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AHK-Cu

Last reviewed: June 11, 2026 by The Peptide Catalog Team

A copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys-Cu) and lesser-studied sibling of GHK-Cu, used topically and studied mainly in preclinical models for hair growth and dermal-papilla stimulation. AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys complexed with copper) studied primarily for hair growth and follicle stimulation, the copper-peptide cousin of GHK-Cu. Used in topical research formulations for hair and skin.

CategoryHealing & Recovery Peptides
Overview

Core Benefits

Key Advantages
Hair growth (preclinical)
Stimulates dermal papilla cells and prolongs the anagen phase in vitro.
Copper-peptide cousin of GHK-Cu
Shares the copper-delivery mechanism of the better-studied GHK-Cu.
VEGF upregulation
Reported to raise follicle angiogenesis signals in cell models.
Topical use
Reconstituted into scalp/skin serums — not an injected peptide.
Evidence is thin
Mostly in-vitro and cosmetic-formulation data; little human RCT.
Pairs with GHK-Cu
Usually discussed alongside the far better-studied GHK-Cu.

These are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.

AHK-Cu Results Timeline

Progression
1
Weeks 1-4 (topical)
Physical Changes
Hair-cycle changes are slow; no acute effect to expect
Performance & Recovery
Preclinical data describes dermal-papilla stimulation, not a human timeline
Other Benefits
Applied topically as a reconstituted serum, often with microneedling
2
Months 2-4
Physical Changes
Hair-growth compounds generally need a full cycle before any visible change
Performance & Recovery
AHK-Cu's own human outcome data over time is essentially absent
Other Benefits
Most expectations are borrowed from GHK-Cu and minoxidil-style timelines
3
Honest read
Physical Changes
Evidence is in-vitro / cosmetic; 'no visible change' is consistent with it
Performance & Recovery
Not a validated hair-loss treatment — a research copper peptide
Other Benefits
Pairs with the better-studied GHK-Cu

Timeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.

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How It WorksCopper-Binding Tripeptide — Hair / Skin (Topical; Preclinical Evidence, GHK-Cu Sibling)

Target → Signal → Effect → Outcomes

1
Target

Copper Delivery to Dermal Papilla Cells

AHK-Cu is alanine-histidine-lysine complexed with copper(II). Like its better-known sibling GHK-Cu, its proposed action is delivering bioavailable copper to skin and hair-follicle cells — particularly the dermal papilla cells that regulate the hair-growth cycle.

2
Cellular Signal

VEGF and Anagen-Phase Prolongation (Preclinical)

In cell and animal models, AHK-Cu is reported to upregulate VEGF (follicle angiogenesis) and prolong the anagen (active growth) phase of the hair cycle, increasing follicle size. These are preclinical signals, not human outcomes.

3
Systemic Effect

Local, Topical — Not Systemic

AHK-Cu is used topically on the scalp/skin, so its effects are local rather than systemic. There is no meaningful human pharmacokinetic or systemic-effect data — the molecule is applied where the follicles are, often with microneedling.

4
What You Notice

Slow, Hair-Cycle-Paced — If Anything

Any hair change would be slow (months, a full cycle), as with all hair-growth interventions. AHK-Cu's own human evidence is thin, so "no visible change" is fully consistent with the data. Expectations are largely borrowed from GHK-Cu and conventional hair therapies.

What Makes This Peptide Different

AHK-Cu is the hair-focused copper peptide — the lesser-studied cousin of GHK-Cu. Its distinguishing claim is dermal-papilla stimulation, but the evidence base is mostly in-vitro and cosmetic-formulation work, much of it formulator-funded. It is a topical research compound, not a validated hair-loss treatment.

AHK-Cu Vendors

15% OFF
COA

Ion Peptide

Score
10/10
Price
$55.25
$65.00
Amount
1000mg
Cost/mg
$0.065/mg
Save 15% with code thepeptidecatalog at checkout.
View at Ion Peptide
10% OFF
COA

Glacier Aminos

Score
9/10
Price
$58.49
$64.99
Amount
50mg
Cost/mg
$1.30/mg
Save 10% with code thepeptidecatalog at checkout.
View at Glacier Aminos
Dosing ProtocolHair Growth / Copper Peptide (Topical; Preclinical Evidence)

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
50 mg vial or raw powder (1 g)
Reconstitution
Reconstituted into a topical serum (bacteriostatic/sterile water or cosmetic base), not injected
Dose
Topical concentrations only — community recipes, not a validated protocol
Timing
Applied to the scalp/skin, often daily
Frequency
Topical daily use; sometimes paired with microneedling
Duration
Hair-cycle compounds need months; no validated AHK-Cu protocol
Protocol Notes
Copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys-Cu), the lesser-studied sibling of GHK-Cu. Used TOPICALLY for hair growth — reconstituted into a serum and applied to the scalp, sometimes with microneedling, not injected. Evidence is largely in-vitro and cosmetic-formulation work (dermal-papilla stimulation, VEGF, anagen prolongation); AHK-Cu-specific human RCT data is thin and much is borrowed by analogy from GHK-Cu. Sold for research purposes only.

Why This Dosing Protocol

How is it used? AHK-Cu is reconstituted into a topical serum and applied to the scalp, sometimes with microneedling — not injected. Concentrations come from community recipes, not trials.

Why pair it with GHK-Cu?The two copper peptides are frequently combined or compared; GHK-Cu carries the deeper evidence base AHK-Cu's claims lean on.
Full Dosing GuideReconstitution CalculatorCycle Cost Calculator

Reconstitution Calculator

Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.

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Storage & Handling

Storage at a glance

Proper storage temperatures, shelf life, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20°C
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8°C
View Complete Storage Guide

Handling specifics

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder storage (very stable)
  • Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted storage (fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose

FAQ

What is AHK-Cu?

AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide — alanine-histidine-lysine complexed with copper(II) — and the lesser-studied sibling of GHK-Cu. Research interest centers on hair growth: in cell and animal models it is reported to stimulate dermal papilla cells and prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. It is used topically.

AHK-Cu vs GHK-Cu — what's the difference?

Both are copper-delivery tripeptides. GHK-Cu is the far better-studied molecule, with a broad skin-repair and anti-aging literature; AHK-Cu is marketed more specifically for hair, but its own evidence base is much thinner and many claims are extrapolated from GHK-Cu by analogy.

How is AHK-Cu used?

Topically. Research powder is reconstituted into a serum and applied to the scalp or skin, sometimes alongside microneedling. It is not used as an injectable peptide in community practice. There is no validated dosing protocol — topical concentrations come from community recipes, not trials.

Does AHK-Cu actually regrow hair?

The honest answer is that the evidence is preliminary. Most data is in-vitro or cosmetic-formulation work rather than controlled human trials, and some of it is funded by formulators. AHK-Cu is best described as a research copper peptide with promising preclinical hair signals — not a validated hair-loss treatment.

How long does reconstituted peptide last?

Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.

Is this peptide legal to purchase?

Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

New to peptides?

Take our Peptide Match tool to find the best peptide for your goals. You can also read our Complete Guide to Peptides to learn the basics.

AHK-Cu Research Articles

dosing

AHK-Cu Dosage Chart: Topical Serum Prep

AHK-Cu is used topically, not injected. Here's how community sources reconstitute the copper peptide into a scalp serum — and where the numbers come from.

side-effects

AHK-Cu Side Effects: What's Documented

Topical copper peptides are usually well tolerated — but irritation, contact allergy, and thin safety data are worth understanding before you mix a serum.

results

AHK-Cu Results Timeline: What to Expect

There's no clinical timeline for topical AHK-Cu — only hair-cycle biology and community reports. Here's an honest week-by-week of what's documented.

buying-guide

Buy AHK-Cu: Compare 2 Vendors, From $29

Compare 2 AHK-Cu vendors side by side: from $29 a vial, best value $0.07/mg. Codes save up to 15%. Vial sizes, COA status, real cost per week.

Disclosure: we may earn affiliate commission from qualifying purchases. Educational information only — not medical advice.