Myth or Reality: Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

The idea that creatine can cause hair loss stems from a single 2009 study on rugby players that found a link between creatine supplementation and elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone known to contribute to androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness, but this finding has been highly debated and largely unsubstantiated by more recent research.

Quick Summary

The link between creatine and hair loss is a persistent myth rooted in a single, flawed 2009 study showing a DHT increase. Later, more robust research found no significant effect on hair health or DHT levels. Genetics are the primary driver of pattern baldness.

Key Points

No Direct Link: Recent, robust scientific studies show no direct causal link between creatine supplementation and hair loss.
Flawed Origin: The myth originated from a single 2009 study with a small sample size that did not measure hair loss directly.
No Significant DHT Impact: More recent research found no significant effect of creatine on DHT levels or hair parameters, unlike the 2009 study's short-term findings.
Genetics are Key: Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) is primarily caused by genetic factors, not creatine supplementation.
Focus on Lifestyle: Other factors like stress, diet, and general health are more likely culprits for hair thinning than creatine.
Safe Dosing is Recommended: Sticking to a standard maintenance dose of 3–5g per day, rather than high loading doses, is a sensible approach for those with concerns.

The Origin of the Creatine and Hair Loss Concern

The widespread belief that creatine leads to hair loss emerged from a 2009 study published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. In this study, male rugby players who took creatine experienced a significant increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels following a seven-day loading phase. DHT, a hormone derived from testosterone, is well-established as a key contributor to male pattern baldness in genetically predisposed individuals.

This single study caused alarm and speculation that creatine could accelerate hair loss by increasing DHT. However, this conclusion was premature, as the study had several significant limitations:

Small sample size: The study only involved 20 participants, a number too small to be broadly representative.
Short duration: The hormonal changes were observed over a short 21-day period, not a long enough time frame to assess hair loss, which develops over years.
No hair assessment: The researchers measured hormone levels but did not actually assess hair loss or follicle health in the participants.
Unreplicated results: No subsequent studies have been able to replicate these findings regarding elevated DHT levels, and the DHT levels in the original study remained within a normal physiological range.

Modern Research Debunks the Myth

More recent and extensive studies have provided compelling evidence that refutes the link between creatine and hair loss. In a rigorous 2025 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, researchers directly assessed hair follicle health and androgen levels.

Summary of the 2025 Study Findings

Participants: 38 resistance-trained males were divided into a creatine group and a placebo group.
Intervention: The creatine group received 5g of creatine monohydrate daily for 12 weeks, while the placebo group received maltodextrin.
Results: The study found no significant differences between the creatine and placebo groups in DHT levels, the DHT-to-testosterone ratio, or any hair growth parameters, including hair density and thickness.

This landmark study was the first to directly measure hair follicle metrics, offering strong evidence against the claim that creatine causes hair loss.

Comparison of Studies: 2009 vs. 2025


Feature	2009 Study	2025 Study	Effect on DHT Levels	Effect on Hair Loss	Validity	Potential Cause for Concern
Participants	20 male rugby players	38 resistance-trained males	Increased (temporarily)	Not Measured	Low due to small sample, short duration, and methodology	High, leading to widespread concern
Methodology	Short-term loading phase followed by maintenance phase	Longer-term, consistent dosing (no loading phase)	No Significant Change	No Significant Change	High due to larger sample, longer duration, and direct hair assessment	Low, as results were not replicated

Other Factors Influencing Hair Loss

If you are experiencing hair thinning while taking creatine, it is important to consider other, more common causes. Genetics, stress, and lifestyle are far more likely to be the culprits.

Genetic Predisposition: Androgenetic alopecia is primarily influenced by genetics. If hair loss runs in your family, you may be genetically sensitive to DHT, and small hormonal fluctuations could trigger or accelerate the process, regardless of creatine use.
Dietary Factors: Deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, protein, and biotin can impact hair growth and structure. Significant or rapid weight loss can also lead to temporary hair shedding.
Stress: High stress levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to a condition called telogen effluvium, where more hair enters the shedding phase.
Other Supplements: Unlike creatine, anabolic-androgenic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs are directly linked to hair loss due to their significant impact on hormone levels.

Mitigating Concerns and Taking Creatine Safely

For those who are genetically predisposed to hair loss but wish to take creatine, sensible strategies can be employed. The goal is to minimize potential hormonal stress while still gaining the performance benefits of the supplement.

List of preventive measures:

Consider a lower, consistent dose: Instead of an aggressive loading phase, which was used in the 2009 study, a standard daily maintenance dose of 3–5 grams is typically recommended and less likely to cause hormonal fluctuations.
Maintain adequate hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps your body manage creatine intake effectively.
Focus on a balanced diet: Ensuring a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals supports overall hair health from the inside out.
Monitor hair changes: Pay attention to any significant changes in hair shedding and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist if concerns arise.

Conclusion

The claim that does creatine cause hair loss? is a long-standing myth, primarily based on a single, methodologically weak study from 2009. The latest scientific evidence, including more robust randomized controlled trials, indicates that creatine supplementation at standard doses does not significantly impact DHT levels or lead to hair loss. For most individuals, especially those without a genetic predisposition to baldness, creatine is a safe and effective supplement for enhancing athletic performance. The primary drivers of pattern baldness are overwhelmingly genetic and hormonal, not creatine supplementation. If you are experiencing hair thinning, it is most beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider to explore potential underlying causes and treatment options.

NIH Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on current scientific evidence, there is no strong support for the claim that creatine causes baldness. The fear stems from an older, flawed study, and newer research shows no significant impact on hair follicles or hormone levels related to hair loss.

DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone derived from testosterone. It can bind to receptors in hair follicles in genetically predisposed individuals, causing them to shrink and leading to male pattern baldness.

The initial concern came from a study that used a high loading dose, but this has not been replicated. For those concerned, sticking to a standard, non-loading dose of 3–5g daily is a common approach.

There is no evidence that creatine causes hair loss in either men or women. The primary driver of hair loss is genetics, which is independent of creatine use.

Unlike creatine, anabolic-androgenic steroids and certain other performance-enhancing drugs are known to cause hair loss by significantly altering hormone levels. Creatine is not in this category.

If you notice hair thinning after starting creatine, consider other potential causes such as stress, diet, or genetics. You may also consult a healthcare professional or pause supplementation to see if the thinning resolves.

Creatine is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild side effects, such as water retention, temporary weight gain, or gastrointestinal issues, especially with high doses. These effects are typically harmless and temporary.