Creatine causes hair loss — Myth: Not supported by the evidence.
Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
The hair-loss fear rests on a single study that measured a hormone, not hair, and has never been replicated.
The idea that creatine causes baldness is one of the most anxiety-inducing myths, especially for younger men. It traces back to one small study, and when you look at what that study actually measured, the fear largely evaporates.
The 2009 DHT study
The myth comes from a single 2009 study of rugby players that found a rise in DHT (a hormone linked to male-pattern baldness) after a creatine loading protocol. Crucially, that study never measured hair loss itself, the DHT levels stayed within the normal range, and no study since has been able to replicate the finding.
What this means for you
A direct cause-and-effect link between creatine and balding has never been demonstrated. If you are genetically predisposed to hair loss, it will likely happen regardless of whether you supplement. Blaming creatine specifically is not backed by the current science.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the creatine hair loss study measure baldness?
No. It measured DHT, a hormone associated with hair loss, but it never tracked actual hair shedding or thinning, and DHT stayed in the normal range.
Has the hair loss finding been replicated?
No. In the years since, no study has reproduced even the DHT increase, let alone shown creatine causing hair loss.
Should I stop creatine if I'm worried about my hairline?
There is no evidence creatine causes balding. If you are genetically prone to hair loss, that risk exists with or without creatine.
References
- Antonio, J. et al. (2021). Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
- de Guingand, D. L. et al. (2020). Creatine supplementation safety: a systematic review of reported adverse effects.. Nutrients.