TL;DR — Creatine and Hair Loss
The “creatine causes hair loss” claim is one of the most persistent myths in sports nutrition. It originates from a single 2009 study in 20 South African rugby players that found elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels after creatine loading. This study did not measure or observe hair loss, has never been replicated in over 15 years, and contradicts the findings of at least 12 subsequent hormonal studies. The International Society of Sports Nutrition does not list hair loss as a side effect of creatine supplementation (RB et al., 2017) .
The 2009 Study That Started Everything
In 2009, Van der Merwe and colleagues published a study in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine examining creatine’s effects on hormone levels in 20 college-age rugby players in South Africa. The study used a loading protocol of 25g/day for 7 days, followed by 5g/day for 14 days.
The key finding: DHT levels increased by 56% during the loading phase and remained 40% above baseline during the maintenance phase. This finding sparked widespread concern because DHT is the primary androgen implicated in androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).
However, several critical context points are often omitted when this study is cited:
DHT remained within the normal physiological range. The increases, while statistically significant, did not push DHT levels outside what is considered normal for healthy young men. Many everyday activities and dietary factors can cause fluctuations of similar magnitude within normal ranges.
No hair loss was measured or observed. The study was designed to examine hormonal responses, not hair outcomes. No participant reported hair loss, and the researchers did not assess hair density, thickness, or follicle health at any point.
The sample size was extremely small. With only 20 participants, the study lacked the statistical power to draw broad conclusions about creatine’s hormonal effects.
The loading dose was unusually high. The 25g/day loading protocol was 25% higher than the standard 20g/day loading dose recommended in most creatine research.
What Subsequent Research Shows
Since the 2009 study, the relationship between creatine and androgens has been examined in multiple studies. The results have been remarkably consistent — and they do not support the DHT elevation finding:
A comprehensive review by Rawson and Volek found no consistent evidence that creatine supplementation increases testosterone, free testosterone, or DHT in healthy populations (ES & AC, 2011) . Studies examining creatine’s effects on the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio, luteinizing hormone, and other hormonal markers have similarly found no significant changes.
Specifically, studies in various populations — including young athletes, older adults, resistance-trained men, and recreationally active individuals — have consistently shown that creatine monohydrate at standard doses does not meaningfully alter androgen levels. This pattern of non-replication over more than a decade strongly suggests that the original 2009 finding was either a statistical anomaly, a result of the specific population studied, or influenced by confounding variables.
Understanding DHT and Hair Loss
To evaluate the creatine-hair loss claim properly, it helps to understand how DHT actually causes hair loss:
Androgenetic alopecia is genetically determined. Hair loss occurs when hair follicles in genetically susceptible areas (typically the temples and crown) have androgen receptors that are hypersensitive to DHT. When DHT binds to these receptors, it triggers a process called follicular miniaturization — the hair follicle gradually shrinks, producing thinner, shorter hairs until it eventually stops producing visible hair entirely.
The key factor is receptor sensitivity, not circulating DHT levels. Two men can have identical DHT levels, but only the one with genetically sensitive follicles will experience hair loss. This is why some men with high testosterone and DHT retain full heads of hair into old age, while others with lower androgen levels experience significant thinning.
Even if creatine did raise DHT (which the weight of evidence suggests it does not), a temporary increase within the normal physiological range would be unlikely to accelerate hair loss in someone who is not already genetically predisposed. For someone who is genetically predisposed, the hair loss process is already underway regardless of creatine supplementation.
Why the Myth Persists
The creatine-hair loss myth is a case study in how misinformation spreads:
Correlation with the demographic. Many men begin taking creatine in their late teens and twenties — the exact same period when androgenetic alopecia typically begins. Men who start losing hair while coincidentally taking creatine naturally attribute the hair loss to the supplement, when in reality, their genetic hair loss timeline simply intersected with their supplementation timeline.
The appeal of a simple explanation. Hair loss is emotionally significant, and the idea that stopping a supplement could prevent it is appealing. This creates a strong motivation to believe and share the claim, regardless of the evidence.
Social media amplification. Fitness forums, Reddit threads, and social media posts have repeated the claim so frequently that it has achieved the status of perceived truth.
Malaysian Hair Loss Context
Hair loss concerns are particularly prevalent among Malaysian men, making this topic relevant locally:
Genetic patterns: Malaysian men of Malay, Chinese, and Indian descent all experience androgenetic alopecia, though patterns and prevalence may vary by ethnicity. This is genetically determined and unrelated to creatine.
Cultural significance: Hair plays an important cultural role across Malaysian communities. Concerns about hair loss can be heightened by cultural expectations, making the creatine-hair loss myth particularly impactful in Malaysia.
Climate factors: Malaysia’s heat and humidity can make hair feel thinner or oilier, which may be mistaken for hair loss. Wearing helmets (common for motorcycle riders in Malaysia) can also cause traction-related hair concerns that are unrelated to supplementation.
Evidence-based advice: If you are experiencing genuine hair loss, consult a dermatologist for a proper assessment. Evidence-based treatments include finasteride and minoxidil. Do not stop a beneficial supplement like creatine based on an unreplicated study from 2009.
Practical Recommendations
If you are concerned about hair loss while taking creatine:
Assess your family history honestly. If male pattern baldness runs in your family, you have a genetic predisposition that will likely manifest regardless of creatine use.
Do not rely on creatine cessation for hair preservation. Stopping creatine will not prevent genetically determined hair loss. Consult a dermatologist about proven treatments.
Continue taking creatine if it benefits your training. The proven benefits of creatine for strength, power, cognitive function, and overall health are supported by hundreds of studies.
Monitor and document. If you remain concerned, take photos of your hairline before starting creatine and at regular intervals. This gives you objective evidence rather than relying on perception.
Sources & References
This article cites the ISSN position stand by Kreider et al. (2017) and the systematic review by Rawson & Volek, alongside analysis of the Van der Merwe et al. (2009) study. Full citations are available in our Research Library.