Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
The myth traces back to one small study from 2009. In 2025, researchers finally measured hair itself.
Quick Summary
Current evidence does not show that creatine causes hair loss. The 2009 study measured a blood marker, not hair. A 2025 trial measured both and found no difference from placebo.
Where the hair-loss worry came from
Pattern hair loss is driven by genetics and by DHT acting on sensitive follicles. The 2009 rugby study made headlines because DHT went up while the players took creatine. That study had 20 participants in a crossover design, lasted three weeks per arm, and used a loading dose (25 g/day) well above the common 3–5 g/day. It measured DHT in blood and never looked at hair.
van der Merwe et al. reported DHT up 56% after seven days at 25 g/day, still about 40% above baseline after 14 days at 5 g/day. The DHT-to-testosterone ratio rose 36% after loading and was still 22% higher after maintenance (Clin J Sport Med 2009). As of this review, no other study has replicated a DHT rise of that size.
2009 blood marker vs 2025 hair measurement
| Feature | van der Merwe 2009 | Lak 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover (6-week washout) | Randomized, placebo-controlled |
| People | 20 college rugby players (male) | 45 resistance-trained men, ages 18–40 (38 completed) |
| Dose | 25 g/day for 7 days, then 5 g/day for 14 days | 5 g/day for 12 weeks |
| DHT | Up 56% after loading; still about 40% above baseline at day 21 | No difference vs placebo |
| Hair measured? | No | Yes: density, follicular unit count, cumulative hair thickness |
Lak 2025 reported no group-by-time interaction for any hormone or hair outcome (p > 0.05). Several authors disclose advisory or consulting roles with supplement companies, including creatine brands. Antonio is also an author of the 2021 ISSN review. The trial design is the strongest evidence available. Readers should still know about those ties.
If hair loss runs in your family
- The direct evidence we have is 12 weeks in men at a standard dose, and it shows no effect on hair.
- Use 3–5 g/day. Loading phases are not required for the training effect.
- Take baseline photos in consistent lighting and recheck every few months.
- See a dermatologist about thinning whether or not you take creatine. Proven treatments exist, and early treatment matters more than the supplement choice.
Why people think creatine made them lose hair
Shedding has many causes: genetics, stress, illness, crash dieting, iron deficiency, thyroid problems. Starting a supplement often lines up with a new training block, a cut, or a stressful season. When two things start together, it is easy to blame the wrong one. That is why a placebo group matters.
Creatine monohydrate is among the most-studied sports supplements for strength and high-intensity work. See creatine benefits, creatine side effects, and the best creatine.
Our verdict
Based on a 2025 randomized trial that measured hair directly, plus the 2021 expert review, creatine at normal doses has not been shown to cause hair loss. The trial was short and included only men. If you are worried, use 3–5 g/day, skip loading, and track your hairline.
Sources
How we checked
DHT percentages, sample sizes, doses, and the hair outcomes were checked against PubMed records PMID 19741313 and PMID 40265319 on Oct 26, 2026. We did not add a hair-loss rate, because neither paper reports one.
Frequently Asked Questions
One 2009 study in 20 rugby players found DHT rose during a 25 g/day loading phase. A 2025 12-week trial at 5 g/day found no DHT change versus placebo.
No trial has studied hair outcomes in women, so we cannot say either way from direct evidence.
If thinning is pattern hair loss, stopping creatine is unlikely to reverse it. See a dermatologist.
No evidence shows any form differs for hair. Gummies can under-deliver creatine. See our creatine gummies guide.
Most research uses 3–5 g/day for maintenance. That is the range in the 2021 ISSN review.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Evident does not sell any of these products and uses no affiliate links.