AHK-Cu
GHK-Cu's lesser-known cousin, researched mainly for hair follicles.
Overview
AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (alanine-histidine-lysine) closely related to GHK-Cu. It shows up in hair-growth serums. Its research base is small: lab studies on human hair follicles and skin cells suggest it supports follicle growth, but there are almost no published human trials.
How it works
In lab studies it stimulated growth of isolated human hair follicles and dermal papilla cells (the cells that control hair growth) and reduced cell death in those cells. Like GHK-Cu, it delivers copper and may encourage collagen production in skin cells.
Evidence
1/5
Mainly in-vitro and ex-vivo hair follicle studies. Little to no controlled human data.
Half-life
Not characterized in humans
Known as
Copper tripeptide-3, Alanyl-histidyl-lysine copper
Compound facts
- Type
- Copper-binding tripeptide
- Molecular Weight
- 354.40 g/mol (free peptide)
- Molecular Weight (Cu)
- ~416.9 g/mol (with copper)
- Formula
- C15H26N6O4 (free peptide)
- Amino Acids
- 3 (Ala-His-Lys)
- Sequence
- Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine + Cu2+
Reported benefits
Hair follicle growth
Lengthened isolated human hair follicles and boosted dermal papilla cell growth in lab studies.
Collagen support
Increased collagen production in skin-cell cultures.
Thicker-looking hair
Reported by users of topical serums, often alongside other actives.
“Anecdotal” means reported by users, not shown in controlled trials.
Community-reported regimens
Not recommendations. These are commonly cited ranges, shown so you can see what real-world use looks like.
| Plan | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical scalp serum The main way it is used. Not a calculator dose — follow the product label. | – | Once daily | 3–6 months to judge hair changes | Topical |
| Community (injectable) Less common than topical use and has no human study behind it. Figures around 1–2 mg are cited. | 1000 mcg | Once daily | 4–8 weeks | Subcutaneous |
Reconstitution calculator
Set up for AHK-Cu. Switch peptide or vial size any time.
1Mix
Add 2 mL water for 25 mg/mL
2Draw
Draw to 4 units = 0.04 mL = 1 mg
Drag the plunger to set your dose.
3Inject
Next site
Right belly, upper
Tap a site after you inject to keep a rotation.
Pinch the skin, stay 2 in. from the navel, then into a sharps bin.
- Doses per vial
- 50
- Vial lasts
- 50 days
- Good once mixed
- ~30 days
- Syringe
- 30-unit, 0.3 mL
The vial outlasts its ~30-day shelf life once mixed. A smaller vial wastes less.
Under 5 units is hard to measure accurately. Add more diluent for an easier draw.
Math only: concentration (mg/mL) = vial mg ÷ mL of water; units = dose (mg) ÷ concentration × 100. Always double-check against your own vial label and a clinician. This tool does not recommend a dose.
Reconstitution
Diluent: Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) — allows multiple draws from one vial.
- Wipe both vial tops with an alcohol swab and let dry.
- Draw the diluent, then inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial — never straight onto the powder.
- Swirl gently or let it sit; do not shake. Foam can damage peptides.
- Solution should be clear. Cloudy, stringy or discolored = discard.
- A blue tint is the copper and is normal.
- Common mix: 50 mg + 5 mL = 10 mg/mL (1 mg = 10 units).
Storage
Powder
Freezer / fridge
Keep sealed vial in the freezer (−20 °C) for long-term storage; fridge (2–8 °C) is fine for a few weeks. Keep dry and out of light.
After mixing
~30 days
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Never freeze after mixing. Keep upright, capped, and out of light.
Travel
Keep cool
Short trips at room temperature are generally fine for powder; keep mixed vials cold.
- Avoid mixing with acids or strong chelators (e.g. EDTA) — they strip the copper.
Side effects & cautions
Reported side effects
- Stinging or redness at injection or application site
- Scalp irritation
- Possible temporary shedding early on (reported by users)
- Rare allergic reaction
Cautions
- Very little human data — benefits are mostly extrapolated from lab work and GHK-Cu.
- Avoid with Wilson's disease or other copper-metabolism disorders.
- Theoretical growth-promotion concern for people with a cancer history.
FDA & international status
Not a drug; used as a cosmetic ingredient
AHK-Cu is used in cosmetic hair and skin products (not FDA-approved, as cosmetics aren't). Injectable AHK-Cu is not an approved drug.
Regulations change often — verify with the FDA, EMA, MHRA, Health Canada, TGA and WADA before acting.
Often paired with
GHK-CuThe two copper peptides are often combined in hair and scalp serums; GHK-Cu has the stronger human data.
Where to buy
AHK-Cu vials
Shop this product ↗| Size | Price | Per mg | Stock | Latest COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | $34.99 | $0.70 | In stockBuy ↗ | 99.78% pure, lot AHK0001 ILS Labs, tested 2026-08-11 |
| 100 mg | $59.99 | $0.60 | Out of stockNotify me | Not listed |
Amino Club list prices as of 2026-10-07, before promo codes. Multi-buy: 2+ units 5% off, 3+ units 7.5% off, 10+ units 40% off. Prices change; confirm on the product page. Mixing? Their bacteriostatic water is Amino H2O from $19.99.
AHK-Cu at Amino Club
Check sizes, current price and the certificate of analysis (COA) on the product page. Sold for in-vitro research only.
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- Look for a batch-specific COA with HPLC purity (≥98%) and mass-spec identity.
- Typical vial sizes: 50, 100 mg.
FAQ
AHK-Cu or GHK-Cu for hair?
GHK-Cu has more human research overall. AHK-Cu has hair-specific lab data but almost no human trials. Many products combine both.
How long before I'd see results?
Hair cycles are slow — give any hair treatment at least 3–6 months before judging it.
Can it replace minoxidil or finasteride?
There's no evidence for that. Those drugs have large human trials; AHK-Cu does not.