Copper & The Follicle

Like its cousin GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu is a carrier peptide that delivers copper to cells. However, AHK-Cu has a higher affinity for scalp tissue. Research shows it promotes the elongation of hair follicles and stimulates the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, which regulate the hair growth cycle.

Crucially, AHK-Cu reduces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in follicular cells and downregulates TGF-beta1, a signal often linked to hair loss, helping to keep hair in the Anagen (growth) phase longer.

Scientific References

  • Pyo HK, et al. “The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro.” Archives of Pharmacal Research. 2007.