Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? The Truth Behind the Myth

Creatine is one of the most popular and well-researched sports supplements on the market. It’s widely used to improve performance, increase muscle strength, and support high-intensity training. But there’s a lingering question that concerns many: does creatine cause hair loss?

The short answer is: there’s no strong scientific evidence that creatine directly causes hair loss. However, there is one study — often cited — that has sparked the myth. Let’s take a closer look at the facts.

Where Does the Hair Loss Claim Come From?

The link between creatine and hair loss mostly comes from a single 2009 study conducted on a small group of rugby players. It found that after taking creatine:

• The players had increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

• DHT is a hormone derived from testosterone that’s known to contribute to male pattern baldness in genetically susceptible individuals

However, the study did not measure actual hair loss, only hormone levels. There has been no follow-up study confirming these findings, and creatine has not been conclusively shown to cause thinning or balding.

What Is DHT and Why Does It Matter?

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone that plays a role in puberty, muscle development, and hair growth. In people who are genetically predisposed to androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), high DHT levels can shrink hair follicles, causing them to produce thinner, weaker hairs over time.

If creatine does raise DHT slightly, it could theoretically accelerate hair loss in people already at risk — but this is not the same as causing baldness in healthy individuals.

What Does the Research Say?

Aside from the 2009 study, no other high-quality research links creatine to increased hair loss. Dozens of studies have examined creatine’s effects on:

• Strength and endurance

• Muscle mass

• Brain health

• Kidney and liver function (safety)

But very few — if any — have investigated hair loss as a side effect.

In short: there’s no proven, consistent link between creatine use and hair loss.

Should You Stop Taking Creatine?

If you have a family history of baldness and you're concerned, it’s understandable to be cautious. You might choose to:

• Avoid creatine altogether

• Use it for short periods (e.g. during intense training cycles)

• Monitor any changes in hair health and stop if concerned

But for most people, especially those without a genetic risk of hair loss, creatine is generally considered safe and unlikely to affect your hairline.

Common Myths About Creatine and Hair Loss

• “Creatine floods your body with testosterone” – False. Creatine has no significant effect on total testosterone levels.

• “Everyone who takes creatine will go bald” – Definitely false. Millions of people take creatine with no hair loss issues.

• “It clogs hair follicles” – No. That’s not how creatine works in the body.

• “All gym supplements cause hair loss” – Only if they affect hormones (e.g. anabolic steroids), which creatine does not.

Final Thought

There’s no conclusive evidence that creatine causes hair loss. The concern comes from a single small study that showed a potential rise in DHT — but not actual hair shedding. Unless you’re genetically predisposed to hair loss and concerned about hormone sensitivity, creatine remains one of the safest and most effective supplements available.

As always, if you’re unsure, speak to your GP or a qualified nutritionist.