as your late 30s, so if you're in that 38-52 age range, hormones could absolutely be a factor.
Postpartum Hair Loss
During pregnancy, elevated oestrogen keeps your hair in the growth phase, which is why so many women have their best hair while pregnant. After birth, oestrogen drops rapidly and all that 'extra' hair sheds at once, typically around 3-6 months postpartum. It's extremely common and usually resolves within 6-12 months.
Thyroid Disorders
Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause diffuse hair loss across the whole scalp. If you're experiencing unexplained shedding alongside fatigue, weight changes, or temperature sensitivity, ask your GP for a thyroid panel.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
PCOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age, and elevated androgen levels can cause hair thinning on the scalp. Managing PCOS medically, combined with targeted haircare, can make a big difference.
"Hair is deeply connected to how we feel about ourselves. When clients come in
worried about shedding, the most important thing we can do is listen, educate, and offer real solutions."
Jess, Honey and Muse
GLP-1 Medications & Hair Loss (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro)
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), have become increasingly common for both diabetes management and weight loss. And hair loss is one of the most widely reported side effects. The leading theory is that it's actually the rapid weight loss caused by these medications, rather than the drug itself, that triggers telogen effluvium. Clinical trials found that up to 3% of users experienced hair loss, though from what we're hearing in the salon and seeing online, the real numbers appear to be much higher.
What we commonly see with GLP-1-related hair loss:
• Diffuse thinning across the scalp (not patchy)
• Onset around 2-4 months after starting medication or significant weight loss
• Increased shedding in the shower and on pillows
• Hair texture changes (dryness, brittleness, reduced density)
The good news is that for most people, the shedding stabilises once the body adjusts to its new weight. Supporting your hair through this period with targeted nutrition, scalp care and strengthening treatments can make a significant difference.
Rapid Weight Loss & Crash Diets
Your hair follicles are one of the most metabolically active structures in your body, they need a constant supply of nutrients to keep growing. When you drastically restrict calories, skip food groups, or lose weight very quickly, your body prioritises vital organs and hair growth gets put on the back burner.
The key nutrients your hair needs are covered in the cheat sheet below, and the single most important thing you can do is get your blood work done so you know exactly where you're deficient.
Hair Growth — Supplement Cheat Sheet
PROTEIN - supports the structure of hair and fuels growth from the follicle.
IRON - helps deliver oxygen to follicles and is one of the most common causes of shedding in women when levels are low.
VITAMIN D - supports the hair growth cycle and immune balance. Most Australians are surprisingly low, get yours tested.
B-COMPLEX - vitamins help with energy production and keratin support.
ZINC - supports follicle repair and scalp health.
OMEGA-3's - help reduce inflammation and support healthy, dense follicles.
MARINE COLLAGEN - supports scalp structure, elasticity and follicle health. Declines with age and hormonal changes.
Talk to Your GP, Get Your Blood Work Done
So many of the causes of hair shedding, low iron, vitamin D deficiency, thyroid imbalance, hormonal shifts, are invisible until you actually test for them.
Ask your GP to check:
• Ferritin (stored iron) the number one thing to check; even 'normal' iron can mean hair loss if ferritin is low
• Full blood count - to check for anaemia
• Thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4)
• Vitamin D levels
• Hormone panel - oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA
• Zinc and B12
Always speak to your GP before starting supplements. Get your blood work done first test, Don't guess!
Understanding the Two Types of Hair Loss
Not all hair loss is the same. There are really two distinct things happening, and they need different solutions:
1. Hair Loss from the Scalp (at the root)
This is true hair loss - where the follicle itself is affected. The focus needs to be on feeding and nourishing the scalp. Think of your scalp like soil. Healthy, nourished soil grows strong plants. A depleted scalp can't grow strong hair.
2. Hair Loss from the Ends (breakage)
This is breakage - where the hair fibre itself is weak, dry, or damaged and snapping off. You might notice short, broken pieces rather than full hairs with a root bulb attached. This type of loss is more about hydrating and strengthening the hair shaft. Both can happen at the same time, which is why a personalised approach matters.
Come in and let us assess what's actually going on before throwing a bunch of products at the problem!
Jess's Pro Tips: What I'm Doing Right Now
I've been on my own hair health journey and these are the things that have made a real difference for me:
Gut Health & the Microbiome
The connection between gut health and hair health is real. A healthy, balanced gut microbiome helps your body absorb the nutrients your follicles need. I've been prioritising fermented foods, plenty of fibre, and a good probiotic.
A Quality Multivitamin
Think of a multivitamin as your safety net, especially if you're eating less. Look for one with good levels of biotin, zinc, iron, B12, vitamin D and folate.
A Good Collagen Powder
I've been taking marine collagen and it's become a daily non-negotiable. Marine collagen is highly bioavailable, I mix mine into my morning smoothie. If you're going to invest in one supplement for your hair, this would be high on my list.
Diet & Hydration
Hair is made of protein. So diet should contain things like eggs, chicken, legumes, fish, and water. Aim for at least 2 litres a day. When you're dehydrated, your scalp is dehydrated.
Scalp Serums & Scalp Oils
Applying a targeted scalp serum or oil directly to the roots and massaging it in stimulates blood circulation.
Better circulation = better nutrient delivery = healthier hair growth.
"Healthy hair is an inside-out job. What you eat, how you hydrate, how you look
after your gut, and how you nourish your scalp, it all adds up."
Jess, Honey and Muse Salon
Jess's Recommended Products
These are the products I personally use and recommend to clients dealing with thinning, shedding, or a dry, unhappy scalp:
1. MONAT IR Clinical™ Hair Thinning Defense Serum
Lightweight, non-greasy and absorbs straight into the scalp. Key ingredients include caffeine to energise the follicle, CAPIXYL™ to support hair density, pea extract to strengthen strands at the root, and melatonin to support scalp health.
• Helps reduce hair fall by up to 92%*
• Supports fuller-looking hair in as little as 60 days*
• Perfect for: thinning hair, fragile strands, daily scalp care
Shop the MONAT IR Clinical Hair Thinning Defense Serum here
2. MONAT REJUVENIQE® Oil Intensive
A blend of 13+ plant and essential oils that deeply nourish the scalp and hair fibre. Use as a pre-shampoo scalp treatment, massage in, leave for 10-20 minutes, then wash out. Otherwise leave in for a slick pony, or bun and wash out later that day.
• Strengthens strands and boosts shine
• Nourishes and hydrates the scalp deeply
• Perfect for: dry scalp, brittle ends, frizz and pre-shampoo treatment
Shop the MONAT REJUVENIQE Oil Intensive here
3. MONAT REJUVABEADS® Split End Mender
A lightweight leave-in treatment that visibly smooths and seals split ends, reduces friction along the hair fibre and leaves hair looking healthier, without any heaviness.
• Visibly smooths and seals split ends instantly
• Lightweight leave-in, no rinse needed
• Perfect for: split ends, dry lengths, colour-treated or heat-styled hair
Shop the MONAT REJUVABEADS Split End Mender here
4. Keune Care Long & Strong Range
Formulated specifically for weak, fragile and thinning hair, sulphate-free, scalp microbiome-friendly and dermatologically approved. Clinical results show 94% of users experience less hair loss after just 60 days.
• Strengthening Shampoo - reduces breakage, improves density
• Strengthening Conditioner - lightweight yet intensive
• Densifying Leave-In Treatment Cream - stimulates scalp, up to 230°C heat protection
Available in-salon at Honey and Muse
* Based on third-party laboratory testing. Individual results may vary.
What We Can Do for You at Honey and Muse
While we always encourage clients to work with their GP for underlying medical causes, there's a lot we can do at the salon to support hair health, reduce breakage and encourage regrowth.
Scalp Treatment
A deeply nourishing treatment designed to restore scalp health and support hair growth from the root.
• Scalp salt scrub to exfoliate and unclog follicles
• Scalp oil application with targeted nourishing actives
• Relaxing head massage to stimulate circulation
• Head steamer to open the scalp and maximise absorption
Book your Scalp Treatment here
Colour Consultation
Experiencing thinning or hair loss? We'll review your current colour service and adjust our approach to protect the scalp and reduce stress on the hair. All consultations are 1:1 with Jess.
At-Home Essentials
• Use a gentle, nourishing shampoo suited to your scalp
• Scalp oil applied 2-3 times per week with a massage
• Red light therapy mask, genuine clinical evidence for stimulating follicles
• Avoid tight hairstyles that put tension on fragile follicles
• Consider a silk pillowcase to reduce mechanical friction overnight
• Be gentle with wet hair - wide-tooth comb only or specific wet/dry brush
• Avoid excessive heat styling, always use a heat protectant
• Drink your water! Aim for 2+ litres a day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair loss from Ozempic permanent?
In most cases, no. The hair loss is typically telogen effluvium which resolves once the body stabilises. Most clients see regrowth within 6-12 months.
How do I know if my hair loss is hormonal?
Signs include diffuse thinning, shedding that correlates with a hormonal change, or thinning along the parting and crown. Blood tests from your GP can give you a clearer picture.
How much hair loss is normal?
Losing 50-100 hairs per day is considered within the normal range. If you're finding significantly more consistently, or noticing visible thinning, it's worth investigating.
Can my hairdresser help with hair loss?
While hairdressers can't diagnose or treat medical conditions, we can absolutely help manage the cosmetic effects, recommend scalp-supporting treatments and products, and advise on techniques that work with thinning hair.
What is the best scalp treatment for hair loss in Wollongong?
At Honey and Muse in Wollongong, we offer a signature scalp treatment combining a scalp salt scrub, nourishing oil massage, head massage and head steamer, all designed to stimulate the follicle and deeply nourish the scalp.
Can stress cause hair loss?
Absolutely. Physical and emotional stress is one of the leading triggers of telogen effluvium. Managing stress alongside targeted haircare and good nutrition is key to recovery.
Does gut health affect hair growth?
Yes, more than most people realise. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for absorbing the nutrients your hair follicles need. Probiotics, fermented foods and a fibre-rich diet all support gut health and, in turn, healthier hair growth.
Ready to give your hair some LOVE?
Whether you're dealing with postpartum shedding, hormonal thinning, GLP-1 hair loss, or just want a healthier scalp, we're here for it.
Book your scalp treatment or consultation at Honey and Muse in Wollongong.
Also read: Part 2 — More Reasons Your Hair Might Be Falling Out — covering stress, surgery, seasonal shedding and more.
About the Author
Jess Ballinger, Owner & Director, Honey and Muse Salon
Jess is a Wollongong-based hairdresser, salon owner and hair health advocate with 17 years of experience and 12 years running her own boutique salon. Having personally experienced hormonal hair loss, Jess brings both professional expertise and deep empathy to every client consultation.
Honey and Muse · honeyandmuse.com.au · Wollongong, NSW