# AHK-Cu

> AHK-Cu, or Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine copper tripeptide, is a copper-binding peptide related to the more widely studied GHK-Cu, distinguished by its amino acid sequence and research focus that includes hair follicle biology alongside general skin support. It has drawn research interest for its proposed effects on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and dermal papilla cell activity, both implicated in hair growth cycles. This profile addresses AHK-Cu in the context of reconstituted, subcutaneous protocols, which is less studied overall than topical application. Human clinical data specific to this exact peptide remains limited compared to its better-known counterpart GHK-Cu.

- URL: https://www.lifeconverted.com/peptides/ahk-cu
- Primary category: Skin & Cosmetic
- Effectiveness rank: #14 in Skin & Cosmetic
- Evidence level: Emerging research
- Route: Subcutaneous (This profile covers AHK-Cu in reconstituted, injectable/subcutaneous protocols rather than conventional topical cosmetic formulations.)
- Dose range: 1-3 mg
- Dose tiers: low 1 mg; moderate 2 mg; high 3 mg
- Half-life: Short, generally cited in the range of minutes to a few hours for similar copper-peptide complexes, though tissue effects may persist beyond plasma clearance.
- Timing: Evening
- Cycle: Multi-week cycles of daily or near-daily dosing are commonly described on, Periodic breaks are often suggested to avoid cumulative copper exposure off (Monitoring of copper levels may be advisable with extended or repeated cycles given copper's potential for tissue accumulation.)
- Storage: Store lyophilized peptide refrigerated at 2-8°C protected from light prior to reconstitution; keep reconstituted solution refrigerated and use within the supplier's recommended window.

## Mechanism of action

AHK-Cu is proposed to stimulate VEGF expression, a growth factor associated with blood vessel formation that supports nutrient delivery to hair follicles, and to influence dermal papilla cell activity, a cell population central to regulating hair follicle growth cycles. Its copper-binding structure is also associated with general antioxidant and tissue-signaling properties similar to other copper peptides.

## Reported benefits

- Studied for potential effects on VEGF expression relevant to hair follicle blood supply
- Investigated for possible influence on dermal papilla cell activity linked to hair growth cycles
- Explored alongside other copper peptides for general tissue-support properties
- May be of interest in scalp and hair-focused research contexts

## Reported side effects

- Injection site irritation or redness
- Potential for copper accumulation with excessive or prolonged use
- Limited long-term human safety data for injectable administration
- Possible sensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals

## Common protocols

- Daily or every-other-day subcutaneous dosing in multi-week cycles
- Periodic breaks between cycles to limit cumulative copper exposure

## Stacking notes

Sometimes discussed alongside GHK-Cu (copper peptide) in combined protocols for skin and hair support; comparative data between the two is limited.

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