Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
Is this a thing?
This 2025 study is the first randomised controlled trial to directly examine whether creatine supplementation causes hair loss in healthy, resistance-trained men. It addresses long-standing concerns that creatine could increase the risk of male pattern baldness by raising dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.
PMID: 40265319
Key Points
Aim:
To determine if 12 weeks of creatine supplementation affects androgen hormone levels (testosterone, DHT) and hair follicle health in healthy young men.Participants:
45 resistance-trained males (18–40 years old); 38 completed the study (19 per group).Design:
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
Creatine group: 5 g/day creatine monohydrate.
Placebo group: 5 g/day maltodextrin.
12-week intervention; participants maintained their regular diets and training.
Measurements:
Blood samples at baseline and 12 weeks for total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHT.
Hair follicle health is assessed by Trichogram and FotoFinder system (measuring hair density, follicular unit count, and cumulative hair thickness).
Results
Hormones:
No significant difference between creatine and placebo groups in changes to total testosterone, free testosterone, or DHT.
Both groups saw a small increase in total testosterone and a decrease in free testosterone, but these changes were not related to creatine supplementation.
DHT and the DHT-to-testosterone ratio did not significantly change in either group.
Hair Health:
No significant differences between groups in hair density, follicular unit count, or cumulative hair thickness.
No evidence of increased hair loss or negative changes in hair follicle health in the creatine group.
Related
Practical Takeaways
Creatine does NOT cause hair loss:
This study provides strong, direct evidence that creatine supplementation (5 g/day for 12 weeks) does not increase DHT levels or negatively affect hair health in healthy, resistance-trained men.Safe for long-term use:
If you are concerned about hair loss, current evidence suggests creatine is safe and does not accelerate male pattern baldness.Stick to regular dosing:
The standard daily dose (5 g) used in this study is both effective for performance and safe for hair health.
Key Takeaways
No link between creatine and hair loss:
This is the first high-quality, controlled study to directly measure both hormone changes and hair follicle health with creatine use.Previous concerns not supported:
Earlier worries about creatine raising DHT and causing hair loss are not supported by this 12-week trial.Evidence-based reassurance:
Lifters and athletes can confidently use creatine without fear of hair loss, based on current best evidence.
Bottom line:
Creatine supplementation does not cause hair loss or increase DHT in healthy, resistance-trained men over 12 weeks. It remains a safe and effective supplement for strength and muscle gain.
Reference
Lak M, Forbes SC, Ashtary-Larky D, Dadkhahfar S, Robati RM, Nezakati F, Khajevandi M, Naseri S, Gerafiani A, Haghighat N, Antonio J, Tinsley GM. Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2025 Sep;22(sup1):2495229. doi: 10.1080/15502783.2025.2495229. Epub 2025 Apr 23. PMID: 40265319; PMCID: PMC12020143.