AHK-Cu

AHK-Cu is the tripeptide alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with a copper ion. Like other copper peptides, the histidine and lysine residues give it a strong affinity for copper.

It belongs to the same copper-peptide family as GHK-Cu and is a common cosmetic ingredient, often examined in hair-follicle and skin-focused laboratory work.

It is popularly associated in haircare, trichology, and cosmetic-formulation circles with copper-peptide chemistry reputed to stimulate follicles and support thicker, fuller-looking hair.

AHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide that hair-loss and biohacking communities frequently discuss as a copper peptide for hair, where enthusiasts anecdotally report interest in follicle stimulation, improved hair density, and stronger hair shafts. It is often grouped with GHK-Cu in DIY topical serums and scalp routines.

Researchers are investigating copper peptides for their purported role in promoting angiogenesis around the follicle, supporting the growth (anagen) phase, and encouraging keratin and collagen activity in the scalp — mechanisms popular in the hair-regrowth and follicle-health conversation.

In cosmetic-science circles AHK-Cu is also reputed to support scalp conditioning and hair thickness alongside ingredients like minoxidil in anecdotal stacks; these remain areas of active or preclinical investigation and community interest, not outcomes established in humans.

Research has examined AHK-Cu for copper delivery and for its effects on hair-follicle and dermal-cell models, including markers associated with follicle activity and vascular-related signaling.

Studies typically measure gene- and protein-expression changes in cultured cells rather than in people. These are laboratory observations, not human outcomes.

AHK-Cu ships lyophilized with a characteristic blue tint from the bound copper and is kept at -20°C, sealed and protected from light. Because the copper complex is poorly soluble at neutral pH, it is reconstituted with slightly acidic (dilute acetic acid) water rather than plain buffer.

After reconstitution it is held at 4°C for short-term use or aliquoted and stored at -80°C to limit freeze-thaw cycles. Each lot is supplied with an HPLC certificate of analysis.