AHK-Cu
Also known as: AHK copper peptide · Ala-His-Lys copper · AHK tripeptide
A tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys) copper complex that acts as a hair follicle stimulant, distinct from GHK-Cu. AHK-Cu specifically activates hair follicle stem cells and has been shown in in vitro studies to increase hair follicle size and activity by 153%, making it more hair-growth focused than GHK-Cu while sharing similar anti-aging and wound healing properties.
What is AHK-Cu? A tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys) copper complex that acts as a hair follicle stimulant, distinct from GHK-Cu. AHK-Cu specifically activates hair follicle stem cells and has been shown in in vitro studies to increase hair follicle size and activity by 153%, making it more hair-growth focused than GHK-Cu while sharing similar anti-aging and wound healing properties.
How does AHK-Cu work? AHK-Cu binds and activates stem cell factor (SCF) receptor (c-Kit) on hair follicle stem cells, promoting follicle cycling from telogen (resting) to anagen (growth) phase. It also upregulates Wnt signaling in the hair follicle niche, a critical pathway for hair growth. The copper coordination enhances tissue penetration and collagen synthesis similar to GHK-Cu.
Benefits of AHK-Cu: Increases hair follicle size by up to 153% in in vitro studies; Activates hair follicle stem cells via c-Kit/SCF pathway; Upregulates Wnt signaling for hair growth; Anti-aging and skin rejuvenation effects similar to GHK-Cu; Collagen synthesis promotion; Wound healing acceleration; Synergistic with GHK-Cu for comprehensive skin/hair protocols
AHK-Cu dosage: Topical: 1-3% in carrier solution, applied daily to scalp or affected area. Also available as injectable for systemic use.
Research status: Research Only
Source: PeptideWiki — https://www.peptide-wiki.net/peptides/ahk-cu
Mechanism of Action
AHK-Cu binds and activates stem cell factor (SCF) receptor (c-Kit) on hair follicle stem cells, promoting follicle cycling from telogen (resting) to anagen (growth) phase. It also upregulates Wnt signaling in the hair follicle niche, a critical pathway for hair growth. The copper coordination enhances tissue penetration and collagen synthesis similar to GHK-Cu.
Benefits
- Increases hair follicle size by up to 153% in in vitro studies
- Activates hair follicle stem cells via c-Kit/SCF pathway
- Upregulates Wnt signaling for hair growth
- Anti-aging and skin rejuvenation effects similar to GHK-Cu
- Collagen synthesis promotion
- Wound healing acceleration
- Synergistic with GHK-Cu for comprehensive skin/hair protocols
Side Effects & Risks
- Generally very well tolerated
- Mild scalp irritation initially
- Limited long-term human clinical data
Where to Buy AHK-Cu
1 option across 1 vendor · Sorted cheapest first · All include direct product link
From
$39.99
All links are affiliate links — PeptideWiki earns a commission at no extra cost to you. Coupon codes apply at checkout. Prices and availability may change. Always verify COA before purchasing.
Storage & Reconstitution Guide
Storage Temperature
-20°C (lyophilized)
24 months (lyophilized), 28 days (reconstituted)
Reconstitution Solvent
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
Swirl gently — do not shake or vortex
Handling Notes
Protect lyophilized peptide from moisture and light. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated. Discard if solution becomes cloudy or discolored. Use insulin syringe for precise dosing.
Step-by-Step Reconstitution
Gather supplies
BAC water, insulin syringe, alcohol swabs, vial
Disinfect tops
Swab rubber stoppers of both vials with alcohol
Draw BAC water
Pull desired mL of BAC water into syringe
Inject slowly
Inject BAC water down the side of the peptide vial, swirl gently to dissolve
Research Protocol
- Frequency
- Daily topical application to scalp or skin
- Cycle
- Ongoing
- Routes
- topicalsubcutaneous injection
- Notes
- Topical: 1-3% in carrier solution, applied daily to scalp or affected area. Also available as injectable for systemic use.
Legal & Regulatory Status
Sold for research purposes only. Not for human use. Laws vary by country.
Commonly Stacked With
View all peptide stacks →External Resources
Chemical Properties
- Mol. Weight
- 420 Da (estimated)
PeptideWiki Research Team
Evidence-based research data sourced from PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated: February 25, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About AHK-Cu
What is AHK-Cu?▾
A tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys) copper complex that acts as a hair follicle stimulant, distinct from GHK-Cu. AHK-Cu specifically activates hair follicle stem cells and has been shown in in vitro studies to increase hair follicle size and activity by 153%, making it more hair-growth focused than GHK-Cu while sharing similar anti-aging and wound healing properties.
What are the benefits of AHK-Cu?▾
Increases hair follicle size by up to 153% in in vitro studies
What are the benefits of AHK-Cu?▾
Activates hair follicle stem cells via c-Kit/SCF pathway
What are the side effects of AHK-Cu?▾
Generally very well tolerated
What is the recommended dosage for AHK-Cu?▾
Topical: 1-3% in carrier solution, applied daily to scalp or affected area. Also available as injectable for systemic use.
How long should a AHK-Cu cycle last?▾
Ongoing
More Anti-Aging & Longevity Peptides
View all Anti-Aging & Longevity peptides →Livagen
KEDA tetrapeptide
A synthetic tetrapeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala) from the Khavinson bioregulator series that de-heterochromatinizes age-condensed chromatin in lymphocytes, restoring youthful gene expression patterns. Hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory. One of the most mechanistically unique anti-aging peptides — it directly reactivates genes silenced by chromatin condensation with age.
Thyreogen
Thyroid peptide bioregulator
A thyroid-targeting tetrapeptide bioregulator from the Khavinson series. Normalizes thyroid cell function, thyroid hormone synthesis, and thyroid morphology. Studied for hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, and thyroid aging. One of the most widely used Khavinson organ bioregulators given the high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction.
Ventfort
Vascular wall peptide bioregulator
A peptide bioregulator targeting blood vessel walls from the Khavinson series. Normalizes vascular endothelial cell function, reduces oxidative damage to vessel walls, and improves microcirculation. Distinct from Vesugen (which is the synthetic tripeptide form) in being the natural extract-based vascular bioregulator complex.
Vilon
Lys-Glu
A synthetic dipeptide from the Khavinson bioregulator series. Primarily acts as a thymus and immune regulator with demonstrated anti-aging properties.