I lost 9st on Mounjaro but was losing hair in clumps – I found a surprising solution that stylists don't usually suggest

The Sun

5 days ago

A MUM who lost a staggering nine stone on a weight-loss jab says her hair started falling out in clumps, until she found an unlikely solution that most stylists would never recommend.
TikToker Kelsey, known to her followers as @kelseymounjaroandme, has been documenting her incredible transformation after dropping nine stone since starting on Mounjaro last August.
2
But while the pounds melted off, something else started to disappear - her hair.
In an emotional post, the mum revealed: 'My hair loss was really, really bad. Like, it was coming out in clumps. I'd be in the shower, brushing it, and it was just everywhere.'
Many women have reported hair thinning or shedding as a side effect of rapid weight loss or hormonal changes on medications such as Mounjaro. And for Kelsey, it hit hard.
Rather than hide away, Kelsey took matters into her own hands.
Despite being fully trained in hair extensions and knowing the golden rule that they're usually a no-no when your hair is already shedding, she went for it.
And it turns out, the gamble paid off.
After asking her TikTok followers for suggestions, Kelsey decided to try a mix of hair-friendly supplements alongside her extensions.
She invested in collagen, biotin, and a glow-up shake she gets from the TikTok Shop and says the results have been game-changing.
She said: 'The hair loss is now minimal. I got my first maintenance on Friday and couldn't believe it. So much less coming out when I wash it.'
Kelsey also swears by the Nutri Geek supplements she takes daily, praising the tiny, easy-to-swallow pills and tasteless collagen that goes straight into her morning shake.
Ireland AM star Muireann O'Connell shows off fabulous new hair do
'I waited to see if it worked before recommending it, but honestly – I've seen a massive difference.'
Experts say she might be onto something.
Victoria Lynch, founder of ethical hair extension brand Remi Cachet and an expert in hair loss-friendly installs, told The Sun: 'Hair loss is hugely emotional.
"It's not just about how you look, it's your identity. Extensions can be a lifeline for people if they're done safely and correctly.'
She says that while extensions are often seen as a cosmetic luxury, they can actually help restore confidence for people dealing with hair loss, so long as the method is tailored to the client's hair health.
'You need to avoid anything too heavy or that adds tension to already fragile hair,' she explains.
'We recommend ultra-lightweight options like Injection Tapes or our Ultra Tips, which don't use heat or glue and are much kinder to the scalp.'
And it turns out, qualified stylists like Kelsey can safely fit extensions if they know what they're doing.
Lynch adds: 'The key is a proper consultation, ongoing maintenance, and gentle at-home care. Extensions aren't a cure, but they're a supportive, confidence-boosting solution.'
Kelsey, for one, is thrilled she didn't wait for her hair to sort itself out.
'My confidence is so much better,' she says.
'It's hard enough going through a massive weight loss. When your hair starts falling out, it knocks you back. But this has helped me feel like me again.'
So while most stylists wouldn't usually recommend extensions for someone battling hair loss, Kelsey's bold move might just be rewriting the rulebook.
Everything you need to know about fat jabs
Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases.
Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK.
Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market.
Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year.
How do they work?
The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight.
They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high.
Can I get them?
NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics.
Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.
GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss.
Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk.
Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health.
Are there any risks?
Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild.
Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.'
Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia.
Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health.
Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.
Mounjaro Hair loss
Many GLP-1 patients might notice hair loss as a common side-effect.
The jab itself isn't to blame, it's the vitamin deficiencies caused by extreme calorie cutting while on the injection that can wreak havoc on your scalp.
Trichologist Samantha Stewart explains: 'We're seeing patients experiencing hair loss which we conclude to be due to their extreme calorie deficit caused by the injections.'
As your body drops weight fast, it can fall short of vital nutrients like zinc, iron and B vitamins which are key building blocks for strong, healthy hair.
Without them, hair follicles are pushed into a resting phase too early, causing excessive shedding and slow regrowth - a condition known as Telogen Effluvium.
Samantha added: 'Those who have been on crash diets often experience reflective shedding.
"It's the result of the body lacking the resources to maintain hair health.'
And the effects can be emotionally devastating.
The expert recommends a 92p-a-day hair capsule.
Meanwhile, a young woman has taken to social media to share how she got her hair growing back in just a few months using a bizarre ingredient.
Elsewhere, Moniquem Rapier, who struggled with bald patches and hair loss, has revealed a budget-friendly hack that helped her hair grow back.
Hair Loss 101
HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss.
Why Does Hair Loss Happen?
Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices.
Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength.
It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors.
Why It Happens More This Time of Year
Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding!
During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun.
As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands.
Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months.
Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss
The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair.
Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles.
Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands.
Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health.
Products to Avoid
Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time.
Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly.
Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons.