AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper Complex)
The copper tripeptide for hair growth stimulation
AHK-Cu is a copper-chelated tripeptide related to GHK-Cu that shows promise specifically for hair follicle stimulation. It promotes dermal papilla cell proliferation and extends the hair growth (anagen) phase.
Admin routes
Topical
Popularity
Niche
Side effects
Generally mild
AU vendors
0 rated
✓Key benefits
📈What to expect
Reduced hair shedding reported by some users
Visible new growth at follicle level in responsive individuals
Meaningful improvement in hair density if responding to treatment
Based on community reports and published research. Individual results vary significantly.
💊Dosing protocols
Topical hair growth
1-5 ppm in topical solution
Applied to scalp once or twice daily
3-6 months minimum for visible results
Dosing information is sourced from published research and community protocols. This is not a recommendation. Consult a healthcare professional.
Research status|Preclinical - in vitro and animal hair growth studies
Overview
AHK-Cu is structurally similar to GHK-Cu but uses alanine instead of glycine as the first amino acid. Research published by Korean scientists found that AHK-Cu is particularly effective at stimulating hair growth through dermal papilla cell proliferation and VEGF upregulation. While GHK-Cu has broader tissue repair applications, AHK-Cu appears to have a more focused activity profile centred on hair follicle biology. It is increasingly found in topical hair growth products and scalp serums.
⚙️How it works
AHK-Cu works by delivering bioavailable copper to dermal papilla cells while simultaneously upregulating VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in the scalp. It suppresses cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, reducing apoptosis in hair follicle cells. It also increases the Bcl-2 to Bax ratio in favour of cell survival and inhibits TGF-beta1, which normally signals the transition from growth phase (anagen) to regression phase (catagen).
⚡Side effects
📅Research history
Early Korean research on AHK-Cu and hair follicle cells published
Dermal papilla cell proliferation study confirms hair growth activity
AHK-Cu vs GHK-Cu for hair
Both are copper tripeptides, but they have distinct activity profiles. GHK-Cu is a broader tissue remodelling peptide that affects 4,000+ genes and has applications across wound healing, skin aging, and inflammation. AHK-Cu appears more specifically targeted to hair follicle biology. In comparative studies, AHK-Cu showed stronger dermal papilla cell proliferation at equivalent concentrations. For targeted hair growth, AHK-Cu may be the better choice. For overall scalp health and skin rejuvenation, GHK-Cu has the stronger evidence base.
References
- [1]Pyo HK, et al. 'The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth.' Archives of Pharmacal Research, 2007.
- [2]Kang DI, et al. 'AHK-Cu promotes hair growth through stimulation of dermal papilla cells.' Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2009.
Frequently asked questions
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Disclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The dosing protocols listed are sourced from published research and community reports and do not constitute a recommendation. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide. Australian regulations classify many peptides as Schedule 4 (prescription-only) substances. Check current TGA guidelines before purchasing.