Summary
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There is no conclusive scientific evidence linking creatine to hair loss.
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The one study that showed increased DHT has not been replicated or validated.
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Creatine is a natural, well-studied supplement that helps with strength, muscle growth, and athletic performance.
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If you’re noticing hair thinning, there are many other more likely causes such as genetics, hormones, diet, or stress.
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Always consult a healthcare professional or a dermatologist to get to the root cause of hair concerns.
You’ve likely heard the buzz. Someone at the gym or online mentions that creatine causes hair loss, and suddenly, you're side-eyeing your supplement shelf. If you’re trying to build muscle and stay fit, the last thing you want is to risk your hairline. So let’s get this out of the way:
There is no solid scientific evidence that creatine causes hair loss.
Research and expert opinions consistently show that creatine doesn’t increase the risk of hair loss or spike levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone most commonly linked to male and female pattern baldness. So, if you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s likely not creatine.
Still feeling unsure? Let’s break it down.
What Does Science Say?
Back in 2009, a study involving rugby players reported an increase in DHT levels after creatine supplementation. DHT is a derivative of testosterone and has been linked to androgenetic alopecia (aka pattern hair loss). So naturally, people ran with the idea that creatine = hair loss.
Here’s the thing: later studies haven’t backed this up.
The 2009 study didn’t actually observe hair loss; it only noted a potential rise in DHT, and that too in a small sample size. Subsequent research hasn’t been able to replicate those results, which makes that one study more of an outlier than a rule. According to sources like Cleveland Clinic and peer-reviewed articles, there’s no direct link between creatine supplementation and hair shedding.
So, where’s all the hair loss talk coming from? Most likely anecdotal reports, personal stories and assumptions that don't stand up to scientific scrutiny. While those stories are real to the people experiencing them, it doesn’t mean creatine is the cause.
What is Creatine and Why is it Popular?
Let’s take a quick look at what creatine actually is. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in muscle cells. It plays a critical role in helping your muscles produce energy during high-intensity exercise.
When taken as a supplement, it can help with:
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Increasing muscle mass
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Improving strength
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Enhancing performance in workouts
Because of these benefits, it’s incredibly popular among athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone trying to hit their fitness goals. It’s also one of the most researched and safe supplements on the market.
If hair loss were truly a side effect, we’d have seen it reported in clinical studies by now, especially given how widely creatine is used.
Other Possible Causes of Hair Loss
If creatine isn’t the villain, what is?
Genetic Factors
The most common reason for hair loss is genetics. If your parents or grandparents experienced thinning hair or balding, chances are you might too. This is known as androgenetic alopecia and it affects millions of people worldwide.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones are powerful. Conditions like thyroid imbalances or fluctuations in estrogen and testosterone can trigger hair thinning. This often happens during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or as a result of underlying medical conditions.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Your body and your hair need the right nutrients to stay healthy. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, protein, or vitamins like D and B12 can show up in the form of hair loss. It’s worth evaluating your diet if you’ve noticed changes in your hair.
Stress and Lifestyle
Long hours, little sleep, and high stress can take a toll not just on your mental health, but also your hair. Chronic stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to excessive shedding. Poor sleep and unhealthy habits only make things worse.
If you’re dealing with hair loss, consider these potential causes before blaming your workout supplements.
Final Advice
Instead of dropping creatine out of fear, take a closer look at your overall health. Address any nutritional gaps, manage stress, and get professional advice if you're worried about your hair. Don't let a myth stop you from reaching your fitness goals.
If you’re taking creatine to support your workouts or recovery, you can rest easy. Your gains don’t have to come at the cost of your hair.
And if you’re serious about keeping your hair healthy through every squat, sprint, and supplement? BosleyMD is here for that. Explore science-backed solutions that actually work, no guesswork needed.