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.

“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.

In my experience with patients who regularly use pre-workout supplements, caffeine is often highlighted for its role in enhancing physical and mental performance.

I've observed noticeable improvements in their focus and energy levels during workouts.

Of course, it has some adverse side effects when used excessively, as shown by Medline Plus [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 published by the International Journal of Dermatology 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)

From my observations in clinical practice, patients consuming BCAAs have not shown any signs of accelerated hair loss. This aligns with the lack of scientific evidence connecting 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 published by the First International Journal of Andrology has found that this boost in T production is independent of amino acids’ supplementation [3].

In my years of advising fitness enthusiasts, many have reported significant benefits from creatine in terms of energy and muscle growth.

Despite some claims, I haven't seen any direct correlation between creatine use and increased male pattern baldness among my patients.

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 published in the National Library of Medicine on the subject have proven that even without strength training, creatine does not impact your T levels [4].

B-vitamins

In my practice, I've seen cases where a deficiency in B vitamins, particularly B7 and B12, led to hair issues. However, those using pre-workout supplements with B vitamins haven't reported hair loss linked to these vitamins.

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

Research by the National Institutes of Health 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 has yet to find that supplementing with the same will boost hair growth, as per Medical News Today [6].

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

Too much DHT in your bloodstream often leads to hair loss, as per WebMD [15]. Other symptoms include: 

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

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

Reducing DHT levels

In cases where I've diagnosed patients with high DHT levels, I've prescribed medications like finasteride and advised dietary changes. These interventions have often led to positive outcomes in managing their hair health.

Such medications have been shown to reverse hair loss as per studies in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology [16].

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