Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?

Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?

• August 4, 2025
• Dr Paul Spano

Last updated on August 6, 2025

Creatine is one of the most popular supplements in fitness and strength training, known for boosting power, improving performance, and increasing muscle mass. But one question continues to cause concern: does creatine cause hair loss? Whether you’re new to supplements or have used creatine for years, it’s important to understand where this concern comes from, what the science says, and whether there’s any truth to the claim.

In this article, we’ll explore the link between creatine and hair loss, the origin of the myth, what to do if you’re worried about thinning hair, and how medical hair loss treatments can help.

What Is Creatine?

Creatine is a natural substance found in red meat and seafood, and it’s also produced in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It helps your muscles produce energy during high-intensity activity by increasing levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Creatine monohydrate—the most studied form—is widely used to support strength training and athletic performance.

Where Did the Creatine Hair Loss Myth Come From?

The claim that creatine causes hair loss started with a 2009 study involving 20 male rugby players. Over a three-week period, participants who took creatine experienced a measurable increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT is known to shrink hair follicles in people who are genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia—commonly known as male or female pattern baldness.

However, it’s important to note that none of the participants actually experienced hair loss during the study. The researchers only observed a temporary increase in DHT levels.

This single study became the basis of the creatine and hair loss debate. But since then, no additional peer-reviewed studies have confirmed the same results. This raises the question: is it fact, or just a creatine hair loss myth?

Does Creatine Cause Baldness?

There is no scientific proof that creatine causes baldness. While DHT is a contributing factor in hair loss for those genetically prone, a temporary increase in hormone levels does not directly mean someone will lose their hair. And again, the 2009 study did not report actual shedding or thinning—only a change in hormone levels.

Larger studies on creatine’s safety have found no connection between supplementation and permanent hair loss. Based on current evidence, creatine does not cause baldness in healthy individuals.

Creatine Side Effects and Hair Loss: Is There a Link?

Creatine is one of the most extensively studied supplements in the world. Commonly reported side effects include water retention, weight gain, and occasional digestive discomfort—but hair loss is not a recognised or confirmed side effect.

That said, some people report increased shedding or thinning while taking creatine. This could be due to a few indirect factors:

• Genetic predisposition: If you’re already prone to hair loss, even a small increase in DHT could accelerate shedding.
• Lifestyle changes: Starting creatine often coincides with intense training, dietary shifts, and stress, which may impact the hair cycle.
• Stress and overtraining: Excessive exercise without enough recovery can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding condition unrelated to creatine itself.

So while creatine and hair loss may sometimes appear linked, the supplement is unlikely to be the cause.

Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss in Women?

While most discussions focus on men, many women also take creatine for athletic performance. Current research shows no evidence that creatine causes hair loss in women. Female pattern hair loss is often driven by different hormonal factors, and DHT plays a smaller role than it does in male hair loss. If women experience shedding while on creatine, it’s likely due to other underlying issues such as stress, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies.

What to Do If You’re Worried About Hair Loss

If you’re using creatine and have noticed changes to your hair, here are some practical steps:

• Pause supplementation temporarily to see if hair shedding slows down. This can help determine if there’s any link.
• Assess your overall health—stress, poor sleep, and poor diet can all affect hair growth.
• Check your family history—if baldness runs in your family, you may be seeing early signs of pattern hair loss unrelated to creatine.
• Speak to a professional—at Hair Transplants Melbourne, we provide expert advice, diagnosis, and treatment for all types of hair loss. From Growth Factor Therapy and Exosome Treatment to hair transplants and Liquid Hair Therapy, we’ll help you find the right solution.

Is It Safe to Keep Taking Creatine?

Yes. Creatine is one of the most studied and safest supplements available. There is no confirmed link between creatine and permanent hair loss, and the creatine hair loss myth remains unproven. If you’re healthy and using creatine as directed (3–5 grams per day), the chances of it causing baldness are extremely low.

Should You Worry About Creatine and Hair Loss?

So—does creatine cause hair loss? Based on current research, the answer is: probably not. While one small study suggested a possible link to DHT levels, no studies have shown that creatine causes actual hair loss or baldness. Most people who use creatine do so without any changes to their hair. However, if you’re genetically prone to hair thinning, have a receding hairline, or are concerned about changes in your hair growth, it’s worth discussing your options.

At Hair Transplants Melbourne, our experienced doctors offer tailored advice and advanced hair restoration solutions. Contact us today for a free 15-minute consult—and rest easy knowing you can support your fitness goals without sacrificing your hair.

FAQs

Does creatine cause baldness in men?

Creatine has not been proven to cause baldness. However, for men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern hair loss, a temporary increase in DHT levels—like the one noted in this 2009 study—may potentially accelerate the process. Still, this has not been confirmed by larger studies. If you’re concerned about creatine and baldness, our Melbourne clinic can assess your hair and recommend safe, effective hair loss treatment options.

Can women experience hair loss from creatine?

There is no evidence that creatine causes hair loss in women. Female hair loss is usually related to different hormonal and genetic factors, and DHT plays a lesser role than in men. If you’re a woman experiencing shedding while taking creatine, it’s likely due to stress, diet, or other health conditions. Our clinic in Melbourne offers comprehensive treatment options for women experiencing hair thinning, including Growth Factor Therapy and Exosome Treatment. Book your free 15 minute consult.

What are the common side effects of creatine—and is hair loss one of them?

Common creatine side effects include temporary water retention, mild digestive issues, and muscle cramping. Hair loss is not listed as a proven side effect in scientific literature. While some people associate creatine side effects with hair loss, there’s no direct evidence linking the two. If you suspect your shedding is due to creatine or want to prevent hair loss, we recommend a professional hair assessment and a personalised treatment plan from our Melbourne-based team. Get your free hair growth quote today.

Should I stop taking creatine if I notice hair shedding?

If you’re concerned about increased shedding, you can stop taking creatine temporarily to monitor any changes. However, hair loss may be due to other factors such as stress, hormones, or genetics. Creatine is unlikely to be the sole cause. Our hair loss clinic in Melbourne offers a free 15-minute phone consultation where you can discuss your concerns and explore safe, non-surgical treatments to support hair regrowth and scalp health.