AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) is a synthetic copper peptide designed specifically to target hair follicle cells. Unlike the naturally occurring GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu was engineered to stimulate hair growth by extending the active growth phase of the hair cycle and increasing follicle cell activity. It is applied topically to the scalp.
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Overview of AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys + Cu²⁺) engineered to target dermal papilla cells and extend the anagen (active growth) phase of the hair cycle.
Directly stimulates dermal papilla cell (DPC) proliferation — the master regulators of the hair growth cycle
Promotes hair follicle elongation ex vivo at concentrations as low as 10⁻¹² to 10⁻⁹ M (Pyo et al., 2007)
Extends the anagen (active growth) phase, resulting in thicker, longer individual hairs
Upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by dermal fibroblasts
Improves blood supply and nutrient delivery to hair follicles during active growth
Suppresses transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) to prevent premature catagen transition
Elevates the Bcl-2/Bax ratio in follicle cells, protecting DPCs from programmed cell death
Reduces caspase-3 activity, counteracting the apoptosis that drives follicle miniaturization in androgenetic alopecia
Provides antioxidant protection to the follicular microenvironment
Read Full AHK-Cu Dosage Guide
Research-backed dosing protocols, timing, and administration details
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Skin, Hair & Aesthetics