Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? What the Research Shows

Current research does not show that creatine causes hair loss. The worry comes from one small 2009 study in which a hormone called DHT rose in rugby players taking creatine; that study did not measure hair. A 2025 randomized trial that did measure hair found no difference between creatine and placebo over 12 weeks. This guide explains where the idea came from, what the newer research shows, and what to do if you are still concerned.

It is educational, not medical advice.

Key Takeaways

• The source of the worry: in 20 rugby players, DHT rose 56 percent after a week of 25 g a day of creatine and stayed 40 percent above baseline on 5 g a day; hair was not measured (van der Merwe et al., 2009).
• The direct test: in a 12-week trial, men taking 5 g a day had no change in DHT, hair density, hair count or hair thickness compared with placebo (Lak et al., 2025).
• Other studies: of 12 more studies on creatine and testosterone, 10 found no change and 2 found small, short-lived increases (Antonio et al., 2021).
• No study has reported hair loss in people taking creatine (Antonio et al., 2021).

Where the Creatine Hair Loss Idea Came From

Almost all of the concern traces back to one study. In 2009, researchers gave 20 college rugby players creatine (25 g a day for 7 days, then 5 g a day for 14 days) or a placebo. Testosterone did not change, but DHT rose by 56 percent after the first week and stayed 40 percent above baseline after the next two weeks (van der Merwe et al., 2009).

Because DHT is linked to some types of hair loss, the result was widely read as creatine causing hair loss. But the study measured hormones only. It did not look at hair at all, and its findings have not been repeated (Antonio et al., 2021).

What Is DHT and Why Does It Matter for Hair?

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is made from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. In men, DHT can bind to receptors in hair follicles that are sensitive to it and cause them to shrink over time, which can lead to hair loss (Antonio et al., 2021).

A review of the 2009 study pointed out several details that weaken the link (Antonio et al., 2021):

• The rise stayed within normal limits. DHT and the DHT to testosterone ratio stayed well within normal clinical ranges.
• The groups started differently. DHT was 23 percent lower in the creatine group than in the placebo group before the study began.
• Exercise matters too. Hard resistance training can raise these hormones on its own.

The 2025 Trial That Measured Hair Directly

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in 2025 was the first to test hair itself. Forty-five resistance-trained men aged 18 to 40 took 5 g of creatine monohydrate or a placebo every day for 12 weeks; 38 finished the study. The researchers measured testosterone, free testosterone and DHT, and checked hair with a trichogram and digital scalp imaging (Lak et al., 2025).

• DHT: no difference between creatine and placebo.
• DHT to testosterone ratio: no difference.
• Hair density, follicle count and hair thickness: no difference.

The authors concluded that their results provide strong evidence against the claim that creatine contributes to hair loss (Lak et al., 2025).

What Other Studies on Creatine and Hormones Show

Twelve other studies have measured testosterone in people taking 3 to 25 g of creatine a day for 6 days to 12 weeks. Ten found no change, and two found small increases in total testosterone after about a week that the reviewers judged physiologically insignificant. Five of these studies also measured free testosterone, the form the body converts to DHT, and found no increase. The review concluded that the evidence does not show that creatine raises total testosterone, free testosterone or DHT, or causes hair loss (Antonio et al., 2021). For ingredients studied for testosterone itself, see supplements to support testosterone.

Will 5 g of Creatine a Day Cause Hair Loss?

The 2025 trial used exactly 5 g a day for 12 weeks and found no change in hair or DHT (Lak et al., 2025). That is the usual daily amount; more on dosing and timing is in when to take creatine.

The 2009 study that raised DHT began with a loading phase of 25 g a day. No study has measured hair after loading, so if you are concerned, you can skip loading and take 3 to 5 g a day from the start. Your muscle stores will still fill, just over 3 to 4 weeks instead of about one (Kreider et al., 2017); see creatine before and after.

For the bigger picture on strength, muscle and memory, including what creatine does for men over 40, 50 and 60, see our guide to creatine for men.

Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss in Women?

Both the 2009 study and the 2025 trial included only men, so there is no direct research in women. Benefits and dosing for women are covered in creatine for women.

What to Do If You Are Worried

• Skip the loading phase and take 3 to 5 g a day.
• Choose plain creatine monohydrate, the form used in the 2025 trial; forms are compared in creatine powder vs pills vs gummies.
• Look at everything you changed. If you notice shedding after starting creatine, consider other new products or changes in diet or training at the same time.
• See a doctor or dermatologist if you notice hair thinning or shedding, especially with a family history of hair loss.

Other questions, such as weight gain, bloating and kidneys, are answered in our guide to creatine side effects.

Coming Soon From Synchronicity

Our Creatine Monohydrate powder will have 5 g of creatine monohydrate in every scoop. It is not on sale yet. Join the waitlist on the product page to hear when it launches; no payment is taken.

More guides are in our Learn hub.

Safety note: people with kidney disease, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and anyone taking prescription medicines should talk with a clinician before taking creatine.

Sources

• van der Merwe J et al. Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby players. Clin J Sport Med, 2009. PubMed
• Lak M et al. Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2025. PubMed
• Antonio J et al. Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2021. PubMed
• Kreider RB et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2017. PubMed

Frequently Asked Questions

Does creatine cause hair loss?

Current research does not show that it does. A 12-week trial that measured hair directly found no difference between creatine and placebo.

Does creatine increase DHT?

One small 2009 study found a rise in DHT; a 2025 trial using 5 g a day found no change in DHT compared with placebo.

Will 5 g of creatine cause hair loss?

The 2025 trial used 5 g a day for 12 weeks and found no change in hair density, count or thickness.

Does creatine loading cause hair loss?

No study has measured hair after loading. The 2009 DHT rise was seen after a week of 25 g a day, so if you are concerned, skip loading.

Is creatine hair loss reversible?

No study has reported hair loss caused by creatine, so there is no research on reversing it. If you notice shedding, see a doctor or dermatologist.

Does creatine cause hair loss in women?

The main studies included only men, so there is no direct research in women.

Is creatine a steroid?

No. Creatine is a compound made in the body from amino acids and found in meat and fish.

Should I stop creatine if I am losing hair?

Talk with a doctor or dermatologist, who can look at the likely causes. Research has not linked creatine to hair loss.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for education and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.