Does Pre-Workout Cause Hair Loss? (According to a Doctor)

No, pre-workouts do not cause hair loss. Claims to the contrary don't have concrete scientific backing since no study has proven that they directly cause male pattern baldness.

Critics argue that some pre-workout ingredients contribute to male pattern baldness.

But as you will see, the claims are not based on verifiable science.

In any case, some pre-workout ingredients like caffeine and some B vitamins have been associated with hair loss prevention. More on that later.

“Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. Hair at the temples and on the crown slowly thin and eventually disappear.”

- Tim Newman, Medical News Today

Now, to properly answer the question of whether pre-workouts cause loss of hair, let’s examine some common ingredients that you'll likely find in a pre-workout supplement:

• Caffeine
• Creatine Monohydrate
• BCAAs
• B-Vitamins
• Nitric Oxide precursors

Now, let's explore each ingredient in detail.

Among the benefits of caffeine, and the reason you will see it in most pre-workout supplements, is that it helps improve physical and mental performance.

Of course, it has some adverse side effects when used excessively [1]. The effects include:

• Jitters or extreme nervousness
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

But does pre-workout cause hair loss because of it? Not at all.

Studies show that caffeine actually promotes female and male hair growth.

A 2007 study investigating the effects of caffeine and testosterone on human hair revealed that caffeine helps block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen hormone responsible for hair loss [2].

Scientists pointed out that the stimulant prolonged the anagen hair growth phase and promoted hair shaft elongation, resulting in broader and longer hair roots in males.

The same study also found growth-promoting effects on female hair, thanks to the stimulant. As such, you need not worry about losing your hair even if you're sensitive to caffeine.

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

Like caffeine, there is no scientific study linking BCAAs to baldness.

Existing claims allege that high doses of BCAAs, in addition to an exercise regimen, may lead to increased testosterone levels which can negatively impact the hair.

However, research has found that this boost in T production is independent of amino acids’ supplementation [3].

Gym-goers love creatine because of its benefits in energy provision and muscle growth. However, critics claim that it contributes to the production of hormones that promote male pattern baldness.

Still, no conclusive evidence supporting the same has not been tabled.

The thinking behind the claims is that some pre-workout ingredients, especially creatine, stimulate the production of hormones like testosterone which negatively impact the hair.

However, additional studies on the subject have proven that even without strength training, creatine does not impact your T levels [4].

B-vitamins

B vitamins affect your hair, but does pre-workout cause hair loss because of them?

Quite the contrary – a deficiency in essential B vitamins such as biotin (B7) and B12 has been linked to hair loss.

Research asserts that only a handful of B vitamins have been associated with the loss of hair [5]. They include: 

• Riboflavin (B2)
• Biotin (B7)
• Folate (B9)
• vitamin B12

Interestingly, although a deficiency in B12 may contribute to hair loss, research is yet to find that supplementing with the same will boost hair growth [6].

On the other hand, research has shown that supplemental biotin (B7) may be beneficial, but only in people with a deficiency [7].

Studies suggest that a basal level of nitric oxide may help in hair growth [8].

The function of nitric oxide in pre-workout supplements is to stimulate blood flow by widening blood vessels.

Two common precursors in pre-workout ingredients include; L-citrulline and L-arginine [9].

That said, proponents allege that by helping relax blood vessels and improving blood flow, especially to the scalp and the bases of hair follicles, L-arginine may help the hair.

The logic checks out, but the claim has yet to be scientifically proven.

As you can see, these common pre-workout ingredients do not cause hair loss. So, this begs the question of why many top bodybuilders are bald-headed.

Too much DHT in your bloodstream often leads to hair loss [17]. Other symptoms include: 

• An enlarged prostate
• Acne
• Increased sweating
• High blood pressure

If you see these signs, don't wait until scalp micropigmentation is the only alternative. Consult your doctor for early hair loss treatment.

Reducing DHT levels

Once the alarming DHT levels are confirmed, the doctor should give a prescription and a list of things you can do to reduce it and promote healthy hair.

They may prescribe medications such as finasteride which has been shown to reverse hair loss [18]

And where necessary, they may insist that you change your diet and include some foods that act as natural DHT blockers [19]. The foods include:

• Spinach
• Kale
• Banana
• Green tea
• Flax seeds

The key to keeping your hair healthy is making healthy choices. This means a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Here are more tips to combat hair loss:

• Reduce stress
• Sleep regularly
• Reduce your overall body fat
• Conduct regular scalp exercises and massages that increase blood flow to the top of your head