Copper Peptides For Hair: Why Everyone is So Excited About GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu

It’s become impossible to ignore the hype around copper peptides for hair. But is it just that - hype? Or is there science behind copper peptides and hair? You’ve come to the right place.

The short answer is GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu, the two most popular copper peptides, have plenty of evidence showing their connection to hair growth. They can support better follicle health and gradually improve the appearance of hair density.

Whether you choose to go with our world-renowned GHK-Cu hair serum or our latest-and-greatest AHK-Cu peptide, though, there’s more you need to know. Learn about copper peptides and hair below.

Key Takeaways

• GHK-Cu is the most extensively researched copper peptide with more than 100 published papers over a 50-year span.
• AHK-Cu is newer, so we have less research on it, but what we know so far is very promising.
• Topical copper peptides may support hair growth WITHOUT the irritation and side effects alternatives are notorious for.
• Changes in hair density appearance can take at least 6-8 weeks, so be patient in trying copper peptides for hair. 

What Are Copper Peptides For Hair?

Copper peptides are amino acid chains bound to a copper ion. There are two main types of copper peptides you should be aware of:

• GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a tripeptide that occurs naturally in your blood plasma. But it starts to dwindle with age - which is where the case for supplementing existing levels with a GHK-Cu serum comes into play.
• AHK-Cu (alanyl-histidyl-lysine) is also a tripeptide - but it’s not naturally occurring. This synthetic variant was specifically developed for research into hair follicle function. 

There are other forms out there, but this is where most of the conversations on copper peptides and hair growth come back to - one of these two. They’re distinguished by just one amino acid, which makes a world of difference in how each molecule interacts with cells.

Do Copper Peptides Work For Hair Growth?

Your hair follicles go through three distinct phases:

• Anagen (growth)
• Catagen (transition)
• Telogen (rest)

Obviously, you want as many hair follicles in anagen as possible. Hair loss just means you have more hair follicles in the telogen phase. The length of the growth phase - and how healthy the derma papilla cells at the base of each follicle are - dictate how thick and full your hair looks.

So, how do copper peptides work for hair growth? It starts with gene expression. GHK-Cu modulates 4,000+ human genes, including pathways involved in tissue repair, extracellular matrix maintenance, and the structural environment surrounding hair follicles.1

What this means for you: GHK-Cu helps facilitate the processes responsible for collagen production and tissue remodeling. Both of those things matter for keeping hair follicles healthy.

There’s more limited research for AHK-Cu, but it’s compelling nonetheless. One study found that AHK-Cu was able to help elongate human hair follicles and proliferate dermal papilla cells.2 While the study took place outside of the human body, it speaks to the potential of AHK-Cu.

What Are the Best Copper Peptides For Hair Growth?

You’ll see all sorts of peptide hair products on the market these days - and unfortunately, a lot of these are being peddled by brands hoping to cash in on the peptide craze. These are the only ones you should look to add to your hair care routine:

1. GHK-Cu

By far the most extensively studied copper peptide, with research going all the way back to the 1970s. The science behind it can get a little complex, so the simplest way to think about it is that GHK-Cu appears to help support hair follicles in their active growth phase - potentially keeping hair rooted longer.

Our GHK-Cu Hair Tonic delivers this proven peptide at 1% concentration alongside 1% Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, both independently verified via LC-MS analysis at the University of Illinois at Chicago's Mass Spectrometry Core. No fluff or filler ingredients. 

2. AHK-Cu

We typically encourage people to start with GHK-Cu just because it has more research and promise. But if you’ve used it in the past to no avail, it could be worth exploring AHK-Cu - the peptide specifically engineered for its potential in hair growth. The research behind it is certainly exciting, albeit young.

Our AHK-Cu Hair Tonic is the same formula but swaps this peptide for GHK-Cu. You still get the 1% concentration and filler-free formula, backed by lab testing. 

3. Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

You’ve now seen this peptide named twice. It’s technically not a copper peptide, but it’s included in both the Hair Tonics at PLU Laboratories for a reason. This biomimetic peptide has its own research related to the structure of the hair follicle and how dense hair looks. It appears to help keep the hair anchored, reducing shedding. In other words, you keep more of the hair you have!

Setting Expectations With Copper Peptides For Hair Loss

Copper peptides are certainly worth adding to your hair care routine. But don’t expect an overnight transformation, or you will be sorely disappointed. Hair biology in general operates in cycles lasting weeks, if not months. Here’s a realistic timeline:

• Weeks 1-2: Your scalp feels healthier.
• Weeks 3-4: Hair looks healthier.
• Weeks 5-8: You may notice less shedding.
• Beyond week 8: Hair continues to look thicker and thicker.

Consistency is everything. So many people hope to see early progress and get discouraged after the third or fourth week, so they quit. But the truth is, nothing changes hair that fast. Not even the most well-known hair loss treatments - minoxidil and finasteride. These come with 2-3 month timelines themselves.

How to Add Copper Peptides to Your Routine

It’s so easy to use copper peptides for hair. After picking up the right copper peptide serum, plan on making it a part of your bedtime routine. Ideally, 30 minutes before bed so the serum has time to dry on your scalp and avoid getting rubbed off on your pillow.

Apply just 2-3 drops to the scalp and begin massaging it in for 1-2 minutes. This massage is really important for boosting blood flow and maximizing absorption. Some customers even add dermarolling to their regimen.

We prefer to do this at night, but morning is fine too. Just don’t rinse the serum out. Leave it there and style your hair as normal if you apply in the daytime. 

Are There Any Side Effects You Should Know About?

Nope! Copper peptides have a very strong safety profile when used topically for hair growth. That’s part of the reason people decide to give them a try over the alternatives, like minoxidil and finasteride - both of which are known for nasty side effects. 

That being said, you may experience some buildup on the scalp if you apply multiple days in a row without rinsing your hair well. It could be worth adding a clarifying shampoo once a week. 

The only people who shouldn’t use copper peptides for hair are those with a known copper allergy. Other than that, you have next to nothing to worry about. 

Bottom Line on Copper Peptides and Hair Growth

You can see why people are so intrigued by copper peptides for hair. They have great promise. We have in-depth comparisons of GHK-Cu vs Finasteride and AHK-Cu vs Minoxidil if you want to learn more about how peptides compare to prescription drugs. 

Otherwise, all that’s left to do now is find the right GHK-Cu hair growth formula - and your search ends here at PLU Laboratories. Or, try AHK-Cu. Either way, you’re on the right track to healthier, thicker-looking hair.

References

1. Pickart LV, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PubMed
2. Pyo HK, et al. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res. 2007;30(7):834-839. PubMed