Peptide GuideAHK-Cu

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AHK-Cu

Hair supportSkin quality

AHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-3) is a copper-binding peptide studied for hair follicle and scalp support. Human trial data is thin, so most use comes from lab work and community protocols.

What does it do?

Delivers copper to follicle and skin cells that use it for collagen cross-linking
Supports dermal papilla signaling involved in the hair growth cycle
Helps the tissue around the follicle stay more organized
Used mainly for scalp and hair density, not deep muscle repair
Can be applied to skin, but follicle support is the usual goal
Effects build over months because hair cycles are slow

How does it work?

Binds copper and delivers it to skin and follicle cells
Supports enzymes that help build collagen around the follicle
Signals dermal papilla cells involved in the hair cycle
Does not block DHT like finasteride
Does not open potassium channels like minoxidil
Acts as a local copper peptide rather than a hormone

What to expect?

The scalp can feel a little less dry after a few weeks
Hair looks the same in the first month
Any thickening shows later, not in week one
No minoxidil-style scalp burn for most people
Change is slow enough that photos help more than the mirror

How it's typically administered

Topical serum or sprayTopical serum or spraymost common route for hair
Sub-Q injectionSubcutaneous injectionused less often for hair-only goals
OralOralnot useful, does not survive digestion well

How it's typically dosed

Most common dose0.05%–0.2% solution
Frequency1–2x daily
Cycle duration12–24 weeks

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