Does creatine cause hair loss? What the science says

Creatine is one of the most widely used supplements in the fitness world, known for its ability to enhance strength, performance, and muscle growth. Yet alongside these benefits, a lingering question remains: Does creatine cause hair loss? Fears about thinning hair, male pattern baldness, and long-term hair health have caused some people to think twice before adding creatine to their routine.

So what is the truth? Is there a real link between creatine and hair loss, or is it simply rumor and speculation? Let’s examine the available evidence so you can make an informed decision about your health and the health of your hair follicles.

Key Takeaways

There is no strong scientific evidence that creatine causes hair loss. While one small study suggested a temporary increase in DHT, larger reviews have not confirmed a direct link between creatine supplementation and male pattern baldness.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Creatine
• The Hair Loss Concern:
• Final Verdict: Does Creatine Cause Baldness?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Creatine:

Creatine is a natural compound that is found in small amounts in foods like red meat and seafood. It plays a crucial role in providing energy to the muscles during high-intensity exercise. Supplementing with creatine has been shown to increase muscle creatine levels, leading to improved strength, power, and overall exercise performance.

The Hair Loss Concern:

Hair loss is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Many factors can contribute to thinning hair, including genetics, hormones, nutritional vitamin deficiencies, and lifestyle choices. Some individuals have claimed that creatine supplementation can accelerate hair loss or trigger male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). However, it’s essential to examine scientific research to separate fact from fiction.

What Studies Say About Creatine and Hair Loss:

The belief that creatine monohydrate causes hair loss largely stems from speculation around hormone changes rather than direct evidence. To date, no high-quality scientific research has convincingly demonstrated that creatine supplementation causes hair loss in healthy adults.

One of the most relevant controlled human trials published in 2025 directly evaluated this question. In a 12-week randomized controlled trial involving resistance-trained men, participants supplemented daily with 5 grams of creatine or a placebo.

Researchers measured hormone levels and hair outcomes, including dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone, and objective hair growth parameters. The study found no significant differences in DHT levels, DHT-to-testosterone ratio over the 12 week period, or indicators of hair density and follicle health between the creatine and placebo groups. [1]

Earlier concerns about creatine and hair loss were based on a much smaller 2009 study of college-aged rugby players. That study reported an increase in circulating DHT after short-term creatine supplementation, but it did not directly measure hair loss or hair follicle health, and the finding has not been consistently replicated in subsequent research. [2]

Comprehensive reviews of the scientific literature support these conclusions. Analyses of multiple controlled trials examining creatine’s effects on hormones such as total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHT show no consistent evidence that creatine significantly alters these hormones in a way that would be expected to cause hair loss. [3]

Furthermore, research platforms that summarize evidence across studies note that although isolated hormonal fluctuations have been observed in some early research, creatine supplementation at commonly used doses (3–5 g per day) does not appear to increase androgenic hormones in a clinically meaningful way, and there is no well-established biological mechanism linking creatine to hair loss.  [3]

Overall, the current body of scientific evidence,  including randomized trials and systematic reviews, does not support a causal link between creatine supplementation and hair loss or male pattern baldness.

Final Verdict: Does Creatine Cause Baldness?

Based on the available scientific evidence, there is currently no substantial proof or direct evidence to show that creatine supplementation causes hair loss or accelerates male pattern baldness. Hair loss is a complex issue influenced by various genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

If you have concerns about hair loss or are predisposed to male pattern baldness, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen. 

If you have a genetic predisposition to permanent hair loss or are very concerned or self-conscious about your hair loss, consider visiting Maxim Hair for a variety of surgical treatments and non-surgical treatments to combat hair loss or restore missing hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Creatine Do to Your Hair?

There is currently no convincing evidence that taking creatine adversely affects hair follicles or leads to measurable hair thinning or loss. As long as you are using it responsibly, creatine shouldn’t have any impact on your hair.

Will My Hair Grow Back If I Stop Taking Creatine?

No, hair loss stems from genetic, hormonal, and other health factors. Actual hair loss has no current links to creatine use, so stopping the supplement is unlikely to prevent or restore lost hair. 

What Are the Negatives of Creatine?

There is little evidence that creatine, when used responsibly, causes any significant health issues. That said, not much research has been done on pregnant women or people with pre-existing kidney disease, so individuals in those groups should be cautious. Some creatine supplements may also be contaminated or include impurities, so only buy from reputable sources.

Does 5g of Creatine Increase DHT?

Current research suggests that creatine supplementation does not consistently or significantly increase DHT levels in healthy adults.