In plain English
AHK-Cu is a short peptide of three amino acids bound to copper, close in structure to GHK-Cu. It is mostly known for hair, with an emphasis on strengthening follicles, and it is also widely used in skin-care serums.
What it's used for
- Hair thinning and hair growth
- Skin firmness and collagen
Benefits
In laboratory studies, AHK-Cu lengthened human hair follicles, helped the cells at their base survive, and boosted collagen production by skin cells. Users report thicker-looking hair and firmer skin over a few months.
How it works
In simple terms: it feeds copper to hair follicles and skin cells in a form they can use for repair and growth.
It is thought to stimulate the cells at the base of the follicle, increase blood vessel growth around it and reduce the cell death that shrinks follicles. In skin, it increases collagen and other structural proteins.
Development history
- 2000s: Studied as a hair-growth peptide alongside GHK-Cu.
- Today: Found in hair and skin products and sold as an injectable peptide.
Typical protocols
These ranges are what users commonly report.
| Use | Dose | Frequency | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair and skin | 1–2 mg | Daily or 5 days a week | 4–8 weeks |
Cycling
Commonly run for 4–8 weeks, then a break.
Administration options
Subcutaneous injection. It is also widely used in skin and scalp serums.
Reconstitution and dosing calculator
Usually comes in 50 mg or 100 mg vials, mixed with 3–5 mL of bacteriostatic water. The solution is blue from the copper.
Draw your syringe to
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Show the math
This tool does arithmetic only. It does not choose a dose or confirm that any substance is right for you. Double-check every result against your syringe and your clinician’s instructions.
Side effects and safety
- Injection-site stinging, redness or a blue tint at the site.
- Too much copper can cause nausea; people with Wilson's disease should avoid copper peptides.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common stacks
- GHK-Cu: often combined.
- Growth hormone peptides: for overall skin and hair support.
Storage
Powder: refrigerate or freeze. After mixing: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within about 4 weeks.
Compare with
- GHK-Cu: broader skin, wound and tissue effects with more research.
- AHK-Cu: more focused on hair.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it blue?
Copper peptides are naturally blue. A clear solution may mean the copper is missing.
References
- Pyo HK, et al. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res. 2007;30(7):834-839.