Hesitant to Use Creatine Because of Hair Loss? You Might be Losing on Gains

Although being the most widely studied fitness supplement with a high safety profile, creatine is still surrounded by myths.

One of them comes from a 2009 study that suggested creatine may potentially cause hair loss. This study has been highly debated, with many fitness experts highlighting serious drawbacks; nonetheless, the myth grew rapidly, making many gymgoers unsure if they should include creatine in their stack.

But now, we finally have a new clinical trial that might give us more insights regarding this concern. Published in 2025, this trial found no indications that creatine is linked to hair loss — but is this study enough to prove anything?

Does creatine cause hair loss: backstory

The notion that creatine might lead to hair loss does not come out of thin air.

In 2009, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied the effects of creatine on rugby players. With 20 participants involved in the trial, this study infamously found that creatine supplementation may increase dihydrotestosterone levels.

High levels of dihydrotestosterone are associated with hair loss, as patients with androgenetic alopecia seem to have elevated levels of this compound.

So, of course, the concern of hair loss from creatine usage was raised, with no definite answer, as the 2009 study did not actually measure any effects on hair, just the levels of dihydrotestosterone. In other words, the evidence was indirect, which is the main drawback of this study.

It is important to note that the 2009 study utilized high levels of creatine during the initial loading phase. For seven days, participants took 25 g per day; later, their dose was lowered to the maintenance dose of 5 g per day.

Due to these drawbacks, more studies were needed to actually understand the effects of creatine on hair.

The newest study on creatine and hair loss

This is where the newest clinical trial comes in: it finally took a look at hair follicle health after creatine supplementation. So, instead of just measuring hormones, it actually assessed the direct outcome on hair after creatine supplementation.

This study found no negative effects on hair health after creatine supplementation, finally busting the myth that it can cause it. However, I must stop you here now — we may not be as confident as it initially seemed.

Even though the latest evidence suggests that creatine does not cause hair loss, this new study also has some drawbacks that we can not ignore.

Dr. Nicolas Verhoeven, PhD in Molecular Medicine, warns our readers about some of these flaws: “It is not enough evidence, because it didn't include women, and as the concern for hair loss is based on hormonal changes from creatine, we can't confidently extrapolate to women.”

In addition, they failed to check the family history of balding, which may mean that if creatine were given to a genetically predisposed group, we'd see different results. So, this study offers us some information, but it isn't enough to be completely 'in the clear.’

Dr. Nicolas Verhoeven

Comparing the studies

Final thoughts

Hair loss is definitely a huge concern for many of us — after all, it can affect our self-image in a significant way. Ideally, we would need more research studies to understand the effect of creatine on hair.

But will we have any more studies on this?

Medical research studies, particularly those involving human subjects, incur significant costs. “I don't think we'll see any new studies anytime soon because it's not a high-priority topic,” says Dr. Verhoeven.

As of now, we have some indications that creatine is unlikely to cause hair loss, although people with a genetic predisposition may still be wary.

However, the initial study that raised so much fuss about creatine does not seem to stand the test of time, with the newest data indicating that creatine is not linked to hair loss.