Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? A New Study Finally Settles the Debate

A question I hear all the time: “Jim, does creatine cause hair loss?”

I get it. I’ve been promoting creatine for years, and yes, I keep my head shaved. So people jump to conclusions. 

But creatine isn’t why I’m bald. I’m bald because I shave my head by choice. In fact, I’ve shared old videos where I let it grow out a bit, just to make that point clear.

And no, creatine does NOT cause hair loss.

Where the Creatine Hair Loss Myth Came From

This myth didn’t come out of nowhere. 

It all traces back to a 2009 study that showed a short-term increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels among college rugby players taking creatine. And because high DHT is associated with male pattern baldness, a lot of people assumed creatine must cause hair loss.

That study didn’t measure hair loss. It didn’t look at hair follicles. It didn’t even track changes beyond three weeks. But the myth stuck. For 15+ years, guys have avoided creatine out of fear they’d lose their hair.

Well, now we finally have an answer.

The 2025 Study That Ends the Debate

In a 2025 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, researchers looked at the actual effects of creatine on both hormone levels and hair follicle health—something no study had done before.

As for study methods, the researchers recruited 38 healthy, resistance-trained men between the ages of 18 and 40 and had them supplement with 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per day for 12 weeks. This group was compared to a control group that took 5 grams of maltodextrin daily. 

Throughout the study, they measured hormone levels, hair density, follicle count, and cumulative hair thickness.

And here’s what the researchers found after 12 weeks of creatine use:

• No change in DHT levels: Despite previous concerns from the 2009 study, this new trial showed that creatine did not increase dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone often linked to male pattern baldness.
• No change in the DHT-to-testosterone ratio: The balance between testosterone and DHT remained steady, further confirming that creatine had no impact on hormonal shifts that could affect hair health.
   
• No negative effect on hair growth markers: Measurements like total hair density, the number of hair follicles, and cumulative hair thickness all remained unchanged—meaning creatine had no impact on hair loss or hair growth.

That’s it. No hair loss. No thinning. No negative effects on the scalp.

It’s Not Creatine’s Fault

If you’re losing your hair, blame your genes—not your creatine.

This study should finally put the myth to bed. Creatine is one of the most well-researched, effective, and safe supplements out there for building muscle, improving strength, and even enhancing cognitive performance.

So stop worrying about your hair and start focusing on your gains!

FAQs

Q: Does creatine increase DHT levels?

According to the 2025 study, no—12 weeks of daily creatine supplementation had no effect on DHT or the DHT-to-testosterone ratio.

Q: Where did the creatine hair loss myth come from?

A 2009 study showed a temporary increase in DHT levels after 3 weeks of creatine use—but it didn’t look at hair loss or follicle health. The myth was based on speculation, not data.

Q: Will creatine make my hair fall out faster if I’m already balding?

No. Hair loss is largely genetic. There’s no evidence that creatine speeds up male pattern baldness.

Q: Is it still safe to take creatine long term?

Yes. Creatine is one of the most studied supplements in the world and has an excellent safety profile, even with long-term use.

Q: What’s the best form of creatine to take?

I recommend both creatine monohydrate and creatine HCL. Both forms are equally effective with no negative hair loss concerns. You can find creatine in Pre JYM , Pre JYM Plus , and Post JYM .

References

Lak, M. et al. Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized control trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 22(S1):2495229, 2025.

van der Merwe, J., et al. Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby players. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine 19(5):399-404, 2009.

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