Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow? Investigating Creatine’s Impact on Hair Loss

Losing hair while on creatine isn’t something you desire. People often worry that creatine can trigger something that would make you go bald. At that point, you might want to give up on the whole fitness and strength program.

But does creatine cause hair loss? Are there any proven cases?

There is no scientific evidence that says creatine can solely cause hair loss. In men, if DHT levels increase, with or without creatine, they will start to lose hair. But more commonly, hair loss and baldness are not connected with creatine-induced conditions.

This blog is about the role of creatine with your hair and scalp, preventing and treating hair loss, and why hair loss is mentioned as a side effect of creatine. So, let’s delve in!

Creatine and Hair Loss: Unraveling the Truth

Creatine is said to speed up the production of some hormones to increase muscle growth. This includes DHT, which is converted from testosterone for the effects of this hormone on the body.

An increase in DHT means the hair growth cycle is faster than normal, leading to the death of a hair quicker than it can grow.

But it is still unclear whether creatine single-handedly causes hair loss. Experts understand this is more common in people already suffering from hormonal problems or androgenetic alopecia. This would mean that creatine is triggering an existing condition.

Anyone with a history of baldness in the family is at risk of hair loss. Other potential causes include age, stress, hormonal imbalance, poor diet plans, deficiency, etc. Creatine might counteract any of these causes.

However, male pattern baldness is very rare with creatine. Creatine is very safe if you take the suggested amount of 25g in the loading phase and 3 to 5 g daily in the later period. Even if you lose hair, it isn’t anything there is nothing to worry about. Since this is considered a negative effect of creatine, it will likely be temporary.

Creatine and Hair Loss for Women

Testosterone problem isn’t a thing for women, so DHT level has nothing to do with women’s hair loss. Mostly this is a genetic problem. But some hair normally falls out regularly and isn’t a concern.

Creatine may lead to hair loss for other reasons, like PCOS. But there are no visible links between them.

So, if a woman suffers from excessive hair loss after taking creatine, it might be because of an existing condition or medicine interacting with creatine. It can also happen due to dehydration.

Consult a doctor if your hair loss becomes abnormal to start treatment.

Can You Grow Back the Lost Hair?

If hair loss happens due to DHT levels, it will stop once you are done with creatine. This means that creatine increased DHT levels. Once the problem stops, hair will grow again.

However, if the hair loss happened due to a genetic condition triggered by creatine, it is unlikely that hair will grow again. You will then need hair regrowth treatment separately, which might include surgery.

Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss As Side Effects?

Some adult males started getting bald when their hair became thin, and the growth cycle got shunted. This can happen if you have a raise in DHT level.

DHT is a byproduct of testosterone that can shrink hair follicles, resulting in increased hair fall. But this doesn’t prove that you can become bald.

Other researchers have studied that creatine might not be responsible for such phenomena. People might have an increase in DHT due to other reasons. Clinical trials show that creatine consumers have the same level of DHT before and after taking it.

However, creatine might affect testosterone, and the hormonal imbalance is what can lead to hair loss.

Prevention and Cure of Hair Loss with Creatine

Whatever the reason behind your hair loss, you must prevent or cure it. Doctors might prescribe certain drugs in case the condition is mild. They might also give drugs to reduce DHT levels.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and some antioxidants can also regulate hair growth, but you need a dermatologist’s advice.

But the best hair treatment is scalp micro pigmentation. Professionals apply a natural pigment to your epidermis onto the scalp. The process is simple and painless; the expert must pinpoint the exact location of hair loss. This pigment will make hair grow again to prevent baldness.

Other hair treatments according to scalp condition include

• Platelet-rich plasma: Increased blood flow to the scalp to increase hair growth.
• Hair transplantation: Hair implantation with thin hair from other areas to trigger growth.
• Minoxidil: A liquid to increase blood flow to the follicles.
• Finasteride: A medicine that stimulates hair growth and removes alopecia in men.
• Biotin: A vitamin H for healthy hair, skin, and nails. It also stunts DHT levels.

Some Home Remedies

You can make simple changes in your habits to control hair loss instead of spending lots of money on treatment. These are safe, easy, and effective in the long run.

• Wash your hair regularly with good quality shampoo, especially after sweating from exercise.
• Take vitamin supplements, especially A, B, and E.
• Use a healthy diet with lots of protein as creatine alternatives like fish, lean meat, chicken, or soy.
• Apply herbal or essential oils to the scalp weekly.
• Drink a lot of fluids, and avoid too much alcohol.
• Perform activities that would reduce stress.

FAQ

Is hair loss from creatine permanent?

If, unfortunately, creatine causes your hair loss, it will stop two months after taking it. In other cases, you will need hair treatment, medicines, and remedies to grow back hair. Hair loss is hardly ever permanent, regardless of taking creatine or any other reason other than a genetic condition.

Are there any benefits from creatine to our hair?

Interestingly, creatine can benefit your hair in some cases. Since it is a protein, it is useful for growth in hair follicles. Protein can nourish the scalp and improve hair growth and thickness. It also offers a conditioning effect to increase the volume and length of hair.

Final Words

Creatine doesn’t cause permanent hair loss. Due to existing conditions and medications, creatine dose, and overall health, hair loss can happen about the same time as you take creatine. When you find out that hair loss has become alarming, talk to your doctor to find out what is causing it.

Research has shown that there is hardly any difference in body composition before and after taking creatine that would cause excessive hair loss. But if you have hormonal imbalance while on creatine, hair loss is common. Per the doctor’s advice, it would stop once you are past the loading phase or have stopped taking it completely.

Know that creatine is safe to take, and hair loss isn’t permanent, let alone any baldness. So, better to consult before you plan on taking creatine.