Creatine is possibly the best and best-researched of all supplements. It adds strength, contributes to muscle gains, and boosts athletic performance. But there’s still this annoying question: Does hair fall out when taking creatine? Some gym-goers swear on their lives that it speeds up hair thinning, and others write it off as fitness folklore. So what’s the truth? Ought you be worrying your hair with creatine baldness, or is this just a typical example of disinformation? Let’s take a second opinion.
The Creatine and Hair Loss Myth: How It Began
It all began with a single study, published in 2009. The study had identified rugby players who had been on a diet of creatine for three weeks and had higher levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hair-loss associated hormone. The internet, naturally, went into a panic. But let’s break this down:
- The study never measured actual hair loss. It only noted higher DHT levels.
- It was a small study with 20 participants. That’s not even enough to make a solid conclusion.
- No other study has been able to reproduce these findings. There has been no scientifically proven study, however, on hair loss from the use of creatine.
So, the notion of hair loss being caused by creatine has its origins in a single, small study. That’s the same thing as expecting everyone has a six-pack after performing five sit-ups a day because someone did.
What Science Actually States on Creatine and Balding
Let’s get down to brass tacks: Does creatine cause hair loss? Let’s find out.
- Creatine does not result in hair loss. There’s not much evidence for this.
- DHT levels can increase, though not enough to induce hair thinning if not for your natural genetic susceptibility.
- Genetics play much more of a role when it comes to hair loss. If you were going to be losing your hair, your hair was shedding regardless of the creatine.
So, unless you’re pre-disposed towards male pattern hair loss, creatine isn’t going to make your hair fall out.
Should You Quit Using Creatine?
Not unless there’s a valid medical reason for you. The advantages of creatine outweigh the possibility of hair loss. Here’s why creatine still stands among the top supplements on the market for use:
- Increases muscle mass and muscle strength
- Improves workout recovery
- Supports cognitive functioning and cognitive performance
- Is thoroughly researched and proven safe
If you’re worried about hair thinning, your best response is to see a dermatologist rather than throwing away your tub of creatine.
The Final Verdict on Creatine and Hair Loss
Let’s wrap this up. Creatine and hair loss? There’s not firm evidence for the link.
- The 2009 research on which this urban legend began had not measured hair loss.
- DHT levels may rise, but this doesn’t imply that creatine leads to hair thinning.
- Genetics are what really lead to hair loss. If you’re pre-disposed, hair loss will result with or without the use of creatine.
So, if you’re even thinking of ditching creatine because of hair loss worries, you may want to reconsider. It’s a scientifically established, stable muscle growth, performance, and recovery supplement. And if you’re losing hair, more than likely, creatine had nothing to do with your hair loss.
What do you think? Have you had hair growth on creatine? Let’s chat in the comments.
