Does creatine cause hair loss?

Creatine, as a gym supplement, is one of the most popular options for boosting performance and building muscle (1). It helps muscles produce energy quickly, leading to greater strength, power, or busts of speed. But alongside these creatine benefits, you may have heard claims that it causes hair loss. Is there any truth to this?

This article discusses the relationship between creatine and hair loss. We take a closer look at the science and other factors that might contribute to hair changes, and point you in the right direction to find an effective hair loss treatment.

Does creatine affect hair loss?

So, does creatine cause hair loss? You’ll be pleased to hear that despite the rumours, there is no known link between creatine and hair loss (2).

The misconception that creatine causes hair loss mainly stems from a small study carried out in 2009 on a team of rugby players who took creatine supplements for three weeks. At the end of the study, the players were found to have 50% higher levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (3).

The body makes dihydrotestosterone from testosterone with the help of an enzyme called alpha-reductase, and higher levels of DHT have been linked to male pattern baldness (4)(5). It has been shown that the hormone binds to receptors on hair follicles, causing them to become shorter and thinner (6). This disrupts the hair's growth cycle, resulting in hair thinning and balding.

But while higher DHT levels can cause hair loss, we cannot say that creatine causes hair loss. The evidence from the 2009 study is far from conclusive:

• Small sample: Only 20 people were involved in the study, meaning the results may not be fully representative. We need bigger studies to confirm the connection between creatine and DHT, and even more of them to say that creatine leads to hair loss.
• No direct evidence: While the researchers measured changes in DHT and other hormone levels, they didn’t directly assess hair loss or any other related measurement (hair growth rates, hair thickness, etc.) among the players.
• Genetic considerations: Male pattern baldness is mainly influenced by genetics (7). If you have a genetic predisposition for male pattern baldness, you may experience hair loss or thinning regardless of creatine use.

Even without these limitations, DHT levels naturally fluctuate for many reasons, and a single study doesn’t prove there’s a definite link. Most research suggests that creatine itself does not directly cause hair loss.

What are the side effects of creatine?

Creatine is generally a well-tolerated supplement that can enhance performance. However, although there is no link between creatine and hair loss, there are some side effects to consider:

• Water retention: When first taking creatine, you may see a slight swelling in the body due to a build-up of fluid in the muscles—the most common creatine side effect (10). However, any water retention is short-lived and won’t alter your body long-term (2).
• Weight gain: You may notice some weight gain initially when taking creatine supplements. This is due to water retention and is not a gain in body fat percentage (11). Long-term, creatine can lead to weight gain by supporting lean muscle growth.
• Kidney problems: Studies have shown that creatine can cause kidney problems, but only when taken at higher than recommended doses or with other supplements (10). If you have underlying kidney problems, you should avoid taking creatine supplements.
• Liver problems: You should also avoid taking creatine if you have underlying liver concerns. Creatine supplementation may cause liver problems when taken at higher than recommended doses and can speed up the progression of existing liver injuries (10)(12).

You’re unlikely to experience any major creatine side effects as long as you take the recommended dose and don’t have underlying liver or kidney problems. If unsure, speak to a doctor.

Is creatine causing my hair loss?

If you’re taking creatine and suffering from hair loss, it is unlikely to be caused by the supplement itself. As creatine may increase DHT, anyone with a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness taking creatine may notice hair thinning. However, any changes to your hair are more likely caused by other lifestyle factors that affect hair health, such as:

• Increased self-scrutiny: Gym-goers using creatine will likely spend longer looking at themselves in the mirror, especially while weightlifting. This can lead to body dysmorphia or hyperawareness of perceived flaws, including thinning hair.
• Calorie deficits: Many fitness enthusiasts eat low-calorie diets to help lose body fat. However, prolonged calorie restriction and sudden weight loss can lead to hair thinning (8). If you’ve recently cut your calorie intake, this could cause hair loss.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Diets lacking in essential nutrients like iron, vitamins, protein, and fatty acids can impact hair structure and growth (8)(9). Changing your diet or supplementing any nutrients you lack could help improve your hair's appearance.
• Frequent showering: People who work out regularly are likely to shower at least daily. These showers can strip the scalp of natural oils, potentially leading to dry, brittle, or damaged hair. Over time, this may make hair appear thinner.
• Drastic lifestyle changes: Drastic diet or exercise changes can temporarily affect hair health. If you’ve suddenly started working out more, this could lead to hair loss. Gradual changes are less likely to cause these effects—and are easier to stick to over time.

Do other performance enhancers cause hair loss?

Are you taking other supplements to enhance your performance? If you are, this could be the reason behind your hair loss. Unlike creatine, androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS, such as testosterone supplements) and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are associated with hair loss.

These substances raise testosterone levels in the body, and raised testosterone levels have been linked to hair loss (13). One study found that 14.2% of gym-goers taking AAS suffered from hair loss (14). AAS abuse shortens the growth cycle of the hair follicles from several years to a few months, causing the hair to thin (15).

Hair loss isn’t the only concern of anabolic steroid misuse. Other side effects may include (16):

• Changes in sexual function
• Development of breast tissue in men
• Acne and oily skin
• Mood swings or aggression

If you’re concerned about hair loss, avoid AASs and PEDs. On the contrary, creatine is not a steroid, doesn’t increase testosterone, and is a safer performance enhancer—especially if hair loss is a concern.

What hair loss treatments are available?

If you’re experiencing hair loss, several treatments can help slow, stop, or even reverse the process. Here’s a look at the most common options:

Topical treatments

You can buy medicated solutions or foams that are applied directly to the scalp. These products contain the active drug minoxidil and work by improving blood flow to the hair follicles, helping to prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. You should start to notice hair regrowth after three months of continued use.

Topical minoxidil is sold under the brand name Regaine and is suitable for treating hair loss in women (Regaine for Women) and male baldness (Regaine for Men) (17). For a more budget-friendly option, you can also purchase generic Regaine.

Oral medications

You can also request oral hair loss medications that are taken daily. There are several options:

• Minoxidil tablets: Minoxidil 2.5mg tablets contain the same active drug as the medicated hair loss foams and solutions and can be an effective alternative (18). They help with hair loss by improving blood flow, allowing hair follicles to grow thicker and longer.
• Finasteride: Finasteride 1mg tablets (sold under the brand name Propecia) block the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (19). By reducing DHT levels, finasteride works by slowing hair loss and promoting regrowth.
• Dutasteride: Dutasteride tablets also reduce the production of DHT from testosterone. by blocking the alpha-reductase enzyme (20). You can buy it as generic 0.5mg dutasteride capsules or under the brand name Avodart.

With all tablets, a significant reduction in hair loss can be seen within 3 to 6 months, with visible regrowth often occurring within around 12 months of use. It’s important to note that Finasteride and Dutasteride are not recommended for treating hair loss in women.

Specialised hair products

Products containing ingredients like caffeine, ketoconazole, or biotin are designed to strengthen hair and promote a healthier scalp. For example, Alpecin C1 Caffeine Shampoo and Alpecin Caffeine Liquid help strengthen hair at the root so it doesn’t fall out as quickly (21).

While these products don’t stop hair loss entirely, they can enhance the appearance of hair when used regularly. They can also safely be used in combination with medicated hair loss treatments. We offer several bundles that include tablets, topical treatments, and Alpecin shampoo to help you see results more quickly.

Advanced treatments

We recommend making lifestyle changes or using a medicated hair loss treatment first. But if these aren’t working, advanced treatments for hair loss, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and hair transplants, are an option.

PRP involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the solution into your scalp. This stimulates hair growth by improving follicle function. Hair transplants involve a surgical procedure where hair follicles are moved from one part of your scalp to areas affected by hair loss.

How to get Hair Loss Treatment in the UK

While concerns about creatine causing hair loss are unsupported, you might want to consider treatment options if you’re noticing hair thinning or shedding.

Most hair loss treatments aren’t available on the NHS, meaning you must go privately or order them through an online pharmacy like Oxford Online Pharmacy. We offer a fully online service: request your treatment online, complete a quick health questionnaire, and our doctors will review your request and deliver your medication to your door.

Explore our hair loss treatments page to learn more.

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