If you take creatine and have noticed a few extra hairs in your brush or shower drain, you might be wondering, does creatine cause hair loss? The short answer is that current research does not show that creatine directly causes hair loss. The concern mostly comes from its possible relationship with a hormone called DHT, so let’s look at where the connection started and what the research actually tells us.
Why Is Creatine Linked to Hair Loss?
The creatine and hair loss conversation largely traces back to a 2009 study involving college-aged rugby players. Researchers found that creatine supplementation was associated with an increase in dihydrotestosterone, better known as DHT.
That finding got a lot of attention because DHT is associated with androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of genetic hair loss. From there, concerns about creatine alopecia, creatine baldness, and other creatine side effects related to hair loss started circulating.
There’s an important distinction, though. An increase in DHT is not the same thing as evidence of hair loss. The study did not measure whether participants actually experienced increased shedding, thinning, or changes in their hair follicles.
What Does DHT Have to Do With Hair Loss?
DHT is a hormone your body naturally makes from testosterone. If you’re genetically prone to hair loss, your hair follicles may be more sensitive to DHT, which can cause strands to become finer and thinner over time.
But having DHT doesn’t automatically mean you’ll lose your hair. Genetics play a big role, which is why the connection between creatine and hair loss isn’t as simple as looking at DHT levels alone.
What Does the Research Say About Creatine and Hair Loss?
More recent research gives us a clearer picture.
A 2025 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition specifically looked at creatine supplementation and hair health. Participants took either 5 grams of creatine monohydrate or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.
Researchers measured DHT and other hormone levels, but importantly, they also looked directly at hair follicle health. They found no significant differences between the creatine and placebo groups in DHT levels, hair density, follicular unit count, or other hair growth measurements.
In other words, the study found no evidence that 12 weeks of 5 grams of creatine per day caused hair loss.
That doesn’t mean every question has been answered. The study was relatively short and included healthy men ages 18 to 40, so more research involving longer periods and a wider range of participants would be helpful. Still, current evidence does not support the claim that creatine directly causes hair loss.
Can Creatine Cause Hair Thinning or Baldness?
So, can creatine cause hair loss, thinning, or balding? Based on the evidence we have today, there isn’t enough support to say that it does.
The theory connecting creatine and hair thinning is based largely on the idea that creatine could increase DHT, which could potentially matter for someone genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. But a possible biological explanation is not the same as proof that creatine makes your hair fall out.
Hair thinning can also happen for plenty of other reasons, including genetics, stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, illness, certain medications, and everyday hair damage.
If you start noticing changes in your hair while taking creatine, it’s worth looking at the bigger picture rather than immediately assuming your supplement is responsible.
Should You Stop Taking Creatine If You Notice Hair Loss?
If you’re experiencing new or noticeable shedding, you don’t necessarily need to throw out your creatine immediately. There are many potential causes of hair loss, and stopping a supplement without knowing the cause may not solve the problem.
Instead, pay attention to when the shedding started and whether anything else has changed, such as your diet, stress levels, medications, hormones, or overall health. If the shedding continues, becomes significant, or you notice bald patches or other scalp changes, talk with a doctor or dermatologist.
They can help you figure out what may be causing the hair loss and whether changing your creatine use makes sense for you.
How to Take Care of Your Hair While Using Creatine
Whether you take creatine or not, the way you care for your hair every day can make a difference. Start with the basics: eat a balanced diet, manage stress where you can, care for your scalp, and be gentle when brushing and styling. Want to support your hair from the inside out, too? Check out our guide to the best foods for hair growth.
How you wear your hair matters, too. Tight styles or accessories that pull and snag can lead to unnecessary breakage, so choosing gentle, hair-safe options can help protect your strands.
While creatine often gets blamed for hair loss, current research doesn’t show a direct connection. Keep giving your hair a little TLC, and when it’s time to put it up, shop TELETIES hair accessories for a strong, gentle hold without the pulling or breakage.
FAQs About Creatine Causing Hair Loss
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a substance your body naturally makes and stores primarily in your muscles, where it helps produce energy during short bursts of high-intensity activity. It’s also found in foods like meat and fish and is commonly taken as a supplement to support strength and exercise performance.
Will 5g of Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
Current evidence does not show that taking 5 grams of creatine per day causes hair loss. In the 2025 randomized controlled trial, participants who took 5 grams daily for 12 weeks did not experience significant differences in hair density, follicle health, or DHT compared with the placebo group.
Longer-term research would still be useful, but there’s currently no good evidence that a standard 5-gram daily dose makes your hair fall out.
Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss in Women More Than Men?
There is not enough research on creatine and hair loss in women to draw a firm conclusion either way. Most existing studies, including the 2025 trial, have focused on men, so more research is needed before we can say how creatine affects women's hair specifically.
