AHK-Cu Injection Guide
AHK-Cu
Subcutaneous Use - Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper complex, a copper-binding tripeptide naturally found in human plasma. Distinct from GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu demonstrates potent angiogenic (blood vessel-forming), tissue repair, and scalp/hair restoration effects.
Potential Benefits
Key advantages and therapeutic effects
Hair Growth & Scalp Health
- Stimulates hair follicle proliferation and anagen phase prolongation
- Increases hair follicle size and density
- Promotes scalp microcirculation via angiogenesis
- May be more potent than GHK-Cu for androgenic alopecia
- Supports dermal papilla cell activity
Angiogenesis (New Blood Vessel Formation)
- Strongly promotes formation of new capillaries
- Enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues
- Supports wound healing through improved vascularization
- May aid recovery in ischemic or poorly perfused tissues
Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
- Accelerates skin and soft tissue repair
- Stimulates fibroblast migration and proliferation
- Supports collagen and extracellular matrix remodeling
- Reduces healing time for superficial wounds
Skin Regeneration & Anti-Aging
- Improves skin firmness and elasticity
- Stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis
- Reduces fine lines and improves skin texture
- Supports skin barrier integrity
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- Modulates inflammatory cytokines
- May reduce chronic skin and tissue inflammation
- Supports resolution of oxidative stress
- Protective effects on cells under stress
Copper-Dependent Enzyme Support
- Delivers bioavailable copper to tissues
- Supports superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity — key antioxidant enzyme
- Assists lysyl oxidase function for healthy cross-linking of collagen
- Aids cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondrial energy production
Injection Guide
Step-by-step subcutaneous administration
Gather Supplies
- AHK-Cu 50mg vial
- Bacteriostatic water for injection
- Alcohol swabs
- 1cc insulin syringe
- 3cc syringe
- Sharps container or a safe disposal container
Wash Hands
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
Prepare the Medication
- Using 3cc syringe, draw 5mL of bacteriostatic water.
- Inject bacteriostatic water slowly into the AHK-Cu vial.
- DO NOT SHAKE — gently swirl for 20–30 seconds until fully dissolved.
- Solution should be clear; a slight blue tint is normal due to the copper complex.
Prepare the Dose
- Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Draw the prescribed dosing units using a sterile insulin syringe.
- Remove air bubbles by tapping the syringe and pushing the plunger slightly.
Choose Injection Site
- Abdomen (at least 2 inches away from the navel)
- Thighs (front or outer thigh)
- Back of the upper arm
- Scalp (for hair-targeted protocols — shallow subcutaneous)
Clean the Site
- Wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely.
Inject the Medication
- Pinch a fold of skin
- Insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle.
- Push the plunger slowly and steadily to inject the full dose.
- Withdraw the needle and dispose of it properly.
- Apply light pressure with the alcohol swab pad.
- For scalp injections: use a shorter needle, inject very shallowly.
Injection Sites
Recommended locations for administration
ABDOMEN
Below your ribs and above your hip bones, at least 2 inches from the navel. Ideal for systemic benefits — most accessible site for self-administration.
THIGH
Front or outer thigh. Rotate between left and right thigh each session to minimize injection site reactions.
UPPER ARM
Back of the upper arm (triceps area). Best when administered by someone else due to difficulty reaching.
SCALP
Shallow subcutaneous injection directly into the scalp for targeted hair restoration protocols. Use shortest available needle. Often combined with microneedling.
Rotate injection sites each week to keep skin healthy and medication effective. Avoid areas that are scarred, bruised, or irritated.
Dosing Guide
Calculate your dose - consult your healthcare provider
Dosage Calculator
Calculate your insulin syringe units
Total peptide in vial
Amount of water added
Amount you want to inject
Draw this amount on your syringe:
Concentration: 25 mg/mL
This is for general educational purposes only — actual dosing should always be set by a licensed physician. Start at the lowest dose to assess individual tolerance. For hair restoration, many protocols use 1–2mg subcutaneous injection daily near the scalp, often paired with topical application. Cycle for 8–12 weeks then take a 4-week break.
Suggested Dosage: AHK-Cu
General reference only. Consult your physician.
| Starting Dose | Typical Range | Upper-End / Max |
|---|---|---|
1-2 mg daily | 2-5 mg daily | 10 mg daily |
1-2 mg daily
2-5 mg daily
10 mg daily
This is for general educational purposes only — actual dosing should always be set by a licensed physician. Start at the lowest dose to assess individual tolerance. For hair restoration, many protocols use 1–2mg subcutaneous injection daily near the scalp, often paired with topical application. Cycle for 8–12 weeks then take a 4-week break.
Side Effects
Potential adverse reactions to be aware of
Potential Side Effects
- Injection site redness or mild irritation
- Temporary blue-green discoloration at injection site (from copper — resolves quickly)
- Mild swelling or bruising
- Headache (rare)
- Metallic taste (rare, more common with IV use)
Cycle Information
Recommended timing between cycles
8-12 WEEKS ON, 4 WEEKS OFF
(For Tissue & Hair Reset)