Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? Evidence Explained

Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? The Short Answer

Creatine, commonly used as a gym supplement, is one of the most popular options for boosting performance and building muscle. It helps muscles produce energy quickly, leading to greater strength and power. However, alongside these benefits, you may have heard claims that it causes hair loss. 

This article will look to review these claims and see if there is any truth to them.

In short

Creatine does not have a direct causal link to hair loss. A recent study that directly assessed hair follicle health following creatine supplementation, provided strong evidence against the claim that creatine contributes to hair loss.

What is Creatine?

Produced in the kidneys, liver and pancreas, creatine is often associated with protein – and there's good reason. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and creatine is made from three of them (arginine, glycine, and methionine). That said, it's not actually classified as a protein – its structure and makeup aren't complex enough.

A quick source of energy for muscles, creatine's especially important if you do short-duration, high-intensity activities like sprinting.

It contributes to performance in exercises that require more continuous effort and plays a role in post-exercise recovery, potentially even reducing the risk of injury.

The DHT Theory: What the Research Actually Shows

The misconception that creatine causes hair loss mainly stems from a small studycarried out in 2009 (published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine) on a team of rugby players who took creatine supplements for three weeks. The players were found to have 50% higher levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

The body makes DHT from testosterone with the help of an enzyme called alpha-reductase, and higher levels of DHT have been linked to male pattern baldness. It has been shown that the hormone binds to receptors on hair follicles, causing them to become shorter and thinner (Androgenic Alopecia). This disrupts the hair's growth cycle, resulting in hair thinning and balding.

But while higher DHT levels can cause hair loss, we cannot say that creatine causes hair loss. The evidence from the 2009 study is far from conclusive:

• The study had a small sample size: Only 20 people were involved in the study, meaning the results may not be fully representative. Larger patient cohort studies would be needed to confirm the connection between creatine and DHT.

• No direct evidence: While the researchers measured changes in DHT and other hormone levels, they didn’t directly assess hair loss as a side effect or any other related measurement (hair growth rates, hair thickness, etc.) among the players. Thus, the results were only theoretical.

• Genetic considerations: Male pattern baldness is mainly influenced by genetics. If you have a genetic predisposition for male pattern baldness, you may experience hair loss or thinning regardless of creatine use.

Even without these limitations, DHT levels naturally fluctuate for many reasons, and a single study doesn’t prove there’s a definite link. Most research suggests that creatine itself does not directly cause hair loss.

The Key Study: What It Found (and Its Limitations)

A recent study conducted a 12-week randomised control trial, where researchers studied 38 resistance-trained males. They were randomly assigned to a creatine monohydrate (5 g/day) or placebo group. Participants continued with their normal diets and training, and the researchers collected both blood-related and hair health data to determine how 12 weeks of creatine supplementation affected androgen levels and hair follicle health.

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. It found that there were no significant differences in DHT levels, DHT-to-testosterone ratio, or hair growth parameters between the creatine and placebo groups. No evidence of hair follicle damage was found.

Hair loss is likely related to other factors, including genetic predisposition or other conditions known to influence hair loss, such as alopecia areata or thyroid disorders.

It’s always worth checking in with your doctor if you’re experiencing any new symptoms from creatine use.

Does Creatine Increase DHT?

A recent study found no significant differences in DHT levels from the use of creatine in patients, over a 12 week period. 

Who Might Be at Higher Risk?

Hair loss is likely related to other factors, including genetic predisposition or other conditions known to influence hair loss, such as alopecia areata or thyroid disorders.

It’s always worth checking in with your doctor if you’re experiencing any new symptoms form creatine use.

Other lifestyle factors that could possibly be linked to hair loss include:

• Being in a calorie deficit: Being on a diet of prolonged calorie restriction, for the purpose of losing weight, could also be linked to hair thinning. 

• Nutrient deficiencies: Some patients may be lacking in nutrients more than others, which can be exacerbated by dietary restrictions. Low levels of essential nutrients like iron, vitamins, protein, and fatty acids can impact hair structure and growth.

• Increased shower frequency: Those people who exercise regularly, whilst taking creatine, will likely be showering and washing their hair more often. Showers can possibly strip the scalp of natural oils, potentially leading to dry, brittle, or damaged hair. Over time, this may make hair appear thinner.

What hair loss treatments are available?

If you’re experiencing hair loss, several treatments can help slow, stop, or even reverse the process. Here’s a look at the most common options:

Topical treatments

You can purchase medical solutions or foams that are applied directly to the scalp. These products contain the active drug minoxidil and work by improving blood flow to the hair follicles, helping to prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. You should start to notice hair regrowth after three months of continued use.

Topical minoxidil is sold under the brand name Regaine and is suitable for treating hair loss in women (Regaine for Women) and male baldness (Regaine for Men).

Other scalp products containing ingredients like caffeine, ketoconazole, or biotin are designed to strengthen hair and promote a healthier scalp. While these products don’t stop hair loss entirely, they can enhance the appearance of hair when used regularly. They can also safely be used in combination with medicated hair loss treatments. 

Oral medications

Alternatively there are also oral hair loss medications that are taken daily. There are several options:

• Finasteride: Finasteride 1mg tablets (sold under the brand name Propecia) block the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By reducing DHT levels, finasteride works by slowing hair loss and promoting regrowth.

• Dutasteride: Dutasteride tablets also reduce the production of DHT from testosterone by blocking the alpha-reductase enzyme.

With all tablets, a significant reduction in hair loss can be seen within 3 to 6 months, with visible regrowth often occurring within around 12 months of consistent use. It’s important to note that Finasteride and Dutasteride are not recommended for treating hair loss in women.

Should You Stop Taking Creatine If You're Losing Hair?

The most recent evidence-based-research shows that creatine supplementation at standard doses does not cause hair loss. It is safe to continue using creatine.

Creatine and Hair Loss: The Verdict

The most recent evidence-based-research shows that creatine supplementation at standard doses does not cause hair loss. If you do have hair thinning concerns, contact your GP or Pharmacist for further advice.