Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?

The claim that creatine causes hair loss has circulated for years.

The concern largely came from a small study that found changes in dihydrotestosterone, better known as DHT, after creatine supplementation.

But an increase in a hormone associated with male-pattern hair loss is not the same thing as demonstrating that creatine actually makes hair fall out.

And we now have better evidence.

Where did the concern come from?

DHT plays a role in androgenetic alopecia in genetically susceptible men.

That led to a theory:

Creatine, then higher DHT, then increased hair loss.

The problem is that the original research did not measure actual hair loss.

For years, there was no direct trial testing what people really wanted to know.

What does newer research show?

A 2025 randomized controlled trial directly measured both androgen levels and hair-follicle outcomes in resistance-trained men taking 5 g of creatine monohydrate daily for 12 weeks.

Researchers found no significant differences between creatine and placebo in DHT or measures including hair density and cumulative hair thickness. PubMed

That is much more directly relevant than simply looking at one hormone measurement.

Does that prove creatine can never affect hair?

No single study can prove that an effect is impossible for every individual.

Male-pattern hair loss is also strongly influenced by genetics and androgen sensitivity.

But based on the available evidence, saying that creatine has been shown to cause hair loss isn't accurate.

Should you avoid creatine if you're losing your hair?

That becomes an individual decision.

If you're already experiencing noticeable hair loss and are worried about it, discussing the issue with a dermatologist will tell you far more than stopping supplements at random.

If you do choose creatine, there's no need to buy a supposedly "hair-safe" formula. Standard creatine monohydrate is the form with the strongest overall research base.

Bottom line

There is currently no good evidence demonstrating that creatine causes hair loss.

Importantly, a 2025 randomized trial that directly measured hair outcomes found no significant adverse effect from 5 g of creatine per day over 12 weeks. PubMed