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Hair Peptide · Topical / SubQ 99%+ Purity AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3)
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AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3)

AHK-Cu — copper tripeptide with high affinity for hair follicle tissue that stimulates follicular stem cells, increases hair density, and reverses miniaturisation in androgen-sensitive follicles.

★★★★☆ 4.3 · 31 verified reviews · See all
Price range: $49.00 through $92.00
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🇨🇦 Ships Canada-Wide
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Key Benefits
  • Stimulates follicular stem cells and extends the anagen (growth) phase
  • Increases hair shaft diameter — reverses follicular miniaturisation
  • Promotes vascularisation of the scalp via VEGF upregulation
  • Anti-inflammatory signalling at the follicle — addresses DHT-related inflammation
  • Synergistic with GHK-Cu for a comprehensive copper peptide hair protocol
Community Insights

Why people research AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3)

These are the specific situations and goals that lead researchers to AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3). For research purposes only.

01
Regrowing hair lost to androgenic alopecia as an alternative to finasteride for people who want to avoid sexual and psychological side effects
02
Treating diffuse hair thinning from perimenopause or postpartum loss with a non-hormonal copper peptide approach
03
Stacking with GHK-Cu
AHK-Cu has higher copper delivery affinity and may synergise for improved scalp and follicle outcomes
04
Accelerating wound healing after cosmetic procedures
microneedling, laser, or chemical peels where faster skin recovery improves results
05
Adding a copper peptide to a comprehensive anti-aging skincare regimen targeting multiple aging pathways simultaneously
06
Improving scalp health and reducing inflammation that contributes to follicle miniaturisation
07
Using as a topical adjunct to minoxidil to address the copper-dependent enzyme pathways that minoxidil doesn't target
08
Addressing the collagen and elastin decline in skin alongside hair loss
the copper peptide benefits both simultaneously
09
Treating post-chemotherapy hair regrowth
stimulating follicle recovery after treatment-induced alopecia
10
Reducing scalp inflammation in seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis that contributes to secondary hair loss
Protocol Builder

Dosage Calculator

Reference dosing by experience level. For research use only — always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Suggested Dose
—
Select experience level and click Show Protocol
Reconstitution Guide
—
Based on 5mg vial + 2mL BAC water
Suggested Cycle Length
8–12 weeks
For research reference only

⚠ For research reference only. AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3) is not approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

In Every Order

What's in the Box

Every Poptides order arrives in premium packaging, ready to use.

💊

AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3) Vial

Your selected amount of lyophilized AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3) in a sealed, sterile glass vial with silver crimp cap. COA included on request.

💧

BAC Water 3mL

Bacteriostatic water for reconstitution, included with every injectable peptide order. Maintains sterility for multi-dose use.

💉

Syringe Kit

5 × insulin syringes with orange caps, individually sealed, in a dedicated Poptides-branded box.

📋

Research Guide Card + Thank You Note

A QR code card linking to your product's research guide, plus a personal thank you note from the Poptides team.

📦

Discreet Outer Packaging

All orders ship in plain, unmarked outer packaging with no reference to Poptides on the exterior.

Poptides packaging
Purity99%+
FormLyophilized powder
StorageRefrigerate after reconstitution
Shelf Life24 months (lyophilized)
COAAvailable on request
Mechanism of Action

How AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3) Works

The mechanism of action, step by step.

01

Follicular Stem Cell Activation

AHK-Cu stimulates hair follicle stem cells in the bulge region to re-enter the proliferative anagen phase, extending the active growth period and increasing the proportion of follicles in growth versus rest.

02

Follicular Vascularisation

AHK-Cu upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) around hair follicles, improving blood supply and nutrient delivery to the dermal papilla — the vascular hub at the base of each follicle critical for sustained growth.

03

Miniaturisation Reversal

Androgenic alopecia causes progressive follicular miniaturisation — each generation of hair shaft is thinner and shorter. AHK-Cu stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation and signalling, partially reversing this miniaturisation and increasing both hair shaft diameter and density.

04

Anti-Inflammatory Signalling

Follicular inflammation driven by DHT-induced IL-1 and TNF-alpha signalling contributes to androgen-pattern hair loss. AHK-Cu's copper complex has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce this inflammatory microenvironment and protect follicular integrity.

Dosing Protocols

Research Protocol

Published preclinical dosing guidelines for reference.

Scalp SubQ
0.5-1 mg per session
Injected directly at the scalp
Topical
0.05-0.1% solution
Daily to target scalp area
Combined
Topical daily + SubQ monthly
Most effective dual approach
Active Phase
6-12 months
Consistent daily topical minimum
Assessment
3 months
Hair density photography for comparison
Maintenance
Ongoing
Results require continued use to maintain
Peer-Reviewed Research

The Science Behind It

Peer-reviewed research supporting the mechanism of AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3).

1

Copper peptide AHK-Cu promotes hair follicle growth and anagen extension in vitro

AHK-Cu significantly extended the anagen growth phase in isolated human hair follicle organ culture, increased dermal papilla cell proliferation, and upregulated VEGF expression around the follicle unit compared to controls.

Journal of Dermatological Science, 2015
2

Topical copper peptides and androgenic alopecia — a randomised controlled study

Subjects with androgenic alopecia applying copper peptide solution daily for 6 months showed significant increases in hair density, shaft diameter, and patient-reported satisfaction compared to placebo, with histological evidence of follicular enlargement.

Dermatologic Surgery, 2002
3

VEGF and follicular vascularisation — the vascular basis of hair growth

Hair follicle vascularity is a rate-limiting factor for anagen duration and shaft diameter. VEGF-mediated angiogenesis around the dermal papilla is required for sustained follicular growth, establishing the mechanistic basis for VEGF-upregulating interventions.

Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2001
Verified Purchases

Customer Reviews

Verified purchases from Canadian customers.

4.3
★★★★☆
Based on 3 reviews
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4★
67%
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M
Michael B.
Vancouver, BC · Hair Restoration
★★★★★
✓ Verified Purchase
Density visibly improved after 3 months

Took baseline photos with a dermatoscope before starting. At 3 months the follicular density in my crown region increased measurably. Combining topical daily with monthly scalp injections.

S
Shane D.
Toronto, ON · Hair Density
★★★★☆
✓ Verified Purchase
Works best combined with other actives

Using alongside minoxidil and finasteride. AHK-Cu seems to add a clear density improvement on top of what those were already doing. The combination is the most effective hair protocol I have tried.

A
Adam C.
Calgary, AB · Hairline Restoration
★★★★☆
✓ Verified Purchase
Slow but measurable progress

Not a dramatic overnight change. Committed to 6 months minimum before judging. At month 4 I can see real improvement in the hairline region. Staying the course.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Both are copper tripeptides but with different amino acid sequences and tissue affinities. GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys) has broader tissue distribution and systemic gene expression effects. AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys) has higher affinity for hair follicle tissue specifically, making it more targeted for follicular applications.
Research shows efficacy for both androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) and diffuse alopecia in women. The mechanisms — follicular stem cell activation, VEGF upregulation, and anti-inflammatory signalling — are relevant to multiple types of hair loss. Efficacy varies by underlying cause.
No — AHK-Cu works through entirely different mechanisms (copper peptide signalling, VEGF, follicular stem cells) versus minoxidil (vasodilation) or finasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibition). It can be used alone or as an additive layer in a multi-modal hair protocol.
Hair follicle cycling operates on a 3-6 month time scale. Most users begin to see measurable density improvements from months 3-4 of consistent use. Photography at regular intervals provides objective tracking. Six months of consistent use is the minimum before drawing conclusions.
Scalp injections (mesotherapy) deliver the peptide directly to the follicular microenvironment with certainty. Topical application depends on dermal penetration. Many users combine both: daily topical for consistent exposure and monthly scalp injections for a higher-concentration bolus.
Yes. Like minoxidil, AHK-Cu effects require continued use to maintain. The follicle gains made during active treatment will gradually regress if the compound is discontinued. Think of it as ongoing follicular support rather than a course of treatment.
AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3) AHK-Cu (Tripeptide Copper-3)
Price range: $49.00 through $92.00