Fitness

Is Baldness More Common in Certain Sports?

October 3, 2025

15 min read

Some sports seem to have a “baldness look.” Think of shaved-headed fighters, powerlifters with receding hairlines, or veteran soccer stars with thinning crowns. But is that the sport—or selection bias and style? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Genetics is the dominant factor in hair loss, yet certain sports-related habits, environments, and performance practices can nudge hair health in one direction or another. This guide pulls together what research we have, where data is thin, and the practical steps athletes and active people can take to protect their hair without compromising performance.

What the science actually says

Genetics still does most of the heavy lifting

Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, AGA) is primarily genetic and driven by follicles’ sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Big-picture numbers:

About 30–50% of men show some AGA by age 50; prevalence can exceed 70–80% by age 70 in white populations. Rates are generally lower in East Asian men and vary across ethnic groups.

Female pattern hair loss affects up to 40% of women by age 70, typically as diffuse thinning rather than a receding hairline.

If you’ve got the genes, the timeline varies, but it usually marches on regardless of profession or athletic status. That said, “environmental modifiers” can speed or slow what your genes set in motion—and some of those modifiers cluster in specific sports.

Exercise, hormones, and DHT: what’s real, what’s not

Training affects hormones, but not in a way that neatly predicts baldness.

Resistance training causes short-lived bumps in testosterone after sessions—minutes to hours. There’s no strong evidence that these acute increases translate into higher long-term DHT at the scalp or clinically meaningful hair loss.

Chronic high-volume endurance training often lowers baseline testosterone in men (relative to sedentary peers), especially alongside low energy availability. That could theoretically protect hair follicles, but again, real-world hair outcomes don’t show a clear signal.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are the glaring exception. Exogenous androgens can significantly raise DHT and accelerate AGA in genetically susceptible men. Lifetime AAS use is estimated around 3–4% in the general population and much higher—often reported in the 10–20% range—among male recreational bodybuilders and some strength-focused athletes. In those groups, rapid hairline or vertex thinning is common.

Bottom line: normal physiologic training doesn’t cause baldness. Performance-enhancing androgens can meaningfully accelerate it.

Evidence gaps and perception bias

Rigorous epidemiology comparing hair loss by sport is surprisingly thin. We have case series (e.g., “helmet alopecia” in soldiers), outbreak reports in wrestlers (fungal infections causing patchy hair loss), and anecdotal clusters. But there’s no large, controlled dataset that shows “cyclists are balder than swimmers,” adjusted for age, ethnicity, and style preferences.

And perception matters. Athletes often keep hair short for practicality, which makes thinning more noticeable. Media visibility makes certain heads more memorable. Many shave by choice—coaches prefer a “clean” look in combat sports, swimmers like the hydrodynamics, and countless athletes adopt the buzzed aesthetic pioneered by icons.

The kinds of hair loss athletes actually face

Understanding which type you’re dealing with is half the battle.

1) Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern)

Look for: receding temples or thinning at the crown in men; diffuse thinning at the part line or crown in women.

Driver: genetic sensitivity to DHT, not exercise per se.

Why athletes notice: short haircuts expose it; TV cameras magnify it; AAS can accelerate it.

2) Telogen effluvium (shedding after stress)

Look for: diffuse shedding 2–3 months after a trigger: illness, crash dieting, severe training stress, big competitions, or major surgery.

Common athlete triggers: low energy availability/RED-S, rapid weight cuts, iron deficiency (especially in distance runners), and prolonged illness or infection.

Good news: often reversible once the trigger is fixed.

3) Traction or pressure alopecia

Look for: thinning along the frontal hairline or at consistent pressure points.

Triggers in sport: tight ponytails, braids, headbands, swim caps; poorly fitted helmets; frequent cap friction in baseball or cycling.

Key point: follicles can scar with chronic traction. Early intervention—looser styles, better helmet fit—prevents permanent loss.

4) Alopecia areata (autoimmune)

Look for: sudden, well-defined bald patches, sometimes after illness or significant stress.

Link to sport: stress can be a nonspecific trigger, but the condition is autoimmune, not training-induced. Often treatable.

5) Fungal infections (tinea capitis, “tinea gladiatorum”)

Look for: round scaly patches with broken hairs (“black dots”), possibly tender or itchy; more common in wrestlers and close-contact athletes.

Route: skin-to-skin contact or shared gear. Teams sometimes see outbreaks.

Treatment: oral antifungals and strict hygiene measures; early diagnosis prevents spread and scarring.

6) Scarring from trauma

Look for: permanent hairlessness in scar tissue from lacerations, burns, or repeated friction/abrasion (e.g., grappling mat burns).

Prevention: protective headgear during drills, proper mat hygiene, prompt wound care.

By-sport breakdown: risk profiles and realities

Strength sports and bodybuilding

Elevated risk factors: AAS use, sometimes prohormones; harsh cutting cycles; occasional use of diuretics or anti-estrogens; close-cropped styles that make thinning impossible to hide.

Practical insight: Among lifters who “cycle,” hairline regression can accelerate dramatically within one or two seasons if predisposed.

Creatine myth: A small study in collegiate rugby players reported a rise in DHT after a creatine loading phase. This hasn’t translated into consistent findings or clinical hair loss in trials. There’s no solid evidence creatine causes baldness.

Takeaway: It’s not the squats—it’s the drugs. Natural lifters aren’t broadly at higher risk than non-athletes.

Endurance running, cycling, triathlon

Elevated risk factors: low ferritin (especially in women), low energy availability, frequent sun exposure, helmet friction points, sweat/salt irritation.

Hormones: chronic high mileage may lower testosterone in men, but the effect on hair is unclear and likely small. Nutritional deficiency-induced shedding is a bigger issue.

Action steps: monitor ferritin (target >30–50 µg/L for hair health and performance), ensure adequate iron and protein, sunscreen for the scalp, and optimize helmet fit.

Combat and grappling (wrestling, BJJ, MMA, judo)

Elevated risk factors: tinea capitis outbreaks, scalp friction/abrasions, frequent shaving (a choice) for hygiene and convenience, rapid weight cuts leading to telogen effluvium.

Practical pattern: Teams that aggressively disinfect mats and enforce “no practice with rash” rules see far fewer hair and skin problems.

Contact/helmeted sports (American football, hockey, lacrosse)

Elevated risk factors: pressure/friction alopecia at helmet edges; occasional scarring from lacerations; sun damage during outdoor sessions; rare folliculitis.

Are helmets “making people bald”? No. Follicle miniaturization from DHT is the culprit in pattern hair loss. Helmets can cause localized breakage/traction, which is preventable.

Ball sports without helmets (soccer, basketball, rugby union)

Observations: high media visibility; many athletes keep short hair; veteran players commonly show age-related AGA—just like the general population.

UV exposure and sweat irritation can aggravate scalp conditions but don’t cause pattern baldness. Heading a ball doesn’t miniaturize hair follicles.

Aquatic sports (swimming, water polo)

Elevated risk factors: hair shaft dryness and breakage from chlorinated water; tight caps causing traction along the hairline; occasionally fungal issues in locker rooms.

Important distinction: chlorine can roughen the hair shaft but doesn’t cause follicle miniaturization. Protect and condition the hair; don’t blame the pool for pattern baldness.

Aesthetic sports and cheer/gymnastics/dance

Elevated risk factors: tight ponytails, buns, extensions, adhesives, and frequent heat/chemical styling—especially risky for traction alopecia around the frontal hairline.

Solution: rotation of styles, protective styles with less tension, and education for athletes and coaches about early signs of traction.

Myths vs. facts that athletes hear all the time

“Hats and helmets cause baldness.” Myth. They can cause breakage or traction if too tight or poorly fitted, but they don’t trigger genetic miniaturization. Many baseball players go bald on top because many men do—caps just make it noticeable.

“Sweat makes you lose hair.” Myth. Sweat can irritate the scalp and worsen dandruff or folliculitis, but it doesn’t cause AGA. Rinsing after training and using gentle shampoos solves most problems.

“Chlorine makes you go bald.” Myth. It damages the hair shaft, not the follicle, leading to dryness and breakage. Condition and cap wisely.

“Shaving your head makes hair grow back thicker.” Myth. It only looks thicker because blunt-cut tips create visual density.

“Creatine causes hair loss.” Weak evidence. That one small study isn’t a smoking gun, and trials haven’t shown hair loss. If you’re predisposed to AGA, creatine isn’t the lever to worry about.

“High testosterone from lifting makes you bald.” Oversimplified. Androgens matter, but your follicles’ sensitivity to DHT is the decisive factor. Many strong, naturally trained athletes keep full hair for decades.

Patterns I’ve seen working with coaches and clinicians

When I speak with sports dermatologists, athletic trainers, and dietitians, a few patterns consistently emerge:

The fastest hairline changes occur in athletes using androgens—sometimes over a single competitive season.

Wrestlers and grapplers avoid most hair-related issues when teams run strict skin checks and mat hygiene; outbreaks happen when those systems slip.

Female runners who report shedding often improve when ferritin is optimized, energy intake is increased, and high-stress training blocks are periodized with recovery.

Traction alopecia sneaks up in sports with tight hairstyles. Educating athletes about tension, rotating styles, and detecting early thinning at the hairline prevents permanent loss.

Practical steps if you’re an athlete worried about hair loss

Step 1: Identify the type of hair loss

Ask: Is it patterned (temples/crown), diffuse shedding, patchy, or localized where a helmet presses?

Take baseline photos in consistent lighting monthly.

Check the scalp for scale, redness, or broken hairs (a sign of fungal or traction issues).

Step 2: Screen for common contributors

Discuss with a clinician. Useful labs and checks include:

Ferritin, hemoglobin, CBC (especially endurance athletes)

TSH (thyroid), vitamin D, and sometimes zinc

Recent illness, major stressors, weight cuts, or significant training changes

Hair practices: tight styles, adhesives, frequent heat/chemical treatments

Medication and supplement review (AAS, prohormones, diuretics, retinoids)

Step 3: Implement hair-friendly training and nutrition

Energy availability: aim for at least ~30 kcal/kg fat-free mass/day as a floor, higher in heavy training blocks.

Protein: 1.6–2.2 g/kg/day across 3–5 meals.

Iron: athletes with low ferritin often benefit from iron-rich foods or supplementation under medical guidance. Many clinicians target ferritin >30–50 µg/L for hair and performance.

Smart periodization: build recovery weeks to mitigate chronic stress that can drive telogen effluvium.

Step 4: Optimize scalp care

Rinse after training to remove sweat and salt; shampoo 2–5 times/week depending on oiliness. Over-washing can dry hair; under-washing can worsen dandruff.

Consider 1–3x/week ketoconazole 1–2% shampoo if dandruff or mild inflammation is present—it may help scalp health and, in some cases, modestly support AGA treatment.

For swimmers: pre-wet hair, apply a leave-in conditioner, wear a silicone cap, and use a post-swim chelating rinse once or twice weekly.

Step 5: Reduce mechanical stress

Helmets: ensure proper fit; use moisture-wicking liners; avoid constantly rubbing the same edge on the hairline.

Hairstyles: loosen tension, rotate styles, limit heavy extensions, and be cautious with adhesives on edges. If you see early thinning along the hairline, scale back immediately.

Step 6: Consider medical treatments early

Early action beats waiting a year and trying to “catch up.”

Minoxidil (topical 5% foam/solution): widely used, allowed in sport, helps prolong anagen and increase hair diameter. Apply once daily (foam) or twice daily (solution) consistently for at least 4–6 months before judging.

Oral minoxidil (low dose): off-label, growing evidence for both sexes; discuss side effects (edema, heart rate changes) with a physician.

Finasteride (1 mg/day) or dutasteride: effective for male AGA by reducing DHT. Finasteride can lower scalp DHT ~60–70%. Sexual side effects are uncommon but real; discuss risks. Not for use in pregnancy. Check anti-doping rules; these agents are currently not prohibited, but athletes should confirm with their national anti-doping organization.

Spironolactone (women): can help female pattern hair loss but is a prohibited diuretic/masking agent under anti-doping rules unless you obtain a therapeutic use exemption (TUE). Know your status before starting.

Low-level laser therapy: at-home devices have modest evidence and are sport-safe.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma): mixed data, often modest benefit; allowed in sport. Consider in the off-season for scheduling convenience.

Hair transplantation: highly effective for suitable candidates; plan around competition schedules and helmets.

Always align treatment with anti-doping regulations. Finasteride used to be banned as a masking agent but was removed from the prohibited list years ago; policies can change, so verify the current status and keep documentation.

Nutrition that supports hair growth (without gimmicks)

Protein: hit your daily target. Hair is protein. Chronically low intake, especially during weight cuts, invites shedding.

Iron: endurance athletes—especially women—are at risk. Heme sources (red meat, poultry, fish) absorb best; pair plant iron with vitamin C. Supplement only with guidance.

Vitamin D and zinc: correct deficiencies if present. Don’t mega-dose.

Omega-3s: support scalp and skin health; not a standalone hair regrowth tool but part of a solid base.

Biotin: deficiency is rare. High-dose biotin can distort lab results (thyroid, troponin) and isn’t a magic hair pill. Avoid unless a deficiency is proven.

Caffeine: topical caffeine shampoos have minor evidence for slowing shedding; oral caffeine supports performance, not hair per se.

Think “boring is effective”: balanced intake, sufficient calories, resistance to crash diets, and steady adherence.

Prevention and care tips by sport

Helmeted athletes (football, hockey, lacrosse, cycling)

Helmet fit: snug but not compressive; adjust padding to avoid constant pressure at the hairline.

Liners: swap and wash regularly; use moisture-wicking materials to cut friction.

Post-training: quick rinse to remove sweat/salt; pat dry—don’t scrub.

Off-days: let the scalp breathe; consider a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen if balding.

Grapplers and wrestlers

Skin checks: enforce no-practice rules for suspected infections.

Gear hygiene: disinfect mats daily; no shared towels or headgear.

Early treatment: patchy hair with scale/itch? Seek oral antifungals promptly to prevent spread and scarring.

Swimmers

Barrier methods: pre-wet hair + conditioner under a silicone cap.

Post-swim: gentle chelating shampoo 1–2x/week; daily rinse otherwise.

Hairline protection: don’t overtighten caps; alternate cap styles; watch for traction along the edges.

Runners and triathletes

Iron/ferritin: test periodically if you’re high mileage or symptomatic (fatigue, shedding).

Sun care: scalp sunscreen or a breathable cap; UV won’t cause pattern baldness but does age the scalp.

Periodization: include deload weeks and adequate fueling to reduce telogen triggers.

Athletes with textured hair

Traction awareness: limit high-tension styles, long-term extensions, and adhesive edge control.

Wash schedules: keep a cadence that balances scalp cleanliness and moisture; co-wash and gentle shampoos help.

Breaks: build “low-tension” days between competitions.

Common mistakes that cost athletes their hair

Ignoring early signs. Waiting for “after the season” can turn reversible thinning into a bigger problem.

Tight gear and styles, every day. Repeated traction is the enemy.

Crash dieting or aggressive weight cuts. Expect shedding 1–2 months later.

Over-washing with harsh shampoos to combat sweat. You dry the scalp, stoke inflammation, and paradoxically worsen shedding.

Blind supplement stacking. Mega-doses don’t beat consistent nutrition; biotin and others can muddy lab work.

Starting finasteride or spironolactone without checking anti-doping status and side-effect profile. Get clarity up front.

Anti-doping quick guide for hair treatments

Generally allowed: topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, ketoconazole shampoo, low-level laser therapy, PRP, hair transplantation.

Caution: spironolactone is prohibited as a diuretic/masking agent without a TUE. Always verify current WADA and national rules; keep prescriptions and physician notes on file.

Policies evolve. Before adding any new medication, confirm status with your team physician or anti-doping officer.

When to see a specialist

You notice rapid changes (over weeks) in pattern or density.

Patchy loss with scale, redness, or tenderness.

Shedding after an illness that’s not slowing at 3–4 months.

You’re considering medical therapy or hair transplant options.

You compete under anti-doping rules and need guidance on permitted treatments or a TUE.

A board-certified dermatologist, especially one familiar with sports dermatology, will map a plan quickly and accurately.

Genetics is the anchor variable. Across most sports, age-matched prevalence looks similar to the general population once you adjust for how visible athletes are and their hair-cutting choices.

Some sports concentrate risk factors:

Strength/bodybuilding scenes with AAS use see more and faster AGA progression in susceptible athletes.

Grappling sports have more infectious hair loss (tinea capitis) without strict hygiene.

Sports with tight helmets or hairstyles increase traction/pressure alopecia risk if not managed.

Endurance sports bring nutritional and energy-availability challenges that can cause shedding episodes.

The sport itself rarely “causes” baldness. It’s the surrounding behaviors—drugs, diet, hygiene, gear, grooming—that tip the scales.

A practical, athlete-proof plan for keeping your hair

1) Document what you see.

Monthly photos in consistent lighting and angle.

2) Fix the fixables.

Fuel adequately, guard iron status, moderate traction, fit helmets correctly, clean gear.

3) Treat early if pattern loss is present.

Start minoxidil. Discuss finasteride/dutasteride (men) and allowable options for women, with anti-doping clarity.

4) Keep the scalp healthy.

Gentle cleansing schedule, ketoconazole for dandruff, sun protection, and prompt treatment of infections.

5) Make it sustainable.

Build habits that fit your training calendar, not fight it—e.g., topical applications after your evening shower, nutrition aligned with training blocks.

6) Style smart.

If your goal is a pro-ready look with less stress, consider shorter cuts that blend thinning gracefully or explore hair systems/transplants off-season if appropriate.

Hair and performance are not mutually exclusive. With a handful of smart routines, early medical support where needed, and clear eyes about what’s in your genetics vs. in your control, you can compete hard and keep more of your hair for longer.