If you’ve searched creatine, you’ve probably seen the claim that it causes hair loss. It’s one of the most persistent supplement myths — and it rests on a single, often misunderstood study. Here’s the full picture.
Where the claim started
The idea traces back to one 2009 study in male rugby players, which found a rise in DHT (a hormone linked to hereditary hair loss) after creatine loading. Importantly, the study didn’t measure actual hair loss — only the hormone — and it has never been replicated.
What later research shows
More recent reviews looking specifically at creatine and hair found no consistent evidence that it raises DHT or causes shedding. The original finding remains an outlier, not a pattern.
There’s also no female-specific data linking creatine to hair loss — and women’s hormonal profiles differ significantly from the male athletes in that one study.
If hair is your focus
Healthy hair is far more influenced by overall nutrition, iron, protein and stress than by creatine. If hair and skin are your priority, look at supplements that genuinely support hair growth and our Mango Collagen.
Related reading
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This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, check with your GP before starting a new supplement.