I've had major hair loss since being on fat jabs and hate my bald patches, so tried 3 budget hacks to cover them up
IT'S been a miracle drug for me - helping me shed six stone in eight just months.
But one major side effect I've found from taking Mounjaro is the extensive hair loss.
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While, like the majority of people, I've always lost some hair in the shower, these so-called 'fat jabs' have taken it to a whole new level.
According to hair extension guru Victoria Lynch, founder of Additional Lengths/ Remi Cachet, there's been a "noticeable uptick" in women experiencing hair thinning recently - one reason for which is the popularity of weight loss injections.
"While these medications can support weight loss or diabetes management, a side effect some users report is increased hair shedding or thinning," Victoria says.
"This can be especially distressing when compounded by the natural hormonal shifts during midlife, leading to noticeably finer hair at the crown and hairline."
Victoria is also having lots of consultations with women suffering hair loss due to hormonal changes such a perimenopause.
So being on Mounjaro, plus the fact I'm perimenopausal at the age of 41, means that seeing clumps of my locks in the plug after a shower is my new norm.
And while I'm loving my newly-slim figure, I'm incredibly self-conscious about the bald patches that have become even more noticeable in recent months.
They're even more obvious when I pull my hair back into a messy mum - my preferred 'do as a busy mum of two.
So in a bid to try and cover them up I tried three different hacks, and they're pretty budget friendly too.
Dani Harmer shares shocking insight into perimenopausal hair loss as she admits she's got bald patches & severe thinning
Powder puff
This was the first hack I tried, and I bought it after seeing the 824 four star ratings it had on Amazon.
And given that it's just £5.99, it's the second cheapest of the products I used.
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It comes as a powder, which looks like an eyeshadow at first glance, with two different size applicators.
There's a smaller one if you've got tiny patches to cover, or you want to use it along the hairline, and a bigger sponge-type applicator for any larger sections.
While the shade is too dark for my hair - which is between a brown, copper and dark blonde - it was less noticeable once I'd gently rubbed it into my scalp and hidden the line between my real hair and the darkened patches.
Another downside is that the powder doesn't come in quite the right shade for me.
But, with 12 colours available, it may just be that I'm between the two browns.
Overall, this was a good point to jump off from, but not my favourite.
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.
Spray away
Josh Wood Colour Airbrush Root Spray in Brown, £5, Boots
Another alternative to the root powders is a spray.
The Josh Wood one is just one of the options - but doesn't exactly push the boat out when it comes to colours available.
In fact, there are just TWO available - brown and blonde.
And, unfortunately, the brown could be seen as soon as I sprayed it on.
The transfer also isn't great - my hands were brown after about two seconds of trying to rub it in.
Not too impressed with this one, I have to admit.
Rating: 1 out of 5
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L'Oreal Paris Magic Retouch Spray in Golden Brown, £9.99, Boots
This was by far the best option in terms of colour, for me, as well as longevity.
It also didn't seem to be too heavy when I applied it - and didn't transfer either, even when I rubbed it in with my fingers.
I used my brush to blend it in a bit more, and was chuffed when I saw how well it had concealed my bald spots.
And when it comes to variety, there are nine shades to choose from, so it should work for a range of different hair colours.
While some other options I've tried make the hair feel crispy once it's applied, this was barely noticeable - and I pretty much forgot about it until I washed my hair the next day.
This is definitely going to be one of my favourite products going forward - especially as I've got no intention of giving up the Mounjaro any time soon.
Rating: 5/5
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A touch of luxury
16' clip-in deluxe set in shade 4/8, £125, Additional Lengths
While there are tonnes of budget options out there for concealing bald patches, for anyone with a bit more money to spend, hair extensions could be an option.
I spoke to the lovely Victoria at Remi Cachet for some advice on getting extensions which, she says, can "restore confidence without compromising your hair's health when done correctly".
After a consultation and a colour match, I went for the 16 inch clip in extensions, in the shade 4/8.
At £125, they certainly aren't a budget option, and also weren't particularly advisable for my Mounjaro/perimenopausal hair loss.
However, the confidence I suddenly had when I popped the extensions in was unmatched.
I still haven't quite mastered the art of putting them in, and think that when I have, they'll look even more natural.
But the novelty of having long, luscious locks isn't going to wear off anytime soon, that's for sure.
And I'll make sure I don't rely on these too heavily, wearing them just for special occasions rather than on a daily basis.
Rating: 4/5
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