Kelly at Foli Sim

GLP-1s and hair loss, what’s the connection?

With GLP-1 medications rising in popularity, you’ve probably heard rumors or seen posts claiming that these meds "cause" hair loss. But here is the truth: the medication itself isn’t attacking your hair follicles, and it isn't directly causing you to lose hair!

What’s actually happening:

Hair shedding on a GLP-1 is a side effect of rapid metabolic changes and under-nourishment - specifically from not eating enough protein and calories as appetite drops.

When your body undergoes rapid weight loss or severe calorie restriction, it enters a natural shock response called Telogen Effluvium (TE). To conserve energy for your vital organs, your body temporarily pauses non-essential functions like hair growth, shifting up to 70% of hair follicles into a resting phase at once. Because hair stays resting for 2 to 4 months before shedding, the hair loss usually shows up a few months into your journey.

Important Note:
It’s worth knowing that Telogen Effluvium isn't unique to weight loss, it can also be triggered by high stress, major illness, surgery, or post-partum hormonal shifts. Because shedding can stem from multiple causes, it should always be evaluated and confirmed by a healthcare professional or dermatologist to rule out underlying issues like thyroid imbalances or specific nutrient deficiencies.

How to protect your hair and prevent shedding:

1. Prioritize Protein: Hair is made of protein! When your appetite is low, make sure to eat your protein source first. Aim for 25–30g of protein per meal.

2. Don't Skip Vital Nutrients: Severe caloric deficits often lead to accidental nutrient gaps. Ask your doctor to check your Ferritin (stored iron), Vitamin D, B12, and Zinc levels, as deficiencies exacerbate shedding.

3. Pace Your Progress: Avoid dramatic calorie crashes. Gradual, steady weight loss gives your metabolism and body time to adapt without triggering a stress response.

4. Be Gentle: Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive heat, or harsh chemical treatments while shedding is active.

Will it grow back?
Yes! Telogen effluvium is 100% temporary. Your hair follicles remain alive and healthy beneath the surface. Once your weight levels out and your body gets the nutrients it needs, normal hair growth usually resumes within 3 to 9 months.

Disclaimer: Educational content only. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

This is how a density treatment should look.

If you saw my previous post (4th of August), you have seen how easy it is for a density session to go wrong when impressions are over-packed, leaving the scalp looking oversaturated and unnatural.

True density requires patience, technique, and control:
•Crisp, clean impressions - precision over volume every single time.
•Intentional spacing - leaving precise room between impressions to allow for natural pigment settling without merging.
•Custom color matching - blended seamlessly against the client’s skin and hair tone.

Work with the existing hair, not against it.

What do you think of these results? Let me know below! 👇
Pigment folicule
Needles BISHOP
Kelly Dawes | Senior SMP Artist
• 9+ years experience | Foli Sim™ SMP | Scalp Micropigmentation | Hair Tattoo Melbourne
• Real hair loss solutions tailored to you
• Custom hairlines, density, full scalp, female SMP & scar camouflage, SMP correction.
• Free, no-obligation consultations

This is what 3 sessions of SMP can do.
Density treatments are a beautiful way to get extra coverage in problem areas.
3 sessions using folicule pigment and BISHOP needles

SPRING IS HERE 🌸☀️ it’s that time of year!
To help your SMP last as long as possible you need to wear SPF 50 everyday, even if it isn’t sunny. The UV can still be high when it’s cloudy. If shine on your scalp is an issue, get a Matte finish!
Regular moisturing and exfoliating can also help prolong the life of your treatment, take care of your skin and your SMP will thank you!

What actually happens during an SMP touch-up? ✍️
• Reviewing healed results & pigment retention
• Filling in lighter areas & gaps for seamless density
• Blending into natural hair & refining the hairline
Micro-details soften over time, touch-ups bring that crisp definition right back.

Got questions? Drop a comment or send a DM!