AHK-Cu vs GHRP-6
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- AHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide composed of alanine, histidine, and lysine chelated to copper. Distinct from GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu exhibits strong affinity for hair follicle receptors and demonstrates potent hair growth stimulation alongside wound healing and skin regeneration properties.
- GHRP-6 is the original synthetic GH-releasing peptide and a potent ghrelin receptor agonist. It produces strong GH pulses but is notorious for a significant hunger surge 30–45 minutes post-injection. This hunger side effect makes it less preferred than Ipamorelin or GHRP-2 for most protocols but can be useful in patients with appetite deficiency.
- Half-Life
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- 15–60 minutes
- Admin Route
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- 100–300 mcg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- 2–3 times daily
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates hair follicle growth and reduces shedding
- Increases dermal papilla cell proliferation
- Promotes wound healing and skin regeneration
- Antioxidant protection via superoxide dismutase activation
- Improves skin elasticity and firmness
- Supports collagen and elastin production
- Strong GH stimulation
- Elevated IGF-1
- Muscle growth and recovery support
- Potential anti-inflammatory effects at GI level
- Useful for patients with appetite deficiency or cachexia
- Enhanced recovery from training
- Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated topically
- Mild scalp irritation or redness in sensitive individuals
- Possible temporary hair shedding phase at treatment initiation
- Copper accumulation with excessive systemic use (rare)
- Intense hunger surge (30–45 min post-injection)
- Water retention
- Elevated cortisol (modest)
- Elevated prolactin (modest)
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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