Evidence Based Hair

Dr Jeff Donovan
  • 4.5 (13)
  • Medicine
  • Weekly

Evidence based hair is a weekly podcast hosted by Dr Jeff Donovan, a Canadian dermatologist and hair specialist. Each week, Dr. Donovan highlights recently published hair loss research from around the world.

  1. Oct 15

    Season 9, Episode 2 Reflections on Hair Loss Associated with GLP-1 Drugs

    Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by Dr. Jeff Donovan, a   dermatologist and hair loss specialist. In this episode, Dr. Donovan explores the growing concern about hair loss associated with GLP-1–based medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide. As these medications are increasingly used for diabetes and weight management, more patients are asking whether drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound can cause hair loss. Dr. Donovan reviews the latest evidence from randomized clinical trials, observational studies and pharmacovigilance databases to examine how often hair loss occurs and whether the risk differs among medications. He discusses the important distinction between telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia and other forms of hair loss, and explains why rapid weight loss, reduced calorie and protein intake, nutritional deficiencies and the underlying effects of the medications themselves all need to be considered. The episode also examines whether faster or greater weight loss increases the risk of shedding, whether GLP-1 medications may simply uncover pre-existing patterned hair loss, and what clinicians and patients can do when hair loss develops. Dr. Donovan concludes with practical take-home messages about evaluating and managing hair loss while continuing to balance the substantial health benefits these medications can provide.   HELPFUL REFERENCES Cheng PL, Chang HC. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and hair loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2026;237:113333. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2026.113333. Tang H, Zhang B, Lu Y, Zhang D, Liu R, Lu Y, et al. Risk of hair loss associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in adults with type 2 diabetes: target trial emulation. BMJ. 2026;394:e100077. doi:10.1136/bmj-2026-100077. Neubauer Z, Ong MM, Singal A, Lipner SR. Increased risk of telogen effluvium with tirzepatide compared to other weight loss medications: a retrospective cohort TriNetX database study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2025;93(6):1612-1614. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2025.08.033. Singal A, Ong MM, Neubauer Z, Lipner SR. Association between androgenetic alopecia and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a retrospective cohort study. Int J Dermatol. 2025;64(11):2157-2159. doi:10.1111/ijd.17971. Godfrey H, Leibovit-Reiben Z, Jedlowski P, Thiede R. Alopecia associated with the use of semaglutide and tirzepatide: a disproportionality analysis using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System from 2022 to 2023. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2025;39:e153-e154. doi:10.1111/jdv.20197. Branyiczky MK, Lowe MS, McMullen E, Donovan J, Khosravi-Hafshejani T. Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on hair loss and regrowth: a systematic review. Int J Dermatol. 2026;65(5):1030-1032. doi:10.1111/ijd.70133. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387:205-216. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. Cote MF, Oza VS, Orlow SJ. Are pediatric GLP-1 receptor agonist cutaneous adverse events being overlooked? Emerging age-specific patterns and their implications for dermatologists. Pediatr Dermatol. 2026:1-6. doi:10.1111/pde.70340. Bridges AG, Jackson T. Hair and scalp effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in practice. Clin Dermatol. 2026. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2026.09.017. Piraccini BM, Vañó-Galván S, Blume-Peytavi U, Ribet V, Mengeaud V. Hair loss in patients on glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists: understanding risks and managing outcomes. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2026;16:3345-3360. doi:10.1007/s13555-026-01792-0.

  2. Sep 1

    Season 9, Episode 1 Reflections on Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

    Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by Dr. Jeff Donovan, a leading dermatologist and hair loss specialist. In this episode, Dr. Donovan takes a deep dive into frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), one of the most fascinating and challenging conditions in modern hair medicine. First described only a few decades ago, FFA has rapidly become one of the most common forms of scarring alopecia seen in hair clinics around the world. Dr. Donovan explores what we have learned about FFA, including who develops it, why hair follicles are permanently lost, the role of genetics and the immune system, and the growing evidence that environmental factors may contribute to the disease. He also examines some of the most important recent discoveries that are changing how researchers think about FFA. The episode tackles the major controversies surrounding the condition. Are sunscreens or facial products involved? Is FFA truly an autoimmune disease? Why do medications such as dutasteride and finasteride appear to help? And how should physicians determine whether treatment is actually working? Along the way, Dr. Donovan separates what the evidence supports from what remains uncertain and explains why earlier recognition and careful monitoring are so important in this permanent form of hair loss.   HELPFUL REFERENCES Krzesłowska WJ, Woźniacka A. The frontal fibrosing alopecia treatment dilemma. J Clin Med. 2024;13(7):2137. Ezzat RZ, Alenezi S, Miteva M. Frontal fibrosing alopecia part II: etiopathogenesis and management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2026;94(4):1075–85. Verma S, Marak A, Paul D. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: a comprehensive review with recent updates. Indian J Dermatol. 2025;70:115. Alenezi S, Ezzat RZ, Miteva M. Frontal fibrosing alopecia part I: diagnosis and clinical presentation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2026;94(4):1059–72. Bai JQA, Gupta S, Donovan J. Frontal fibrosing alopecia in males: a systematic review. JAAD Rev. 2025;6:66-68. doi:10.1016/j.jdrv.2025.08.002. Landau M, Perez SM, Tosti A. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: a comprehensive guide for cosmetic dermatologists. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2025;15(1):15–29. Messenger AG, Asfour L, Harries M. Frontal fibrosing alopecia: an update. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2025;26(2):155–74.

  3. 12/23/2024

    Season 8, Episode 11 Exploring the Link Between Alopecia Areata and Cardiovascular Disease

    Welcome to the final episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast for 2024, hosted by Dr. Jeff Donovan, a leading dermatologist and hair loss specialist. In this episode, Dr. Donovan dives into the complex relationship between alopecia areata and cardiovascular risk, exploring recent studies that offer conflicting conclusions. Dr. Donovan reviews a notable study published in JAD International, which leverages the All of Us Research Program database to investigate whether alopecia areata patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. The study reveals intriguing findings, suggesting a potential link with chronic kidney disease and hyperlipidemia, but not with heart disease. As the podcast unfolds, Dr. Donovan discusses the broader implications of these findings, the need for long-term studies, and the ongoing debate in the medical community. He also invites listeners to a special event celebrating the top 20 studies of 2024. Join Dr. Donovan as he navigates through the complexities of hair loss research, empowering practitioners and patients alike with evidence-based insights. For more information on the Donovan Hair Academy's programs, visit their website.     STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Ambika Nohria, Jill T Shah, Deesha Desai, Lina Alhanshali, Jenne Ingrassia, Alisa Femia, Michael Garshick, Jerry Shapiro, Kristen I Lo Sicco. Alopecia areata and cardiovascular comorbidities: A cross-sectional analysis of the All of Us research program. JAAD Int. 2024 Apr 8:16:46-48. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2024.03.024. eCollection 2024 Sep.   Lee et al. Alopecia areata is not a risk factor for heart diseases: A 10-year retrospective cohort study. PLoS One. 2021. Conic RRZ et al. Prevalence of cardiac and metabolic diseases among patients with alopecia areata. JEADV 2021

  4. 12/16/2024

    Season 8, Episode 10. Unveiling New Treatments for Dissecting Cellulitis: A Closer Look at Upadacitinib

    Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan. In this episode, Dr. Donovan explores a groundbreaking study published in the journal Curious, highlighting the effectiveness of the JAK1 inhibitor, upadacitinib, in treating recalcitrant dissecting cellulitis of the scalp. Dissecting cellulitis, a challenging form of scarring alopecia, often affects males and presents with debilitating symptoms. While traditional treatments like isotretinoin and antibiotics offer relief for some, they aren't always effective. The study discusses a case where upadacitinib brought significant improvement after conventional options were exhausted. Dr. Donovan provides a comprehensive overview of the study, emphasizing the potential of JAK inhibitors as third-line treatments in managing persistent dissecting cellulitis. He also shares insights on the broader implications for future research and treatment strategies. Join Dr. Donovan next week for an analysis of a study on alopecia areata and cardiovascular comorbidities, and don't miss the annual "Top 20 of 2024" event on December 30th. For more information about the Donovan Hair Academy's programs, visit their website.     STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Zahidul Islam, Michelle Toker, Isha M Gandhi, Ariel Sher, Kristina Campto. Improvement of Recalcitrant Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp After a Trial of Upadacitinib. Cureus . 2024 Jan 16;16(1):e52377. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52377. eCollection 2024 Jan.

  5. 12/09/2024

    Season 8, Episode 9: Dupilumab: A Promising Treatment for Pediatric Alopecia Areata

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan. In this episode, we delve into an intriguing study titled "Dupilumab Induces Hair Regrowth in Pediatric Alopecia Areata," which explores the potential of dupilumab as a treatment for children suffering from both alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis. Dr. Donovan discusses the study's findings, highlighting how dupilumab has shown promise in improving hair growth in this unique patient population. With a good safety profile, dupilumab emerges as a viable option alongside JAK inhibitors for managing these conditions. The episode also covers the study's methodology and results, emphasizing the significant reduction in SALT scores among the participants. Join Dr. Donovan as he shares insights into the complexities of treating pediatric alopecia areata and the potential of dupilumab to offer new hope for patients and clinicians alike. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll explore the use of upadacitinib in managing dissecting cellulitis.     STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Eden David, Neda Shokrian, Ester Del Duca, Marguerite Meariman, Jacob Glickman, Sabrina Ghalili, Seungyeon Jung, Kathryn Tan, Benjamin Ungar, Emma Guttman-Yassky. Dupilumab induces hair regrowth in pediatric alopecia areata: a real-world, single-center observational study. Arch Dermatol Res . 2024 Jul 23;316(7):487. doi: 10.1007/s00403-024-03225-4.

  6. 12/02/2024

    Season 8, Episode 8: Exploring Topical Metformin for Treating CCCA

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist, Dr. Jeff Donovan. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is committed to educating both the public and practitioners about hair loss through comprehensive training programs. In this episode, Dr. Donovan dives into an intriguing study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, which examines the use of topical metformin 10% cream in treating Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). This scarring alopecia primarily affects Black women and is often underdiagnosed. The study highlights a case where topical metformin showed promise in hair regrowth for a patient unresponsive to traditional treatments. Dr. Donovan discusses the potential of topical metformin as a second-line treatment option alongside oral metformin, PRP, and JAK inhibitors, while emphasizing the importance of first-line treatments such as steroid injections and topical steroids. He also addresses the challenges of compounding metformin in various formulations, which can affect its efficacy. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where Dr. Donovan will explore new research on alopecia areata and dupilumab. Join us as we continue to unravel the complexities of hair loss and discover innovative treatments that could benefit patients worldwide.   STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE   Bárbara Vieira Granja et al. Treatment of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia with topical metformin 10% cream: case report and literature review. Int J Dermatol . 2024 Jun 23. doi: 10.1111/ijd.17345. Online ahead of print

  7. 11/25/2024

    Season 8 Episode 7: Exploring Oral Metformin's Role in Treating CCCA

    Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan. As the director of the Donovan Hair Academy, Dr. Donovan is dedicated to educating the public and training practitioners in the complex field of hair loss. In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into a fascinating study from JAMA Dermatology that examines the effects of low-dose metformin on Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). The study reveals intriguing changes in gene expression that could offer new insights into treating this underdiagnosed condition, primarily affecting black women. Despite the study's small size and retrospective nature, the findings highlight metformin's potential role in modifying pathways related to scarring alopecia and hair growth. Dr. Donovan emphasizes the need for further research to understand metformin's efficacy and optimal dosing for CCCA patients. Join us next week as Dr. Donovan discusses the use of metformin cream in CCCA, continuing the exploration of innovative treatments in hair loss management. Stay informed and empowered to engage in meaningful discussions with hair loss practitioners.     STUDY REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Aaron Bao et al. Low-Dose Metformin and Profibrotic Signature in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia. JAMA Dermatol . 2024 Sep 4:e243062. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.3062. Online ahead of print.

  8. 11/18/2024

    Season 8 Episode 6: Uncovering the Link Between Weight Loss Medications and Hair Loss

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by Dr. Jeff Donovan, dermatologist and hair loss specialist. In this episode, Dr. Donovan delves into a fascinating study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, which explores the potential association between hair loss and the use of popular weight loss medications, such as semaglutide and terzepatide. Dr. Donovan discusses the methodology and findings of the study, which utilized the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System to analyze reports of alopecia linked to these drugs. The episode highlights the importance of post-marketing research in uncovering side effects not initially apparent in clinical trials. Join Dr. Donovan as he explains the statistical technique of disproportionality analysis used in the study, and its implications for understanding the potential hair loss risks associated with these medications. The episode also emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the timing, mechanism, and prevalence of hair loss among different patient groups. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where Dr. Donovan will explore the effects of metformin on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, based on a recent study in JAMA Dermatology. Thank you for tuning in and supporting the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, dedicated to advancing education and research in the complex world of hair loss.   STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE   Hannah Godfrey, Zachary Leibovit-Reiben, Patrick Jedlowski, Rebecca Thiede. Alopecia associated with the use of semaglutide and tirzepatide: A disproportionality analysis using the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) from 2022 to 2023. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol . 2024 Jun 24. doi: 10.1111/jdv.20197. Online ahead of print.

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About

Evidence based hair is a weekly podcast hosted by Dr Jeff Donovan, a Canadian dermatologist and hair specialist. Each week, Dr. Donovan highlights recently published hair loss research from around the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Jeff Donovan
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Evidence Based Hair

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