Does Creatine Really Cause Hair Loss?

You Should Know: Creatine is best known as a workout-boosting supplement, but research suggests it may also benefit parts of your body, from the brain to the gut. But could creatine cause hair loss? While the topic is a big debate in the fitness industry, there’s little proof that taking this supplement will lead to your strands falling out. 

Going Deeper: The claim can be traced back to a small 2009 study of 20 college rugby players. After three weeks of taking creatine, the players’ levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, rose 56%. DHT can contribute to male-pattern hair loss by binding to hair follicles and gradually shrinking them.

Importantly, the study measured DHT, not hair loss. It was also small and short, and its results haven’t been replicated. Subsequent research has failed to find meaningful increases in testosterone or DHT with creatine.

A 2025 randomized controlled trial gave 38 men either five grams of creatine or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Researchers measured hormones and hair health and found no significant differences in DHT, testosterone, hair density, follicle count, or hair thickness.

Takeaway: Current evidence does not support creatine as a cause of hair loss.

Bottom Line: Your hair is safe — you can keep enjoying the benefits of creatine.