The copper peptide more selective for hair follicle activation than GHK-Cu — used topically on the scalp for thicker, faster-growing hair and in combination with minoxidil and microneedling.
AHK-Cu is a synthetic tripeptide-copper complex (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine bound to copper). It’s a sister peptide to GHK-Cu with a nearly identical size and chemistry, but a somewhat different receptor binding profile that makes it more selective for hair follicle stimulation than GHK-Cu.
Most users think of it as "GHK-Cu for hair": similar safety and copper delivery, but tuned specifically for hair regrowth rather than general skin regeneration. It’s often combined with GHK-Cu, minoxidil, finasteride, and dermarolling in comprehensive hair-loss protocols.
Not FDA approved. Not WADA prohibited. Available as injectable powder, topical serum, or scalp tonic.
Directly signals dermal papilla cells to enlarge follicles, converting miniaturized follicles back to terminal hair-producing follicles. This is the primary hair-regrowth mechanism.
Prolongs the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle, allowing hairs to grow longer before shedding. Net effect: more hairs in growth phase at any time = visibly fuller hair.
Like GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu shuttles copper into cells for lysyl oxidase (collagen crosslinking) and antioxidant defense, supporting the extracellular matrix around follicles.
Reduces scalp inflammation that contributes to androgenetic alopecia progression — complementary to finasteride’s DHT-blocking mechanism.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Hair thickness | Measurable increase in hair shaft diameter over 12 weeks of topical use |
| Follicle density | Preclinical data: increased follicle count in androgenetic alopecia models |
| Growth rate | Faster hair growth with continued application |
| Synergy with minoxidil | Combined topical appears additive — different receptor targets |
| Scalp health | Reduced inflammation, healthier follicle environment |
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Start Tracking FreeInjectable is uncommon for hair-only goals — topical is both simpler and more targeted. Injectable is used when combined with other systemic regenerative protocols.
Most effective protocol combines: AHK-Cu 0.05%+GHK-Cu 0.1% topical, minoxidil 5% topical, oral finasteride 1 mg (if appropriate), dermarolling 1–2×/week, and optionally SubQ TB-500 1–2×/week. Multi-mechanism approach is the best predictor of regrowth.
For a DIY topical scalp solution from lyophilized powder:
Pre-mixed topical AHK-Cu solutions from reputable suppliers are easier and more reliable than DIY preparation — potency varies with pH and storage conditions.
50 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 25 mg/mL
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mg | 0.02 mL | 2 units |
| 1 mg | 0.04 mL | 4 units |
Pre-filled with a typical AHK-Cu setup. Edit any field — the draw updates live.
Insulin syringe — 100 units = 1 mL
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Like GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu has an excellent safety profile — endogenous-adjacent chemistry with self-limiting copper binding.
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Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeAHK-Cu is a synthetic tripeptide-copper complex (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine bound to copper). It is a sister peptide to GHK-Cu with a nearly identical size and chemistry, but with a different receptor binding profile that makes it more selective for hair follicle stimulation than GHK-Cu. Most users think of it as GHK-Cu for hair: similar safety and copper delivery, but tuned specifically for hair regrowth rather than general skin regeneration.
Both are copper tripeptides with nearly identical size and chemistry, but AHK-Cu has a somewhat different receptor binding profile that makes it more selective for hair follicle stimulation while GHK-Cu is broader-spectrum for general skin regeneration. They are often combined in comprehensive hair-loss protocols (commonly AHK-Cu 0.05% + GHK-Cu 0.1% topical) along with minoxidil, finasteride, and dermarolling.
AHK-Cu signals dermal papilla cells to enlarge follicles, converting miniaturized follicles back to terminal hair-producing follicles, and prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle so more hairs are in growth phase at any given time. Reported benefits include measurable increase in hair shaft diameter over 12 weeks of topical use, preclinical data showing increased follicle count in androgenetic alopecia models, and faster hair growth with continued application. Effects are typically visible at 3 to 6 months of continuous use.
Topical is the most common route: a 0.05 to 0.1% concentration in a scalp solution or serum applied 1 to 2 times daily to affected areas, often combined with dermarolling 1 to 2 times per week to enhance absorption. Effects are visible at 3 to 6 months of continuous use. Injectable (SubQ) dosing is 0.5 to 1 mg, 3 to 5 times per week, but injectable is uncommon for hair-only goals because topical is simpler and more targeted.
For a 0.05% solution, reconstitute a 50 mg vial with 100 mL of a vehicle (distilled water plus a small percentage of propylene glycol or ethanol for penetration), transfer to a dropper or pump bottle, and refrigerate between uses. Apply 1 mL (roughly 1 pump) to the scalp and work it through the hair without rinsing. Pre-mixed topical solutions from reputable suppliers are easier and more reliable than DIY, because potency varies with pH and storage conditions.
AHK-Cu has an excellent safety profile (endogenous-adjacent chemistry with self-limiting copper binding). Common mild topical effects include scalp tingling or warmth on application, a transient blue tint that fades quickly, and mild dryness if combined with an alcohol-based vehicle. Less common effects include injection site reactions and an initial shed at 4 to 8 weeks (the same dreaded shed as minoxidil, which indicates cycle reset). Do not use with Wilson's disease or active hepatic copper overload, and use caution with pregnancy, breastfeeding, or copper sensitivity.
Yes. Combined topical AHK-Cu plus minoxidil appears additive because they target different receptors. The most effective community protocol combines AHK-Cu 0.05% + GHK-Cu 0.1% topical, minoxidil 5% topical, oral finasteride 1 mg (if appropriate), dermarolling 1 to 2 times per week, and optionally SubQ TB-500 1 to 2 times per week. The multi-mechanism approach is the best predictor of regrowth.
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