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№ 045

AHK-Cu

Copper-binding tripeptide cousin to GHK-Cu. Promoted specifically for hair-follicle support. Limited human data — most evidence is in vitro and topical formulation.

Skin
Evidence: Anecdotal
Half-life
~2 hours topical
Route
Topical (most common) or sub-q
Cycle
8-12 weeks
Schedule
1-2x daily topical
In plain English

AHK-Cu is a hair-focused cousin to GHK-Cu. Same copper-binding family, different amino acid sequence, marketed for follicle support. Most evidence is in vitro and topical. Treat it like minoxidil's experimental sibling — slow, subtle, cumulative.

Status & legality
Natty?
Grey area

Naturally-occurring copper peptide derivative. Federations don't address it specifically.

FDA
Not approved

Not FDA approved as a drug. Approved as a cosmetic ingredient in some formulations.

Compounding
Not classified

Not formally categorized in the FDA bulks lists.

WADA
Not listed
Prescribed

Not prescribed in conventional medicine.

Who it's for

  • →Users targeting hair-follicle support specifically
  • →Stack add-on alongside GHK-Cu for skin + hair routines
  • →Topical-only researchers

What to expect

  1. Week 1

    Nothing visible yet.

  2. Week 4

    Scalp irritation should fade if it appeared early.

  3. Week 8

    Subtle follicle changes for responders. Most users see less than topical minoxidil produces.

How it works (mechanism)

Copper-binding tripeptide (alanine-histidine-lysine) similar to GHK-Cu in family but specialized for follicular activity. Activates dermal papilla cells in vitro.

Dosing protocol

Topical: 0.05-0.2% concentration, 1-2x daily. Sub-q: 1-2 mg daily, less commonly used.

Stacks well with

GHK-Cu (the canonical skin pair)
Topical minoxidil (different mechanism, additive in some users)

Side effects

01Scalp irritation early
02Mild itching
03Rare: contact dermatitis

When NOT to use

  • ⚠Wilson's disease
  • ⚠Active scalp infection

Common mistakes

  • • Confusing it with GHK-Cu and using GHK-Cu protocols here
  • • Storing in plastic (copper binds plastic — use glass)
  • • Expecting fast follicle changes — visible response takes weeks

Educational only. User-specific dosing is between you and a qualified provider.

Frequently asked

What is AHK-Cu?+
AHK-Cu is a hair-focused cousin to GHK-Cu. Same copper-binding family, different amino acid sequence, marketed for follicle support. Most evidence is in vitro and topical. Treat it like minoxidil's experimental sibling — slow, subtle, cumulative.
Is AHK-Cu FDA approved?+
Not FDA approved as a drug. Approved as a cosmetic ingredient in some formulations.
Is AHK-Cu banned by WADA?+
AHK-Cu is not currently on the WADA prohibited list.
Are you still natty after taking AHK-Cu?+
Grey area. Naturally-occurring copper peptide derivative. Federations don't address it specifically.
Do doctors prescribe AHK-Cu?+
Not prescribed in conventional medicine.
What's the typical dose of AHK-Cu?+
Topical: 0.05-0.2% concentration, 1-2x daily. Sub-q: 1-2 mg daily, less commonly used.
What are the side effects of AHK-Cu?+
Common side effects include: Scalp irritation early; Mild itching; Rare: contact dermatitis. Less common effects and full safety details are on the entry page.
How long until AHK-Cu starts working?+
Nothing visible yet.

More in Skin

№ 005
GHK-Cu

Copper-binding tripeptide. Supports collagen, wound healing, and hair follicles. Topical or sub-q.

№ 056
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