Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
Fitness Science
The Core Question
When you hear rumors about creatine and hair loss, it can be alarming. After all, creatine is one of the most studied and widely used sports supplements globally.
So let’s tackle it head-on: Does creatine directly cause hair loss?
Current research says NO!
But there’s more to the story, especially involving a hormone called DHT.
Understanding DHT and Its Role in Hair Loss
Before linking creatine to hair loss, we need to understand DHT (Dihydrotestosterone).
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Origin | DHT is derived from testosterone through the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. |
| Function | DHT is crucial for male development, but can affect hair follicles. |
| Impact on Hair | DHT directly binds to androgen receptors in scalp hair follicles, leading to shrinkage (miniaturization) and, eventually, hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals. |
Why Do Some Men Lose Hair in Specific Patterns?
DHT affects hair follicles differently based on their location. Crown and temple areas typically have more androgen receptors, making them more vulnerable to DHT’s effects. This explains the classic “male pattern baldness” progression.
In short: If your hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, increased levels might accelerate hair loss.
The Creatine-DHT Connection
You might now wonder: where exactly does creatine fit into the hair loss conversation?
Let’s break it down clearly:
First, creatine itself does not directly turn into DHT.
Creatine also does not directly attack hair follicles.
Instead, the concern comes from an indirect hypothesis:
- Creatine might increase the body’s production of testosterone
- Since DHT is made from testosterone via the enzyme
5-alpha-reductase, a higher testosterone level could potentially lead to a slight rise in DHT
In theory, if your DHT levels go up — and if you are genetically prone to male pattern baldness — this could accelerate hair loss.
However, it’s very important to understand:
| Point | Clarification |
|---|---|
| Indirect Effect | Creatine only possibly affects the precursor (testosterone) |
| Multiple Factors | Any shift from testosterone to DHT depends on enzymatic activity, genetics, and individual hormonal balance |
| Research Results | Most studies show no meaningful change in DHT levels after creatine use |
| Perspective | A temporary and slight increase (if it happens) does not guarantee hair loss |
Simple analogy:
Think of testosterone as a “raw material.” Creatine may slightly cause more raw material to be added to the system, but whether your body builds “extra DHT” from it — and whether that DHT impacts your hair — depends on many personal factors.
Thus, while the concern is understandable, real-world evidence doesn’t currently support the idea that creatine significantly impacts DHT levels or leads to hair loss for most people.
The Belief of Hair Loss!
The origin of the fear dates back to a 2009 study by van der Merwe et al.:
| Study Details | Notes |
|---|---|
| Participants | 20 young male rugby players |
| Intervention | 7-day creatine loading (25g/day), 14-day maintenance (5g/day) |
| Result | DHT increased by 56% during loading phase, remained 40% above baseline |
| Hair Loss Measured? | No actual hair loss was assessed |
| Limitations | Small sample size, baseline DHT differences, young athletic population only |
Important:
- The study showed increased DHT, not hair loss
- No replication of the findings in later, larger studies
What Does Newer Research Show?
Most notably, the 2025 randomized controlled trial gives us updated insights:
Study: “Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized controlled trial”
Source: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, April 23, 2025*
Participants: 45 resistance trained males - 38 finalized the study
Ages from 18 years - 40 years
Intervention: No intervention - This study did not use a loading phase.
Duration: 12 Weeks
| Parameter | Creatine Group | Placebo Group | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Testosterone | ∆124 ± 149 ng/dL | ∆216 ± 203 ng/dL | p > 0.05 |
| Free Testosterone | ∆-9.0 ± 8.7 pg/mL | ∆-9 ± 6.4 pg/mL | p > 0.05 |
| DHT Levels | No significant change | No significant change | p > 0.05 |
| Hair Growth Parameters | No significant change | No significant change | p > 0.05 |
Conclusion: No increase in DHT or hair loss was observed in creatine users compared to placebo.
Study Link: Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized controlled trial
Additional major reviews also conclude no strong evidence connects creatine with hair loss:
- Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation (2021)
- ISSN Position Stand on Creatine (2017)
Practical Advice for Creatine Users
If you’re cautious but want to continue using creatine:
- 🧪 Use standard doses (3–5g/day)
- 📏 Monitor hair health over time
- 🔬 Consider blood tests, especially DHT levels, if you’re genetically predisposed to hair loss
- 💧 Stay hydrated — creatine affects water retention
- 🥗 Maintain good nutrition with plenty of protein and micronutrients
- 🏋️ Remember the benefits — creatine is proven to enhance performance and recovery
Decision Guide
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| No family history of hair loss | Creatine is likely safe to use |
| Family history but no current signs | Monitor but creatine is still likely safe |
| Existing hair thinning/baldness + high concern | Consider regular DHT testing with your doctor |
Conclusion: Balanced and Evidence-Based
In conclusion, the current scientific evidence strongly suggests that creatine supplementation does not lead to hair loss or a significant increase in DHT levels.
However, it’s important to recognize:
- 🧬 Individual responses vary based on genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions
- 🧪 Study limitations exist — sample sizes, study durations, and methodologies can greatly impact results, maybe in this case the missing loading phase
- 💰 Funding for studies has - in the past - led to outcomes favorable to sponsors — though I’m not suggesting that’s the case here
- 🩺 Monitoring personal health markers like DHT through blood tests is a great approach if you want complete peace of mind
Creatine remains one of the safest, most effective supplements for enhancing exercise performance!
Keep in mind: Study findings rarely offer definitive answers; instead, they provide a snapshot suggesting that certain insights may hold true in specific contexts. If you want to be extra cautious - Stay aware, stay informed, and personalize your supplementation strategy.
Key Sources
- Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio (2009)
- Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation (2021)
- Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized controlled trial (2025)
- International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Safety and Efficacy of Creatine (2017)