CLAIM:
Creatine does not cause hair loss. There is no solid scientific evidence proving a direct link between creatine supplementation and baldness.
FACT:
There is no strong scientific evidence that creatine causes hair loss, and recent clinical research has found no significant impact on DHT levels or hair growth. However, individuals should consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement and follow only the recommended dosage.
In a viral reel posted by Nutricop, a wellness platform with 492k followers on Instagram, a conversation between two characters has sparked discussion around creatine and its alleged link to hair loss.
What is creatine?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps the body produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main source of energy for muscles during short bursts of activity like sprinting or weightlifting.
The body makes small amounts of creatine in the liver, kidneys and pancreas, and it is also found in foods like meat and fish. When taken as a supplement (typically 3–5 grams per day), it is stored in the muscles to provide quick energy during high-intensity exercise.
Creatine is not a steroid. It supports energy production, while steroids affect hormones and muscle growth. It is also different from protein, which helps build and repair muscle tissue.
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Does creatine cause hair loss?
The Cleveland Clinic states that the “concern about creatine and hair loss stems from creatine’s effect on the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a byproduct of testosterone. It sticks to hair follicles and can eventually lead to hair loss. Some experts suggest that creatine may increase DHT.”
However, a recent 12-week randomised controlled trial directly examined this question. The study involved 45 resistance-trained men aged 18–40 who were randomly assigned to receive either creatine monohydrate (5 g/day) or a placebo (5 g maltodextrin/day). Researchers measured total testosterone, free testosterone and DHT levels through blood tests, and assessed hair follicle health using a Trichogram test and the FotoFinder system to evaluate hair density, follicular unit count and cumulative hair thickness.
According to the study, “There were no significant differences in DHT levels, DHT-to-testosterone ratio, or hair growth parameters between the creatine and placebo groups.”
While total testosterone increased and free testosterone decreased slightly over time, these changes were observed in both groups and were not linked to creatine supplementation.
“This study was the first to directly assess hair follicle health following creatine supplementation, providing strong evidence against the claim that creatine contributes to hair loss,” the researchers concluded.
The concern largely traces back to a small 2009 study of college rugby players, which reported a 56 per cent increase in DHT after seven days of high-dose creatine loading. However, that study did not measure actual hair loss, had a small sample size, and its findings have not been replicated.
In fact, at least twelve additional studies examining creatine’s effect on testosterone have not reported significant hormonal increases.
Based on current evidence, there is no solid scientific proof that creatine directly causes hair loss.
Before starting any supplement, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional and follow only the recommended daily dosage unless otherwise directed.
It is also important to note that Creatine supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they are not evaluated for safety or effectiveness in the same way as prescription medications. Because dietary supplements are less strictly regulated, experts recommend choosing products from reputable brands that undergo third-party testing to ensure quality and safety.
