Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
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Creatine is one of the most popular and well-researched supplements for building muscle, improving strength, and enhancing workout performance. Yet, a persistent myth keeps many people—especially men—worried about trying it: Does creatine cause hair loss or baldness?
Let’s break down what we really know.
Where This Myth Comes From
The idea that creatine leads to hair loss mainly comes from one small study done in 2009 on a group of college rugby players. In this study, players took a standard loading dose of creatine for 7 days (25 g/day), followed by a maintenance dose for 14 days (5 g/day). The researchers found that their DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels increased during supplementation.
Why is that important? Because DHT is a hormone that plays a role in male pattern baldness. Higher levels of DHT are linked with hair follicle shrinkage in men genetically predisposed to baldness.
What That Study Didn’t Show
Here’s the key point: none of the participants experienced actual hair loss during the study. Also, the increase in DHT levels stayed within the normal clinical range, and total testosterone levels didn’t increase.
Importantly, this study has never been repeated or confirmed in over a decade. No other research has shown a link between creatine and hair loss—not in men, not in women, not in athletes, not in long-term users.
What Other Studies Say
Since that single 2009 study, many other researchers have looked at creatine’s effects on hormones. Over 12 studies have tested creatine’s impact on testosterone and DHT. Most found no change at all, and a few showed only very minor shifts that had no physical effects.
There’s also no clinical evidence of creatine causing hair loss in users, even after long-term supplementation.
So, Should You Worry?
Unless you’re already prone to hair loss due to family history or other medical reasons, creatine is not likely to trigger baldness. Even if you are genetically predisposed, the current evidence does not support the claim that creatine worsens or accelerates hair loss.
Hair loss is a complex issue influenced by genetics, hormones, stress, diet, and age—not just supplements.
Final Thoughts
The myth that creatine causes hair loss is based on one small, unconfirmed study. Decades of research and real-world use have not shown any direct connection. If you’re healthy and taking creatine at recommended doses (3–5 g per day), there’s no solid reason to worry about losing your hair.
If you still have concerns, talk to a healthcare provider or consider getting a hair health check-up. But don't let this myth stop you from using a safe, well-supported supplement that can help you reach your fitness goals.