Overview
A copper peptide closely related to GHK-Cu, but more associated with hair; it promotes hair-follicle growth and blood-vessel support around the follicle.
Used topically as a scalp serum (see the separate GHK-Cu topical guide for formulation mechanics).
What It Does
AHK-Cu (alanine-histidine-lysine copper tripeptide) stimulates dermal papilla cells, promotes VEGF-driven angiogenesis around hair follicles, and supports hair growth and shaft thickness.
Like GHK-Cu it’s a copper-carrying repair peptide; AHK-Cu is the more hair-focused variant.
Topical use; the blue copper color signals an intact complex.
Topical Formulation
| Vial | Carrier | Target % | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | Distilled water + glycol scalp serum | 0.05–1% | 50 mg makes ~5–10 mL at 0.5–1%. Use the same recipe/cautions as the GHK-Cu scalp serum. |
| 100 mg | As above | 0.05–1% | 100 mg makes ~10–20 mL at 0.5–1%. |
Use Protocol
| Phase | Frequency | Application | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Once daily (PM) | Few drops massaged into thinning scalp areas | Leave on. Judge at 3–6 months. Often stacked with minoxidil (different time of day). Cycle: continuous; assess at 3–6 months. Timing: dry/damp scalp at night; a 0.5 mm dermaroller 1–2×/week boosts penetration. Note: keep away from vitamin C / acids (breaks the copper complex); can pair with GHK-Cu. By sex: Unisex topical copper peptide, used the same by anyone; watch cumulative copper with heavy use. Confirm with a prescriber in pregnancy. |
Handling & Stacking
Application
Topical scalp serum. Patch-test for copper sensitivity.
Storage
- Powder: -4°F.
- Mixed serum: 36–46°F; preserve if stored.
- Bright blue = fresh; faded or brown = remake.
- Potency runs ~2–4 weeks (community estimate), copper-oxidation limited, so keep it cold and dark.
Side effects
Minimal, occasional scalp irritation; faint blue staining of light hair (rinses out).
What to expect
- Gradual hair-follicle support over 3–6 months; best as a minoxidil adjunct rather than a standalone.
- Supply math 50mg → ~1 scalp-serum batch | 100mg → ~2 batches (see GHK-Cu topical guide)
Pairs well with
GHK-Cu (copper-peptide hair stack); minoxidil (different time of day); microneedling
Avoid
Vitamin C / AHA-BHA / benzoyl peroxide same session (breaks copper complex). Broken/irritated scalp. Pregnancy
Approved drug
Tretinoin (Renova) is FDA-approved for fine wrinkles and Botox for frown lines, both far better evidenced than cosmetic peptides.
Safety & Patient Education
Contraindications
Copper sensitivity / Wilson’s disease Broken or inflamed scalp Pregnancy and lactation
Warnings
Topical cosmetic, patch-test for copper allergy Acids/oxidizers in the same session disrupt the copper complex Standalone hair-regrowth evidence is modest, best as an adjunct Unpreserved serum spoils, preserve or refrigerate
Drug interactions
Topical vitamin C / acids / benzoyl peroxide: chemical incompatibility (space them apart) None systemic
Labs
None, cosmetic topical
Stop criteria
Persistent scalp irritation Allergic/copper-sensitivity reaction
Patient education
Topical scalp serum, see the GHK-Cu topical guide for recipe and cautions Patch-test; keep away from vitamin C / acids Give it 3–6 months; pair with minoxidil + microneedling Bright blue means fresh, remake if it fades
References
researchdosing · peptidedosages · PubMed
