Creatine is a dietary supplement highly popular among athletes for enhancing their physical performance. However, it suffers from a bad reputation that concerns many of its users: it is thought to be closely linked to hair loss. What is the truth, and what does science say about it? This is what we propose to examine in this article on the direct relationship between creatine and baldness.
What is creatine ?
Creatine is a compound naturally present in the human body, primarily stored in the muscles and the brain. It is synthesized from the amino acids glycine, arginine, and methionine. Its main role is to supply energy to muscle cells by regenerating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential during short and intense efforts. Consequently, consuming creatine as a dietary supplement allows you to increase your strength, power, and muscle mass.
Several forms of creatine are available to athletes; the monohydrate version is the most commonly used, as it is recognized for its effectiveness and health safety.
The physical mechanisms behind baldness
Baldness is a progressive hair loss influenced by hormonal and genetic factors. One of the primary hormonal contributors is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. This DHT binds to the receptors in hair follicles, causing their miniaturization, which shortens the hair growth phase and leads to hair loss.
Individuals with a genetic predisposition to baldness have heightened sensitivity of their hair follicles to DHT. Thus, even normal levels of DHT can trigger hair loss in these individuals. Other factors, such as age, stress, and diet, also impact hair health, but DHT remains the primary trigger for hair loss.
The link between creatine and hair loss
The link between creatine supplementation and hair loss has been explored in various scientific studies, including one that gained significant attention in 2009. This study observed a 50% increase in DHT levels among rugby players after creatine supplementation. Since DHT is associated with male pattern baldness, it raised concerns among men, making them highly suspicious of creatine.
However, the conclusions of this study should be taken with caution due to its limitations, including a small sample size and the lack of direct measurement of hair loss.
Furthermore, other research has not confirmed these findings, and no conclusive evidence establishes a direct link between creatine use and baldness. While some data suggests a possible association, current evidence is insufficient to claim that creatine causes or accelerates hair loss.
At this stage, a consensus has emerged that in the absence of genetic predispositions, creatine is unlikely to significantly impact hair health. However, if you have a family history of hair loss, it is recommended to consume creatine in moderation and consider exploring alternatives.

Alternatives to creatine
If you are concerned about your hair health and prefer to avoid creatine, other supplements can help enhance your athletic performance.
- Beta-alanine is an amino acid that boosts muscular endurance by delaying the onset of fatigue.
- Protein powders, such as whey protein, provide the amino acids needed for recovery and muscle growth.
- Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) also support protein synthesis and reduce muscle breakdown during exercise.
The relationship between creatine and baldness is not scientifically proven, but doubts remain. If you are concerned about your hair health, it is best to avoid taking risks and opt for another dietary supplement to enhance your athletic performance.

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