Why creatine probably doesn't cause hair loss

Creatine probably doesn't cause hair loss, according to the best research we have now. The idea comes from one small study from 2009 among 20 rugby players, in which the hormone DHT increased after creatine, but in which hair loss was not measured at all.^[1] In 2025, the first randomized study that did look at the hair was published: after 12 weeks of 5 grams of creatine per day, there was no difference compared to placebo in DHT, hair density or hair thickness.^[2] Do you see indentations or a thinner crown while taking creatine, then hereditary hair loss is the much more likely cause. You can read more about that below, and also what you can do about it.

Contents

• Why do people think that creatine causes hair loss?
• What did the 2025 study show?
• How do the two studies compare?
• What causes hair loss in young men? yes?
• Should you stop taking creatine if your hair is thinning?
• What helps against hereditary hair loss?
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources

Why do people think creatine causes hair loss?

The story starts with a 2009 study in the magazine Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. Twenty young rugby players from South Africa were first given a high loading dose of 25 grams of creatine per day for 7 days and then 5 grams per day for 14 days, or a placebo with glucose.^[1]

The researchers measured hormones in the blood. After the loading week, the DHT value was 56% higher than at the start, and still 40% higher after the maintenance phase. The ratio between DHT and testosterone increased by 36% and remained elevated by 22%.^[1]

Because DHT plays an important role in hereditary hair loss, many people online concluded that creatine causes baldness. But that step is not included in the study itself:

• No hair was measured: no hair density, no hair loss, no photos.^[1]
• It involved only 20 participants and a period of 3 weeks.
• The DHT levels remained within a period of weeks; what this means for the hair in the long term was not investigated in this study.

So it is a signal that was worth investigating further, no evidence that creatine causes hair loss.

What did the 2025 study show?

In 2025, researchers published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition the first randomized study with placebo that specifically looked at creatine and hair loss looked.^[2]

• Who: 45 healthy men aged 18 to 40 who already did strength training; 38 completed the study.
• What: 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per day for 12 weeks, or 5 grams of maltodextrin as a placebo. They trained and ate as usual.
• Measured: DHT, testosterone and the ratio between them, plus hair density, number of follicle units and total hair thickness with a trichogram and a FotoFinder camera.
• Outcome: no difference between creatine and placebo on any of these hormones or hair measurements.

The researchers call this strong evidence against the claim that creatine contributes to hair loss.^[2] To be fair: this study was also small, lasted 12 weeks and only looked at young, trained men. It says nothing about women or about years of use.

How do the two studies compare?

If you put the two studies side by side, you will see why the new study says more about your hair than the old one.

Sources: van der Merwe et al. 2009^[1] and Lak et al. 2025^[2].

What causes hair loss in young men?

The most common cause is hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). This is usually hereditary, and male hormones play a role. About 60% of men eventually become completely or partially bald. It often starts after the age of 40, but can also start much earlier.^[4]

If you are prone to sensitive hair follicles, they respond more strongly to DHT. As a result, the growth phase of the hair becomes shorter, and the hair becomes thinner and shorter over the years.^[3] Sons of men with baldness are 5 to 6 times more likely to develop it themselves.^[3]

Many men start taking creatine around the same age at which hereditary hair loss becomes visible: somewhere between 18 and 30. If this coincides, it seems as if one causes the other, while it could be a coincidence over time. Also read how to distinguish normal inlets from incipient baldness.

Are your hair falling out suddenly or in spots, do you see bald spots with flakes or redness, or are you suddenly becoming thinner all over your head? Then something else may be going on, such as alopecia areata, a fungal infection or telogen effluvium. Then go to your doctor.^[4]

Should you stop taking creatine if your hair is thinning?

Based on current research, there is no reason to stop taking creatine just because of your hair. The study that did look at the hair found no effect.^[2] If you stop, hereditary hair loss will continue if you are predisposed to it.

If you want to be on the safe side, there are a few practical options:

• Skip the loading phase with 20 to 25 grams per day. The DHT increase in 2009 was measured after such a loading phase; in 2025, 5 grams per day would be used.^[1][2]
• Take a photo of your hairline and crown in the same light every month, so that you can see real changes.
• If you have any doubts about creatine for other reasons, for example due to a condition, consult your doctor.

What does help against hereditary hair loss?

According to the guideline for patients, minoxidil (lotion or foam on the scalp) and finasteride (a tablet given by the doctor) are the drugs with proven effect in men. You must use both for a long time: if you stop, the hair loss usually returns.^[4] Minoxidil 5% is available without a prescription and count on at least 4 to 6 months of faithful use before you can assess an effect.^[3] What you can expect per month, you can read in the timeline of minoxidil results.

You can use minoxidil and creatine use side by side; you apply one to the scalp, the other you take in. There is no research that shows that they influence each other.

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Customer Leon van Amelsfoort wrote: "Very satisfied! After a few weeks I noticed less hair loss and new hairs at my temples." Results vary per person.

Note about minoxidil: do not use it if you are under 18, and first consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have heart problems or abnormal blood pressure. Women should not use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Itching, irritation and flaking on the scalp are most common.^[3] If you experience palpitations, dizziness, chest pain or suddenly swollen hands or feet, stop and contact your doctor. Always read the package leaflet.

Frequently asked questions

Does creatine make you bald?

There is no evidence for this. The only study that really measured hair found no difference with placebo in hair density or thickness after 12 weeks of 5 grams per day.^[2] Those who are balding usually have a hereditary predisposition to this.

Does creatine increase DHT?

In one study from 2009, DHT increased after a loading phase of 25 grams per day.^[1] In the 2025 study with 5 grams per day, there was no difference in DHT or in the ratio of DHT and testosterone compared to placebo.^[2]

Will my hair come back if I stop taking creatine?

If creatine is not the cause, stopping does not change hereditary hair loss. In case of sudden or patchy hair loss, have your doctor look for another cause.^[4]

Can I use creatine and minoxidil at the same time?

Yes, there is no research that shows that they influence each other. You apply minoxidil to the scalp and you take creatine. Follow the package leaflet for minoxidil and, if in doubt, consult your pharmacist.

Does this also apply to women?

The 2025 study only looked at men aged 18 to 40.^[2] There is no specific research into creatine and hair loss for women. If you, as a woman, suffer from thinning hair, have your doctor look for causes such as iron deficiency or the thyroid gland.

This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. Always read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Prices are as of November 2026.

Sources

1. van der Merwe J, Brooks NE, Myburgh KH. Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby players. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 2009 (English).
2. Lak M, Forbes SC, Antonio J, Tinsley GM et al. Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2025 (English).
3. Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PM. Androgenetic Alopecia. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, updated January 2024 (English).
4. Health and Science. Hair loss. Guidelines for patients.