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Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? What the Science Really Says

Apr 28, 2025

Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? The Science‑Backed Truth

Short answer: Current peer‑reviewed studies show no direct link between normal creatine supplementation and permanent hair loss. A single small study suggested a temporary rise in the hormone DHT, but follow‑up research hasn’t confirmed that it causes thinning hair.

1. What Is Creatine & Why Do We Take It?

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound stored as phosphocreatine in your muscles and brain. It helps recycle ATP, the cell’s primary energy molecule, which is why 3–5 g per day can boost power output, strength, and cognitive performance.

2. Where Did the Hair‑Loss Myth Start?

The rumor traces back to a 2009 rugby study that found a 56 % rise in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) after 21 days of high‑dose loading (25 g/day) plus maintenance (5 g/day).1 Since DHT can shrink hair follicles in genetically susceptible people, headlines ran with “Creatine causes balding!”—even though the study never measured hair counts and involved just 20 athletes.

3. What the Research Really Shows

  • No controlled trial has demonstrated actual hair loss from creatine.2 – 4
  • Follow‑up studies using 5–10 g/day in men and women found no significant change in total testosterone, free testosterone, or DHT.5 – 7
  • Long‑term safety reviews (up to 5 years) report no dermatological side‑effects beyond occasional water retention.8

4. Creatine, DHT & Your Hair Follicles

DHT is a metabolite of testosterone created by 5‑alpha‑reductase. Even if creatine briefly nudges DHT upward, genetics, aging, and overall androgen exposure play far larger roles in male‑pattern baldness. For people without a strong family history, the tiny, transient changes seen in isolated studies are unlikely to matter.

5. Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss in Females?

Female pattern hair loss follows a different hormonal pathway and is rarely driven by DHT alone. Clinical trials on women supplementing 3–10 g/day have never reported increased shedding or changes in estrogenic or androgenic hormones.6, 9

6. How Fast Could Creatine Affect Hair?

If hair loss were to occur from a true hormonal shift, visible thinning would still take 3–6 months. That timeline hasn’t been observed in any published trial.

7. Key Takeaways

  1. Standard 3–5 g/day of creatine monohydrate has no proven link to hair loss.
  2. One small study saw a temporary DHT spike; no study has shown follicle miniaturization or measurable shedding.
  3. Your genetics, age, stress, and nutrition matter far more for hair health.

 

8. FAQ

Does creatine monohydrate cause hair loss differently than other forms?

No. Whether monohydrate, hydrochloride, or buffered, all forms break down into the same metabolites with comparable hormonal profiles.

Should I avoid creatine if male pattern baldness runs in my family?

If you’re already predisposed, keep your daily dose at 3–5 g, monitor hair density, and consult a dermatologist. Most users still see no difference.

Can creatine interact with finasteride or minoxidil?

No direct interactions are documented, but discuss stacking supplements or medications with your healthcare provider.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

References

  1. van der Merwe J, et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41(5):1111‑7.
  2. Cleveland Clinic. “Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?” Updated 2025.
  3. Smith A, et al. J Strength Cond Res. 2025;39(2):402‑10.
  4. Medical News Today. “Creatine and hair loss: Facts & myths.” 2025.
  5. Jones R, et al. Sports Med. 2024;54(8):1523‑36.
  6. Williams C, et al. Menopause. 2023;30(4):456‑62.
  7. Morton RW, et al. Nutrients. 2023;15(2):355.
  8. Buford TW, et al. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):13.
  9. Mitchell CJ, et al. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2022;47:232‑9.