Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?

In this article, we’ll look at whether creatine can cause hair loss and what the latest research actually shows. We’ll explain what creatine is, how it works in the body and why some people believe it may be linked to thinning hair. We’ll also explore other possible causes of hair loss that might be worth considering before looking at your supplements. If you’re thinking about using creatine or are worried it might be affecting your hair, this guide can help you understand the facts and make a more informed decision.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about whether creatine causes hair loss:

• Creatine is naturally found in the body and helps supply energy to the muscles. It can improve strength, endurance and recovery, particularly during high-intensity exercise.

• The belief that creatine causes hair loss mainly comes from a small 2009 study that stated increased DHT levels in participants. However, the study involved just 20 men and did not measure hair loss directly.

• More up-to-date research has found no significant rise in DHT levels from creatine use.

• Common causes of hair loss include genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, poor nutrition and certain medical conditions.

• If you notice hair thinning and are worried it might be linked to a supplement like creatine, it's best to consult a GP or specialist.

What is creatine?

Creatine is a substance that’s found naturally in the body, mostly in the muscles, where it helps to provide quick bursts of energy during physical activity. It’s also present in small amounts in certain foods, such as red meat and seafood. As a supplement, creatine is commonly used to support exercise performance and muscle growth, especially in high-intensity training like weightlifting or sprinting [1].

When taken as a supplement, creatine increases the amount of stored energy in the muscles, which can improve strength, endurance and recovery during exercise. It’s one of the most well-researched fitness supplements available and is widely used by athletes and people who go to the gym [2].

Does creatine cause hair loss?

At the moment, there’s no solid scientific evidence to say that creatine directly causes hair loss. The concern seems to come from a small study published in 2009, which found that male rugby players who took creatine had increased levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) [3]. DHT is linked to male pattern baldness, so the results raised questions about whether creatine might speed up hair loss in men who are genetically prone to it.

However, it’s important to highlight that this study involved a small number of participants and only measured hormone levels, not actual hair loss. Since then, no further studies have confirmed a link between creatine and increased DHT or hair loss. In fact, more recent reviews and clinical sources have noted that evidence supporting a direct connection simply isn’t there [4] [5] [6].

Hair loss can be influenced by many factors, including genetics, age, stress, diet and certain medical conditions [7] [8]. While it’s understandable to be cautious about any supplement you’re taking, there is currently no definitive proof that creatine alone causes hair thinning or baldness. If you’re concerned about changes to your hair, it is worth speaking to a GP or a specialist to rule out other possible causes [9].

Video: A Nutritionist Explains If Creatine Causes Hair Loss

In the video below, nutritionist Richard Kirwan provides a simple explanation for the common myth around hair loss related to creatine intake.

What does the most recent research say?

The most recent research continues to support the view that there is no clear link between creatine and hair loss. A 2024 study involving 38 healthy men found that taking creatine for six weeks did not lead to any significant increase in DHT levels, the hormone often associated with hair loss [10]. This is important because earlier concerns were largely based on the idea that creatine might raise DHT, which could potentially trigger hair thinning in people who are genetically prone to male pattern baldness.

This newer study helps to strengthen the argument that creatine supplements are unlikely to directly cause hair loss. While more long-term research could be useful, current findings suggest that creatine does not significantly affect the hormones responsible for hair loss in most people. As with any supplement, it's still a good idea to monitor how your body responds and to speak with a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns.

Is it actually creatine causing my hair loss, or is it something else?

Currently, there is no substantial evidence to suggest that creatine directly causes hair loss. The concern comes mainly from a small study carried out in 2009, which suggested that creatine supplements might increase levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that has been linked to hair loss in people with a genetic sensitivity to it [8].

However, this was a very limited study involving only 20 participants, and the findings have not been clearly repeated in larger or more recent research. No further studies have confirmed a direct connection between creatine use and increased DHT levels or hair loss [11].

It’s also important to keep in mind that hair loss can be caused by many different factors. These include genetics, stress, certain medical conditions, hormonal changes and even poor nutrition.

Final Thoughts

While concerns around creatine and hair loss continue to be discussed, current research does not support the idea that creatine directly causes thinning hair or baldness. The link appears to be based on a small, outdated study, and more recent evidence suggests that creatine does not significantly affect the hormones associated with hair loss. In most cases, other factors such as genetics, stress, or underlying health conditions are more likely to be responsible. If you are worried about hair loss or are unsure whether creatine is right for you, it’s always best to speak to a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Sources

[1] What is creatine? Potential benefits and risks of this popular supplement - Harvard Health

[2] Creatine supplements what the research says about how they can help you get in shape | Blog | University of Essex

[3] Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby players - PubMed

[4] Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? - NLM

[5] Biochemistry, Dihydrotestosterone - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

[6] Androgenetic Alopecia - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

[7] Genetic prediction of male pattern baldness - PMC

[8] Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use - PMC

[9] The effect of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, on scalp skin testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations in patients with male pattern baldness - PubMed

[10] Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomised controlled trial - PMC

[11] The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review - NLM