Hair care that promises benefits such as volumising, thickening and strengthening, plus treatments helping with hair loss and thinning are all far from new. But the demand behind these types of products are, thanks to the rise of GLP-1s.
Use of semaglutides and tirzepatides such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy have quickly become mainstream. Usage of the drug in Great Britain alone has risen sharply from 2.3% of households in 2024, to 4.1% in 2025, and hitting 6.3% this year, according to research from Worldpanel by Numerator.
Alongside the welcome weight loss, however, come some less desirable side effects. Hair loss is among them.
While the relationship between hair loss and GLP-1’s was initially anecdotal, new research is shedding light on the issue. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) identified a link between GLP-1 drugs and increased risk of hair loss. Although the absolute risk is low, according to the researchers, awareness of this potential effect may help to inform treatment decisions.
Worldpanel by Numerator estimates that hair loss products in the UK grew by 32% in the year to the end of August, with a likely correlation between sales accelerating and increased GLP-1 use. It is no wonder that Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk recently announced its intention to enter the hair loss treatment arena.
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