Can Creatine Hair Loss Lead to Thinning Hair? Understanding the Truth
You’re on a mission. You’ve dialed in your workouts, started tracking macros, and added creatine to your supplement stack. Gains incoming, right?
But then — bam. Someone at the gym drops the bomb:
“Dude, be careful. Creatine can make your hair fall out.”
Wait, what? Now you’re Googling “creatine hair loss”, scrolling Reddit threads, and wondering if your gains are about to cost you your hairline.
Let’s take a breath — and unpack what’s really going on.
Why This Rumor Packs a Punch
Hair loss isn’t just cosmetic — it’s emotional. Whether it’s a thinning crown or a few extra hairs in the drain, the fear hits hard. Add to that the internet’s love for half-truths, and suddenly creatine has a “bad rep” it might not deserve.
This all stems from one small, misunderstood 2009 South African study that looked at creatine and hormone changes — and ever since, the rumor has stuck around.
What Science Actually Says About Creatine and Hair Loss
The Study Everyone Talks About
Back in 2009, researchers studied 20 male rugby players who took creatine monohydrate for three weeks.
They noticed a 56% rise in DHT (dihydrotestosterone) — a hormone linked to male pattern baldness — after the loading phase, and levels remained 40% above baseline during maintenance.
That’s the study that launched a thousand “creatine causes hair loss” headlines.
But here’s the catch — no participants actually experienced hair loss, and the study never measured shedding, follicle health, or visible thinning.
Read the original breakdown here:
🔹 Healthline: Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? We Review the Evidence
🔹 Cleveland Clinic: Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
🔹 PubMed: 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial on Creatine and Hair Growth Metrics
🔹 Medical News Today: Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
What More Recent Research Reveals
Newer studies have revisited the question — and the consensus is consistent:
Creatine doesn’t directly cause hair loss. There’s no clinical proof that it increases DHT to hair-damaging levels or triggers follicle shrinkage.
In fact, most researchers agree that genetics, stress, and hormonal imbalances are far stronger predictors of hair loss than any supplement.
So unless you already have a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia, creatine isn’t the villain it’s made out to be.
Here’s What That Study Didn’t Say
- No one in the study actually experienced hair loss.
- It never claimed that creatine directly causes hair loss.
- There haven’t been any major follow-up studies to confirm or expand on the results.
- The study group was tiny. Like, 20 guys tiny.
Okay, But What’s the Deal with DHT?
Good question. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a big role in hair follicle sensitivity. If you're genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness, elevated DHT levels could accelerate hair loss. But—and this is important—DHT alone doesn't guarantee hair loss.
So, unless you already have a genetic sensitivity, elevated DHT from creatine (if it happens at all) likely won’t make a difference.
What Do Major Health Organizations Say?
Spoiler: Nothing.
Neither the FDA nor large health organizations like Mayo Clinic or Harvard Medical School list hair loss as a side effect of creatine. Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in the world, and the data overwhelmingly supports its safety.
Also read : CoQ10 Benefits and Absorption: Your Daily Guide to Safety and Effectiveness
Let’s Talk Real-World Evidence
Here’s what we know from millions of users and over 1,000+ clinical studies:
- Creatine is non-hormonal and doesn’t act like a steroid.
- Long-term users don’t report significantly higher rates of hair loss than the general population.
- Any anecdotal evidence ("my cousin's friend lost his hair on creatine") is just that—anecdotal.
So if creatine was a major hair loss culprit, we’d be seeing a lot more bald gym bros.
Can Creatine Cause Hair Loss? Here's the Bottom Line
Let’s wrap this up into something crystal clear:
- Can creatine cause hair loss? There's no solid scientific evidence proving that it does.
- Does creatine promote hair loss? Only one study showed a potential DHT increase, but it did not show any actual hair loss.
- Will creatine cause hair loss? If you're genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness, it's possible DHT could play a role—but it’s not exclusive to creatine.
So unless you're actively fighting hair loss or have a family history of baldness, you probably don’t need to stress over creatine. Focus on consuming a good quality creatine with a proper dosing, hydration, and a balanced diet, and you're golden.
Nomad Performance Takeaway
Creatine helps your muscles store energy, supports recovery, and even benefits brain health — without wrecking your hairline.
The bottom line? Science doesn’t support the myth.
💪 Fuel your body the right way — without fear.
👉 Explore Nomad Performance Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
Rapid Fire Creatine + Hair Loss Edition
Q: Should I stop taking creatine if I'm noticing hair thinning?
A: First, confirm it's actually thinning and not normal shedding. If you're concerned, consult a dermatologist or stop for a few weeks to monitor any changes.
Q: Are there DHT-blocking alternatives to creatine?
A: There aren't direct substitutes with the same strength benefits, but you could consider beta-alanine or citrulline malate if you're worried. Always talk to a healthcare provider first.
Q: Can I use creatine if I’m on finasteride or minoxidil?
A: Yes, in most cases there's no interaction—but again, double-check with a medical professional.
Q: Is creatine safe for women worried about hair loss?
A: Yes! Women produce far less DHT than men, and there’s zero evidence linking creatine to female hair loss.
A Reality Check
Here’s the truth—we all want clear answers, especially when it comes to something as personal as our hair. But with supplements like creatine, things aren’t always black and white.
What we do know is that creatine is one of the safest, most effective performance boosters out there. And unless your DNA is already nudging you toward a receding hairline, you’re likely in the clear.
So go ahead—lift heavy, hydrate well, and enjoy the gains. Just keep an eye on your overall health, and listen to your body (and maybe your barber, too).
