GHK-Cu Peptide For Hair Loss Treatment: How Does It Work?

Hair loss is a widespread concern in the US and beyond. Although it is common, especially as people age, it’s often troubling for those who experience it.¹ Ongoing research aims to identify the safest and most effective treatments.

Standard treatment options for hair loss currently include hair follicle transplantation (which is thought to be effective, but invasive, and inaccessible to most people due to the high cost), and prescription medications, which are more convenient but often come with the risk of side effects.²

GHK Cu hair growth peptide is one promising alternative solution for hair loss.³

This naturally occurring group of peptides and copper may promote hair growth, improve scalp health, strengthen hair, and reduce inflammation and other factors that may contribute to hair loss. It’s also thought to be a safe option for most people, and is widely available where beauty and haircare products are sold.

What Is GHK-Cu Peptide?

GHK-Cu peptide, also referred to as copper peptide or copper tripeptide-1, is a combination of two components: GHK (a group of the amino acids glycine, histidine, and lysine) and the essential element copper (Cu).

GHK-Cu occurs naturally in the body, and is used to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, improve tissue repair and wound healing, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, modulate gene expression, and maintain the structure and integrity of your skin and hair, among other healing and regenerative functions. (⁴, ⁵)

As you get older, your levels of GHK-Cu naturally decrease. This is thought to be a contributing factor to some of the most common effects of aging, including thinning hair, slower wound healing, and decreased strength and elasticity of your skin.

By supplementing your gradually decreasing supplies of GHK-Cu through skin and hair products containing the peptide, you may therefore be able to slow, reduce, or even reverse some of these effects.⁶

GHK-Cu Peptide and Hair Growth

GHK Cu peptide for hair is thought to work in a number of different ways to promote stronger, thicker, healthier hair; accelerate growth; reduce thinning and loss; and repair scalp damage.⁷

While clinical trials on GHK Cu peptide for hair growth are limited, they are promising, and a number of mechanisms have been proposed for how the peptide complex may work.

GHK Cu hair growth peptide may work by:

Side Effects of GHK-CU

GHK Cu  for hair loss is thought to be a safe option for most people, with a low risk of side effects.

When introducing a new product to your skin (including your scalp), it’s always a good idea to start with a patch test.

Apply a small amount of your GHK-Cu serum or other product to an isolated patch of skin where it isn’t likely to be rubbed off quickly (the underside of your arm or elbow is usually a good choice). Leave the product on for 24 hours, and monitor yourself for any adverse reactions or signs of an allergy.

Possible reactions may include itchiness, redness, hives, or a feeling of stinging or burning. If you don’t experience any adverse effects from your patch test, you can likely begin to use the product on your scalp.

If you do experience any signs of allergy or irritation, either during your patch test or after more prolonged use of copper peptides, discontinue use and speak with your practitioner.

There is a potential risk of copper toxicity if the ingredient is used in excess. However, if purchasing a product from a reputable company and using it according to the package directions, this is unlikely.