Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper · Copper Peptide AHK
Hair growth copper peptide — stimulates follicle proliferation.
FDA
Research Only
WADA
Not Listed
HALF-LIFE
Unknown
ROUTE
Topical
SCHEDULE
Daily
In Plain English
Hair growth copper peptide — stimulates follicle proliferation.
Status & Legality
NATTY?
No Test ExistsNo established test exists for this compound.
FDA
Research OnlyFor research purposes only. Not FDA approved.
WADA
Not ListedNot currently on WADA prohibited list.
COMPOUNDING
Not from pharmaciesNot available from licensed compounding pharmacies.
PRESCRIBED
Not prescribedNot prescribed in conventional medicine.
ROUTE
TopicalAdministration via topical.
Hair loss prevention
Hair follicle stimulation
Scalp health
AHK-Cu (Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine:Cu) is a copper-binding tripeptide that stimulates hair follicle proliferation and elongation. Studies show increased hair count, thickness, and reduced hair loss. Often preferred over GHK-Cu specifically for scalp applications due to its more targeted follicle action.
Scalp irritation (rare)
Temporary increased shedding at start (telogen effluvium response)
Skin discoloration (very rare)
Expecting results in less than 3 months — follicle cycling means meaningful improvements in hair density take 3–6 months of consistent application
Not using with microneedling — topical copper peptides have minimal scalp penetration without mechanical disruption; dermarolling is not optional for best results
Using formulations below 0.05% concentration — effects below this threshold are marginal
Minoxidil — generally safe to combine; complementary mechanisms; the most commonly stacked hair growth protocol
Finasteride — safe to combine; finasteride addresses DHT while AHK-Cu addresses follicle nutrition and proliferation
High-dose zinc supplements — zinc and copper compete for absorption; excessive zinc (>50 mg/day) can deplete copper and reduce AHK-Cu efficacy
AHK-Cu is most effective when combined with weekly microneedling (0.5–1 mm dermaroller) and applied immediately after. Without mechanical disruption, scalp penetration is insufficient to reach follicle depth. Pair with GHK-Cu for a comprehensive copper peptide hair protocol. Expect 3–4 months before meaningful improvement in hair density is visible.
Stats
Sources & Studies
Copper peptides in wound healing and tissue repair
Pickart L., Clin Dermatol, 2008