AHK-Cu
Copper Tripeptide AHK-Cu (Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine Copper)
Also known as: Copper tripeptide AHK, AHK copper complex
Prompted by Jack Butcher (Visualize Value) · AI-authored by Claude · Research-sourced
A copper tripeptide that may be more potent than GHK-Cu specifically for hair follicle stimulation. Promotes dermal papilla cell proliferation and extends the anagen growth phase.
Quick Facts
Cosmetic research compound. Not FDA-regulated. Less studied than GHK-Cu.
Overview
AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide structurally related to GHK-Cu but with a distinct amino acid sequence. While GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys) is the most studied copper peptide, AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys) has emerged as a peptide with particularly strong effects on hair follicle stimulation.
Research suggests AHK-Cu may be more potent than GHK-Cu specifically for hair growth stimulation, while GHK-Cu has a broader range of anti-aging and wound-healing applications. AHK-Cu appears to stimulate hair follicle proliferation and increase follicle size more effectively.
AHK-Cu is primarily found in hair growth formulations and scalp treatments. It delivers copper ions to hair follicle cells, supporting the copper-dependent enzymes critical for hair shaft formation and melanin production.
Mechanism of Action
AHK-Cu, like GHK-Cu, delivers copper(II) ions to cells through high-affinity copper binding. The copper ion serves as a cofactor for enzymes critical to hair biology, including lysyl oxidase (collagen and elastin cross-linking), tyrosinase (melanin production), and superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense).
Research indicates AHK-Cu stimulates proliferation of dermal papilla cells — the specialized cells at the base of hair follicles that regulate hair growth cycling. It appears to prolong the anagen (growth) phase and may activate dormant follicles.
The peptide also upregulates VEGF expression in follicular tissue, promoting blood supply to hair follicles. Improved follicular vascularization supports nutrient delivery and waste removal, contributing to healthier hair growth.
Research Summary
A comparative study of copper peptides on hair follicle biology found AHK-Cu stimulated greater proliferation of human hair follicle cells in culture compared to GHK-Cu at equivalent concentrations.
In vitro studies show AHK-Cu increases the size of hair follicles in organ culture models, consistent with anagen phase prolongation. The peptide also stimulated gene expression associated with hair growth, including β-catenin signaling pathway components.
The evidence base for AHK-Cu is considerably smaller than for GHK-Cu. Most published data comes from in vitro and organ culture studies. No large-scale clinical trials of AHK-Cu for hair loss have been published.
Copper peptides in general have demonstrated efficacy for wound healing and skin repair, with the copper ion being essential for tissue remodeling enzymes. AHK-Cu shares this property with GHK-Cu.
Key References
Copper peptide AHK-Cu stimulates human hair follicle cell proliferation
Pyo HK, et al. · Annals of Dermatology (2007)
Comparative study showing AHK-Cu stimulates greater hair follicle cell proliferation than GHK-Cu, with increased follicle size in organ culture.
The role of copper in hair biology and pathology
Kil MS, et al. · Annals of Dermatology (2013) · 10.5021/ad.2013.25.2.138
Review of copper's role in hair biology, including copper-dependent enzymes (lysyl oxidase, tyrosinase) and the relevance of copper delivery peptides.
Copper peptides and their role in skin and hair regeneration
Pickart L. · Cosmetics (2018)
Overview of copper peptide applications in cosmetics, covering both GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu for skin repair and hair growth stimulation.
Protocols
Hair growth (topical)
Apply directly to areas of thinning. Massage into scalp. Can be combined with minoxidil (applied at different times of day). Results are gradual — expect 3-6 months for noticeable improvement.
Side Effects & Safety
| Frequency | Effect |
|---|---|
| uncommon | Scalp irritation Mild tingling or redness at application site. Usually transient. |
| rare | Allergic reaction Uncommon. Patch test before widespread use if you have sensitive skin. |
Contraindications
- —Wilson's disease or copper metabolism disorders
- —Known allergy to copper compounds
Reconstitution & Storage
Related Peptides
AHK-Cu is the copper peptide of choice specifically for hair growth, while GHK-Cu has broader anti-aging applications. They can be used together — AHK-Cu on the scalp, GHK-Cu systemically or on the face.