AHK-Cu calculator
A copper-binding peptide studied for hair growth and skin, a relative of GHK-Cu. Largely cosmetic and in-vitro evidence.
Also known as: Ala-His-Lys copper, AHK copper peptide
FDA status — not an approved drug Not FDA-approved as a drug. AHK-Cu is a copper peptide used in cosmetic and research products; it is not reviewed by FDA as an injectable drug.
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What AHK-Cu is
AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide related to GHK-Cu, studied particularly for its effects on hair-follicle cells and skin. It appears in cosmetic hair and skin products. Evidence is largely in-vitro and animal; rigorous human trials are lacking.
Research depth: 2/5 In-vitro and animal data on hair-follicle cells plus cosmetic use; no rigorous human trials. Human trials: Cosmetic/in-vitro only. This measures how much has been studied — counting animal and laboratory work — not whether it works for you.
How AHK-Cu works
Like other copper peptides, it binds a copper ion and delivers it to cells, where copper acts as a cofactor for enzymes in tissue remodeling. In-vitro studies showed it stimulated the growth and activity of dermal papilla cells, which regulate hair follicles, suggesting a role in hair support. Human confirmation is lacking.
AHK-Cu side effects
Commonly reported
- Skin irritation with topical use
- Injection-site stinging with injectable use
- Blue tint from the copper
Serious — seek medical care
- Copper accumulation with excessive use
- Contraindicated in Wilson disease or copper-metabolism disorders
- Injectable use has no established safety data
This list is not exhaustive. Report anything unexpected to the clinician who prescribed it. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek care the same day. See also our guide to peptide side effects by class.
A worked example
A 50 mg vial reconstituted with 5 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 10 mg/mL. A 2000 mcg dose is then 0.2 mL — about 20 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe, giving roughly 25 doses per vial before accounting for residual volume left in the vial and syringe.
Prefer paper? Download the printable AHK-Cu dosing chart (PDF) — every vial size and water volume in syringe units, with the same review byline as this page. All charts →
Commonly cited dose range
Figures circulating for AHK-Cu run from 1000 mcg to 5000 mcg. Vials are larger than typical peptides and topical use is more common. Figures shown are community reference amounts in micrograms. There is no established injectable dose.
Read this as reference information, not instruction. These numbers describe what is commonly discussed, not what is right for any individual. Dose, frequency, and whether to use AHK-Cu at all are decisions for a licensed clinician who knows your history.
Common questions
How is AHK-Cu different from GHK-Cu?
Both are copper-binding peptides studied for skin and hair. AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys) has a different amino-acid sequence and has been studied particularly for stimulating hair-follicle cells. The evidence is largely cosmetic and in-vitro for both.
Is AHK-Cu proven to grow hair?
Evidence is limited to in-vitro and animal studies plus cosmetic-use reports. There are no large rigorous human trials establishing hair regrowth.