Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? What the Research Actually Says

Where Did the Hair Loss Myth Come From?

In 2009, there was a study performed on 20 rugby players who were supplementing with creatine over a period of three weeks that gained a large amount of media attention. It measured a hormone ratio of DHT:T levels.²

So What is DHT & Why Does it Matter?

DHT is short for Dihydrotestosterone, a metabolite of testosterone formed by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT is a hormone that binds to receptors in hair follicles, causing a process called follicle miniaturization—leading to smaller follicles and therefore thinner hair.

In people with a family history of baldness, DHT can contribute to hair loss. However, not everyone with elevated DHT levels will develop hair loss. The main contributors to hair loss include genetic susceptibility, age, and hair follicle sensitivity.

Does Higher DHT Automatically Mean Hair Loss?

Let's get one thing straight: association does not mean causation.

From a clinical standpoint, temporary rises in hormones over short periods of time don't always lead to meaningful permanent changes. This holds true for DHT as well.

Let's also remember—the rugby study did not evaluate participants' hair density, hair shedding, or even follicle changes, much less their family history. Having one risk factor does not mean an outcome such as hair loss is inevitable.

What Does the Rest of the Research Show?

Multiple studies have examined creatine and hormones, and most have found no significant meaningful impact on testosterone or DHT. Multiple reviews have shown no convincing evidence that creatine causes hair loss.

The First Study to ACTUALLY Measure Hair Loss

Researchers directly measured hair density, follicle counts, cumulative hair thickness, and hormone levels (total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHT).

This is the first randomized trial to directly assess hair health rather than relying solely on hormone measurements, providing much stronger evidence than previous research. While the study was limited to healthy young men and lasted only 12 weeks, its findings strongly refute the common claim that creatine causes hair loss.¹

Why Does the Myth Persist?

Various forms of social media contribute and perpetuate the myth—Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, various online fitness forums—not to mention the rugby study that continues to be repeated over and over. Fear spreads faster than nuance. That being said, you should feel confident after this read about being more informed.

Should You Avoid Creatine If Hair Loss Runs in Your Family?

If you have a strong family history of male or female pattern baldness and are anxious about taking creatine, you should discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. There is currently no evidence that creatine supplementation accelerates hair loss; however, research is always evolving and decisions should be individualized.

The Bottom Line

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