What is AHK-CU?
AHK-CU is a copper tripeptide (copper tripeptide-3), closely related to the better-known GHK-Cu. While GHK-Cu targets skin and connective tissue more, AHK-Cu focuses on hair growth and scalp circulation.
How it works
Copper peptides promote the formation of new blood vessels and support the cells important for hair growth (dermal papilla cells). AHK-Cu is meant to stimulate exactly these cells and support the hair follicles via better circulation.
Related copper-peptide information is in the GHK-Cu entry.
What you need
- The AHK-CU vial (lyophilized powder).
- Bacteriostatic water, U-100 insulin syringes, alcohol swabs.
Reconstitution
Use the calculator above. A 100mg vial with 3ml water gives roughly 33mg per ml. Just add the water to the vial and let it dissolve. Many also use AHK-Cu topically on the scalp.
Dosing
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Injection
Subcutaneous into the subcutaneous fat or topical. Disinfect the site, pinch a skin fold, rotate sites.
What the research shows
An in vitro study (Pyo, 2007) showed that the AHK copper complex stimulated the growth of human hair follicles and the proliferation of dermal papilla cells. That is an interesting cell-level basis but not a clinical human study.
Side effects
- Generally well tolerated, mainly local reactions at the application site.
- Solid human data are limited.
Storage
Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 8 to 10 weeks with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.