AHK-Cu

Overview

What is AHK-Cu?

AHK-Cu is a copper bound tripeptide of alanine, histidine and lysine, part of the same copper peptide family as GHK-Cu. It is studied for hair follicle stimulation and scalp health, and is used almost entirely in topical cosmetic formulations.

• Hair Growth
• Follicle Health
• Scalp Support

What the research reports

Reported benefits of AHK-Cu

Outcomes described across the published AHK-Cu literature and ongoing study. Read each as research context rather than a promised personal result.

1. 01

   Hair follicle study research

   Studied for effects on dermal papilla cells, the follicle structures that regulate the hair growth cycle, mainly in cell culture work. Reported in research settings.

2. 02

   Keratinocyte support study

   Preclinical work describes support for keratinocyte proliferation, the cell type that forms the structural protein in hair and skin. Reported in research settings.

3. 03

   Copper cofactor delivery role

   Copper acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in tissue remodelling, which is the shared rationale across copper peptides. Reported in research settings.

4. 04

   Topical cosmetic serum use

   Sold mainly in serums applied to the scalp, a low risk route compared with the injectable compounds elsewhere in this directory. Reported in research settings.

5. 05

   Companion to GHK-Cu peptide

   Often formulated alongside GHK-Cu, where the two copper peptides target hair and skin outcomes respectively. Noted across the published research record.

Dosage and protocol

How AHK-Cu is typically studied

No standard published protocol exists. Topical serums use low concentration formulations applied to a clean scalp once or twice daily on an ongoing basis for cosmetic use.

Route

Topical serum application

Example range

Low percent serum

Frequency

Once or twice daily

Timing

Apply to clean, dry scalp, morning or evening. Avoid strong acids.

Clinical evidence

AHK-Cu clinical evidence summary

The published AHK-Cu record, labeled by strength so you can see what is settled and what is still emerging.

Interactions

How AHK-Cu pairs with other peptides

GHK-Cu peptide

Both are copper peptides, so combining raises total copper exposure on the same application area.

Minoxidil use

Commonly layered in hair routines, though no study has examined the combination formally. Confidence: emerging.

Vitamin C serums

Strong acids and ascorbic acid can destabilise the copper complex when layered directly together.

Retinoid serums

Both can irritate scalp skin, so alternating applications is the usual approach in practice.