The speculation regarding taking creatine and hair loss stems primarily from one small study. In this 2009 study, 20 college-age rugby players used 25 grams of creatinine daily for seven days, followed by 5 g daily for 14 days. Following the regime, their dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels increased.
DHT is a hormone derived from testosterone. The study increased by 56 percent after the seven-day loading period and remained 40 percent higher than the initial levels after the 14-day maintenance phase.
Experts have linked some cases of hair loss to DHT, which led to the theory that creatine causes baldness. However, the results of this study haven’t been replicated, and it’s also possible that intense resistance exercise can raise DHT.
DHT has had a bad rap in the hair world because of potential links to the development of androgenetic alopecia — commonly known as male pattern baldness.
DHT regulates the hair growth cycle. It binds to specific receptors in hair follicles, shortening the growth cycle and resulting in shorter, thinner hairs. So, you get skimpy little strands instead of lush, long locks. And because the growth phase gets cut short, more hairs fall out than can be replaced, making your lush mane look sparse.
Increased levels of DHT may expedite hair loss in folks predisposed to the condition. Variations in the AR gene can boost the activity of hair follicles’ hormone receptors. However, this is typically a genetic lottery; not everyone will experience the same effects.
Also, some peeps have an enzyme that’s a little too enthusiastic about converting testosterone to DHT. And this enzyme could work overtime in people experiencing hair loss — like a barista on a double shift during the morning rush.
So, while DHT isn’t the only cause of hair loss, it’s undoubtedly a key reason some people might need to consider hats more than just a fashion statement.
