Hair-follicle growth in laboratory culture
Laboratory research. Scope of investigation or explicitly identified community interest; not an established indication.2
Skin & hair
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3)
Copper tripeptide studied in hair follicles
Investigational; this profile does not establish an approved use.
What does it do?
AHK-Cu is an alanine–histidine–lysine copper complex investigated in cultured human hair follicles. Ex vivo hair growth is an early signal, not proof that a topical or injectable product regrows hair in people.
Length3 amino acids
Molecular weight · Da416.9 Da
How long does it stay in the body?
Pharmacokinetics · How quickly the compound clears.
Half-lifeHuman kinetics not established2
No numerical human elimination estimate is assigned from animal experiments, related molecules, or an unsupported website estimate.
There is not enough numerical information in the checked sources to show a clearance curve.
What to expect
Study outcomes
Scope of evidence
No controlled clinical scalp-growth or injectable safety study was verified.2
Reported timelines
Reference & communityTopical reference timeline
Shedding: 2–4 weeks; fine hairs: 1–2 months; visible growth: 2–3 months; density: 3–6 months; full results: 6–12 months; skin: 4–8 weeks. Unconfirmed; injection timeline unknown.12
These are reported timelines, not a prediction of your response.
Doses by goal
These are reported practices from secondary sources, not validated dosing recommendations.
Route
Scroll to compare all columns →
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Growth - Scalp Application | 0.5-1% solution/serum | Once or twice daily | TopicalTopical to scalp | Minimum 12-24 weeks for hair growth assessment; can be used continuously | 12 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Source tabs Topical | |||||
| Hair Growth - Combined Protocol | 0.3-0.5% AHK-Cu with minoxidil | Once or twice daily | TopicalTopical to scalp | Minimum 12-24 weeks for hair growth assessment; can be used continuously | 12 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Source tabs Topical | |||||
| Skin Regeneration - Face/Body | 0.3-1% in serum/cream | Once or twice daily | TopicalTopical to skin | Minimum 12-24 weeks for hair growth assessment; can be used continuously | 12 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Source tabs Topical | |||||
| DIY Formulation | Add 0.3-1% to water phase | Cool-down phase (<40°C) | OtherCustom formulation | Minimum 12-24 weeks for hair growth assessment; can be used continuously | 12 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Source tabs Topical | |||||
| Mesotherapy - Scalp (Practitioner) | 0.1-0.5 mg per injection site | Weekly sessions | OtherIntradermal microinjections | Not specified | 12 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| Research Protocol (Theoretical) | 1-5 mg | 2-3 times weekly | SubQ | Not specified | 12 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Source tabs Injectable | |||||
No protocols match these filters.
Reported use periods and breaks. These do not establish a safe cycle or prove that breaks prevent tolerance.
Topical
- Use period
- Minimum 12-24 weeks for hair growth assessment; can be used continuously
- Break
- Not typically cycled; continuous use for best results
Reported timing
Evening application preferred to avoid UV exposure; can use AM if no sun exposure
Injectable
- Use period
- Not established
- Break
- Not established
Reported timing
No established optimal timing
Side effects & safety
Clinical safety gap
Follicles and cells outside the body cannot reveal systemic toxicity or establish tolerability of scalp use.
2Identity
AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu contain different amino-acid sequences; one complex’s trial does not validate the other.
2Symptoms
Persistent burning/itching, rash/swelling, discoloration, shedding beyond 4–6 weeks, metallic taste, nausea, abdominal pain or infection need assessment.
Limitations
Long-term and injection safety unknown; appearance cannot establish sterility.
Not a complete safety screen. Discuss health decisions with a qualified clinician.
Combinations & interactions
11 entriesCheck cautions and reported pairings. A compatibility claim does not establish that a combination is safe.
Copper supplements
Avoidance reportedExcess copper concern.12
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: Avoid CombinationAHA / BHA
Caution reportedAcidity/irritation.12
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: Use CautionRetinoids
Caution reportedIrritation.12
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: Use CautionIron chelators
Caution reportedCopper binding.12
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: Monitor CombinationGHK-Cu
Unverified pairingComplementary tissue targets.12
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: SynergisticMinoxidil
Unverified pairingHair-growth rationale.12
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: SynergisticFinasteride / Dutasteride
Unverified pairingDHT rationale.12
Reference report · Evidence context: Combination unvalidatedBPC-157
Unverified pairingNo proven safe combination.12
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: CompatibleVitamin C
Unverified pairingAcidic formulations may destabilize complexes.12
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: Requires TimingHyaluronic acid
Unverified pairingHydration rationale.12
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: SynergisticOther peptides and medicines
Not establishedA controlled interaction assessment for this exact compound and formulation was not identified in the sources checked. Absence of interaction data is not evidence of compatibility.4
Research contextNo matching interactions. Try another name or filter.
Reconstitution
A product-specific preparation or sterility protocol has not been verified.4
Dilution
A concentration calculation cannot establish a suitable diluent, compatibility, storage interval, or sterility. No universal bacteriostatic-water volume is assigned.4
Reference preparation details
Reported handling information, not a validated formulation or instruction to prepare an injectable product.
Topical
Topical formulation guidance is distinct from injectable preparation.
- Solvents mentioned
- Distilled water / Formulation water phase
- Reported parameters
- Reported example: 100 mg in 10 mL gives 1%. · Reported formulation pH: 5.5–7.0; the source cautions against pH below 5. · The source adds the peptide below 40°C (104°F), during cooling. · Reported storage: light-protective container at 2–8°C, with a 30-day interval.
Injectable
Pep-Pedia describes bacteriostatic water and a light-blue prepared solution.
- Solvents mentioned
- Bacteriostatic water
- Reported parameters
- Reported storage: 2–8°C for 14–21 days.
Its additional 0.22 µm filtration suggestion does not establish sterility or injectable suitability; a validated manufacturing process is not provided.
Appearance & documentation
Appearance and a purity certificate cannot establish sterility, identity, or suitability for injection.
Reported appearanceLight blue powderReported appearance99%+ purity with COAReported appearanceProper copper complexationReported appearancepH-stable formulationReported variationLiposomal preferred for penetrationReported concernDiscolored or degraded appearanceReported concernpH below 5.0
12Available forms
No verified packaging examples included.
Packaging examples, not a market survey. Approved and research products are not interchangeable.
Storage after mixing
Reconstituted research vials
Pep-Pedia reports these handling limits after mixing. They are not validated stability or sterility limits for your vial.
Storage notes
12Refrigerate at 2-8°C; protect from light; use reconstituted solutions within 30 days
Refrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution
Storage depends on the formulation, diluent, container, and handling. Follow the specific product label or pharmacist’s instructions.
Evidence limits
View findings →No controlled clinical scalp-growth or injectable safety study was verified.2
Early research. The relevant evidence is mainly from cells or animals. Human biomarker associations do not show what happens when people take the compound.
Evidence definitions →Research findings
PreclinicalCompound identity & other names
AHK-Cu is an alanine–histidine–lysine copper complex investigated in cultured human hair follicles. Ex vivo hair growth is an early signal, not proof that a topical or injectable product regrows hair in people.
Other names: Copper tripeptide-3
Investigational; this profile does not establish an approved use.
Ala–His–Lys copper complex; distinct from GHK-Cu212
Pep-Pedia identity record
3 amino acids · 416.9 Da
L-Alanyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine (Ala-His-Lys)Reference description; checked chemical identity takes precedence when available.12
How it may work
Reference describes dermal-papilla growth, VEGF, reduced TGF-beta1, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic signaling.12
Cultured human hair follicles
Concentrations of 10⁻¹²–10⁻⁹ M promoted follicle elongation and dermal papilla cell proliferation. The reduction in apoptotic cells at 10⁻⁹ M was not statistically significant.
2Research areas and evidence gaps
Hair-follicle growth in laboratory culture. Scope of investigation or explicitly identified community interest; not an established indication.2
- No controlled clinical scalp-growth or injectable safety study was verified.
- The evidence does not validate the identity, purity or handling of a separately sourced research product.
Additional uses listed by Pep-Pedia
Hair. Follicle elongation, papilla proliferation, circulation and DHT-related injury claims.12
Skin. Fibroblasts, collagen/ECM, regeneration and cell survival.12
Injection. Mesotherapy claims and GHK-Cu extrapolation; no standardized validated protocol.12
Community reports Unvalidated
Pep-Pedia reports use in the research-peptide community. These reports are not clinical evidence.4
The concentration basis and finished formulation were not independently verified. Laboratory follicle results do not validate a home formula or combination with minoxidil.
Search coverage and review status
The targeted newer-literature check did not identify an additional verified exact-compound clinical outcome study beyond the retained evidence. This is not a systematic-review conclusion.
- Checked
- 2026-10-12
- Search
- AHK-Cu alanine histidine lysine copper hair follicle 2025 2026 study PubMed; AHK-Cu 17703734
- Catalog
- Pep-Pedia ↗ · 10 listed references retained
- Targeted search, not a systematic or exhaustive review.
- Retained bibliography entries marked Bibliography only have not been independently verified.
- Distinct URLs may refer to the same publication; component and formulation boundaries remain important.
AI-prepared summaries. Independent medical editorial review is pending.
Community poll 10 topics · Pep-Pedia snapshot
Voluntary, unverified reports. These percentages do not measure effectiveness or safety.
Experience
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Duration of use
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Age range
The source hides 1 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Gender
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Primary goal
The source hides 17 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Effectiveness
The source hides 9 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Side effects
The source hides 8 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Dosage frequency
The source hides 4 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Would recommend
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
How discovered
The source hides 1 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Source & limitations
The source displays “615 responses” for this profile. This is not a confirmed participant count or a denominator for individual questions.
- Voluntary self-reports from Pep-Pedia visitors; identity, treatment, outcomes and timing are unverified. These data are not efficacy or safety estimates.
- The source displays a profile-wide response label, not a confirmed unique participant count. It stays unchanged across questions. Question-specific denominators and absolute option counts are not exposed.
- Only the top five categories are displayed for some questions. Extra categories are retained as an undisplayed-category count; their labels and percentages are unavailable.
- Displayed percentages are rounded. They may not total 100%, especially where categories are hidden.
- This is a dated snapshot, not a live survey or current recommendation.
References
Original sources and review status. Open a reference to read its summary.
1The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitroAbstract checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Human hair follicles and dermal papilla cells were tested outside the body. This was not a clinical scalp study.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
2The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitroAbstract checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Human hair follicles and dermal papilla cells were tested outside the body. This was not a clinical scalp study.
Cultured human hair follicles
Concentrations of 10⁻¹²–10⁻⁹ M promoted follicle elongation and dermal papilla cell proliferation. The reduction in apoptotic cells at 10⁻⁹ M was not statistically significant.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
3The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitroAbstract checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Human hair follicles and dermal papilla cells were tested outside the body. This was not a clinical scalp study.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
4Pep-Pedia: AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3)Community source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Secondary community overview checked on 12 October 2026. Its practice tables and efficacy claims are not independently validated clinical guidance.
5Ahmed S, Aljabri Z, Alharbi M, et al. (2023). Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide application. Drug Deliv Transl Res.Pep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: Ionic-liquid microemulsions were investigated to improve copper-peptide stability and delivery through skin; patient benefit was not tested.
Reported population / model
Formulation study 2023
Reported study details
Enhanced delivery systems · Copper peptide stability
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
6Pickart L, Margolina A (2018). Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci, 19(7), 1987.This reference concerns GHK or GHK-Cu, not AHK-Cu; it cannot establish AHK-Cu efficacy.Pep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: The GHK-Cu review discusses repair-related gene expression, collagen and inflammation. Transfer of these findings to AHK-Cu is uncertain.
Reported population / model
Comprehensive review
Reported study details
4000+ genes analyzed · Tissue repair mechanisms
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here. This reference concerns GHK or GHK-Cu, not AHK-Cu; it cannot establish AHK-Cu efficacy.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
7Hostynek JJ, Dreher F, Maibach HI (2011). Human skin penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as a function of skin layer. Inflamm Res, 60(1), 79-86.Pep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: Copper-tripeptide movement through isolated human skin was measured; penetration alone does not establish hair or skin outcomes.
Reported population / model
In vitro penetration study
Reported study details
Human skin samples · Layer-by-layer analysis
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
8Pickart L, Margolina A (2018). Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci, 19(7), 1987.This reference concerns GHK or GHK-Cu, not AHK-Cu; it cannot establish AHK-Cu efficacy.Linked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE
Reference retained from Pep-Pedia’s bibliography. The original source and the website’s description have not been independently verified; the listed title may not match the linked record.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
9Hostynek JJ, Dreher F, Maibach HI (2011). Human skin penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as a function of skin layer. Inflamm Res, 60(1), 79-86.Linked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE
Reference retained from Pep-Pedia’s bibliography. The original source and the website’s description have not been independently verified; the listed title may not match the linked record.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
10Ahmed S, Aljabri Z, Alharbi M, et al. (2023). Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide application. Drug Deliv Transl Res.Linked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE
Reference retained from Pep-Pedia’s bibliography. The original source and the website’s description have not been independently verified; the listed title may not match the linked record.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
11Pickart L (2008). The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 19(8), 969-988.This reference concerns GHK or GHK-Cu, not AHK-Cu; it cannot establish AHK-Cu efficacy.Linked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE
Reference retained from Pep-Pedia’s bibliography. The original source and the website’s description have not been independently verified; the listed title may not match the linked record.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
12Pep-Pedia: AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) — route-specific referenceReference page checked; underlying claims require separate verification.Community source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Source page checked across available routes. Protocols, cycles, storage, mechanisms and pairing claims are secondary reports; checking the page does not independently validate those claims. Original concise summaries are used here.
Content coverage audit · Checked 2026-10-12