Can Creatine Cause Hairloss? What the Science Says

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Creatine is one of the most researched sports supplements for muscle growth, yet the myth that it causes hair loss persists. This widespread concern originated from a single, small 2009 study, but what has more recent and comprehensive scientific evidence revealed?.

Quick Summary

Separating fact from fiction, this article investigates the scientific evidence concerning creatine's rumored link to hair loss, exploring the influential 2009 study and subsequent, larger clinical trials that directly tested effects on hair health.

Key Points

Creatine Does Not Cause Hair Loss: The scientific evidence, including recent 2025 clinical trials, overwhelmingly suggests there is no direct link between creatine supplementation and hair loss.
The 2009 Study Was Limited: The viral 2009 study that sparked the myth was small, only measured temporary DHT spikes within a normal range, and did not assess actual hair loss.
DHT Spike Not Consistent: Subsequent, larger studies have failed to replicate the hormonal changes noted in the 2009 rugby study, finding no significant effect on DHT levels.
Genetics Are the Real Cause: The primary driver of male pattern baldness is genetic predisposition and sensitivity to DHT, not creatine consumption.
Creatine is Not a Steroid: Unlike anabolic steroids, creatine is a safe, natural compound that does not significantly alter hormone levels in a way that causes hair loss.
Other Factors May Coincide: The onset of genetically programmed hair loss often coincides with the age many men start using creatine, creating a false correlation.
Use Reputable Supplements: Ensure you use third-party tested creatine from reputable brands to avoid potential contaminants, though this is not linked to hair loss.
Consult a Professional: If you notice hair thinning, consult a dermatologist to determine the true cause, which is almost certainly not creatine.

Debunking the 2009 Study: The Origin of the Creatine and Hair Loss Myth

The rumor that creatine supplementation causes hair loss can be traced back to a single study published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine in 2009. The study examined 20 male rugby players who took a high loading dose of creatine for seven days, followed by a lower maintenance dose for 14 days. The researchers observed a significant increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, a hormone linked to male pattern baldness, in the creatine group. This finding sparked widespread panic in the fitness community, leading many to believe that creatine was a direct cause of hair loss.

However, this initial study had several significant limitations that are often overlooked:

No Hair Loss Measurement: The study never measured actual hair density or shedding. It only tracked hormonal changes.
Small Sample Size: With only 20 participants, the results are not generalizable to the wider population.
Temporary Hormonal Spike: The DHT increase was temporary and did not push hormone levels outside the normal physiological range for healthy adult males.
High Loading Dose: The initial dose was very high (25g per day), which is not a standard long-term protocol for creatine supplementation.

Modern Research: Refuting the Creatine-DHT Link

In the years since the 2009 study, subsequent research has largely failed to replicate its findings and, in fact, has directly contradicted them. A landmark 2025 double-blind, randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition aimed to put the issue to rest. This study followed 38 resistance-trained men over 12 weeks, with one group taking 5 grams of creatine monohydrate daily and the other a placebo. Crucially, the researchers measured not only hormone levels but also direct hair health parameters, such as hair density.

The results were conclusive: no significant differences in DHT levels, testosterone ratios, or hair growth parameters were found between the creatine and placebo groups. This 2025 study provides the strongest evidence to date that creatine does not contribute to hair loss in healthy individuals. Multiple other comprehensive reviews and meta-analyses have also found no consistent evidence of creatine altering hormone profiles in a way that would trigger hair thinning.

The Real Causes of Hair Loss

For those who experience hair thinning while taking creatine, the supplement is almost certainly not the culprit. Hair loss is a complex issue driven by a combination of genetics, hormones, and lifestyle factors. In genetically predisposed individuals, androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) is caused by hair follicles being overly sensitive to DHT. When these individuals are in their early 20s or 30s—a time when many start using supplements like creatine—they may coincidentally notice hair shedding.

Other common factors that can cause or accelerate hair loss include:

Genetics: A strong family history of baldness is the primary determinant of androgenetic alopecia.
Stress: Intense physical or emotional stress can trigger a temporary condition called telogen effluvium, where hair sheds more rapidly.
Nutrition: Deficiencies in vital nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein can negatively impact hair structure and growth.
Lifestyle Changes: Drastic changes in diet or exercise, unrelated to creatine, can also affect hair health.
Medications: Certain prescription drugs can have hair loss as a side effect.

Creatine vs. Steroids: A Crucial Distinction

Another source of confusion arises from mistaking creatine for anabolic steroids. Unlike creatine, which is a naturally occurring compound, steroids are synthetic hormones that can significantly raise testosterone levels. This substantial increase in testosterone can lead to a greater conversion to DHT, which is a known cause of hair loss. Creatine is not a steroid and does not have this effect on hormone levels, making it a much safer performance enhancer for those concerned about hair health.

Comparison Table: Creatine Studies vs. Hair Loss Evidence


Feature	2009 Rugby Study	Recent Clinical Trials (e.g., 2025)	Anecdotal Reports
Focus	Creatine supplementation & hormone levels	Direct hair health & hormonal effects	Users noticing shedding after creatine use
Findings	Reported ~40% rise in DHT after 3 weeks	No association found between creatine and hair follicles or shedding	Coincides with age-related or genetic hair thinning
DHT Levels	Temporary, within normal range	No significant changes in DHT or testosterone	Variable, not scientifically verified
Sample Size	Very small (20 participants)	Larger (e.g., 38+ participants)	Unknown and unscientific
Limitations	No direct hair loss measurement	Short duration, more research needed	Subjective, lacks scientific control

Final Verdict: Can Creatine Cause Hairloss?

Based on the overwhelming body of current scientific evidence, creatine does not cause hair loss. The myth stems from misinterpretations and limitations of a single, small 2009 study that was later contradicted by more robust and direct research. While some individuals may notice hair thinning after starting creatine, this is likely a coincidence with the onset of genetically predisposed hair loss or other lifestyle factors, not a direct result of the supplement itself. Creatine remains one of the safest and most effective performance-enhancing supplements available.

If you have concerns about hair thinning, the most effective course of action is to consult a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist. They can help you identify the true underlying causes, which are almost always genetic, hormonal, or stress-related, rather than your creatine use.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are genetically predisposed to pattern baldness, stopping creatine will not reverse this process, as creatine was not the cause. If your hair thinning was caused by other factors, such as stress or nutrient deficiencies, your hair growth should return to normal regardless of creatine use.

Current research provides no definitive evidence that creatine would accelerate genetic hair loss, even for those predisposed to it. The hormonal fluctuations potentially linked to creatine are not significant enough to impact hair health meaningfully.

No, the temporary spike in DHT levels noted in the 2009 study was not permanent and remained within normal physiological ranges. More importantly, later research has shown no consistent effect of creatine on DHT levels.

The link between creatine and hair loss has been debunked by recent research, making dosing strategy irrelevant to hair health. Standard maintenance doses (3-5g daily) are effective and safe, regardless of a loading phase.

The type of creatine (e.g., monohydrate, HCI) has no proven impact on hair loss risk, as the fear is rooted in an old, unconfirmed hormonal theory. Creatine monohydrate is the most researched and safest option.

Creatine itself is safe, but other supplements, particularly anabolic steroids, are known to cause hair loss. Any hair loss while taking a creatine-containing supplement is likely due to other active ingredients, not the creatine.

No, creatine does not cause hair loss in women. Female pattern hair loss is less influenced by DHT than male pattern baldness and is more often related to stress, hormonal changes, or other medical conditions.

This is almost certainly a coincidence, not a cause-and-effect relationship. It is common to begin creatine supplementation around the same age that genetic hair loss starts or while experiencing other life stresses that can trigger temporary shedding.

The primary cause of hair loss, especially male pattern baldness, is a combination of genetics and an individual's sensitivity to the hormone DHT. Other factors like stress and nutritional deficiencies also play a role.