Hair Growth Stack (GHK-Cu · AHK-Cu · PTD-DBM)

GHK-Cu

GHK is a tripeptide first isolated from human plasma that binds copper(II) with high affinity; the resulting blue complex is the form used in nearly all published work. Studies report effects on collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, on metalloproteinase and TIMP expression, and on VEGF output in dermal cell cultures. In follicle-specific work it is examined in dermal papilla cell models and in studies of follicle size and anagen-phase markers.

AHK-Cu

AHK-Cu substitutes alanine for glycine at the N-terminus, retaining the histidine imidazole and lysine amine that form the copper coordination site. It is studied largely in hair-focused assays, where reports describe increased dermal papilla cell viability and VEGF expression in culture. Comparing it directly against GHK-Cu is a common design, since the two differ by a single methyl group yet are formulated and marketed separately in cosmetic science.

PTD-DBM

PTD-DBM is a designed construct rather than a natural sequence: a protein transduction domain provides cell entry, and the fused Dishevelled-binding motif from CXXC5 competes with the endogenous CXXC5–Dishevelled interaction that restrains Wnt/beta-catenin signalling. Published mouse work reported follicle neogenesis and wound-associated hair regrowth, often in combination with valproic acid as a second Wnt-activating input.

Why the three are stacked

• They engage separate mechanisms — copper-dependent matrix signalling versus a protein–protein interaction in the Wnt pathway.
• Separate vials allow concentration-response work on each peptide and true single-agent controls.
• The copper peptides need pH-aware handling that a shared formulation would compromise.

Keep all three vials at −20 °C, sealed and protected from light and moisture, and warm one to room temperature before opening so condensation does not reach the powder. Reconstitute each separately with bacteriostatic or sterile water added slowly down the inner wall, swirling rather than shaking; the copper peptides should give a clear blue solution, and loss of colour indicates the copper complex has dissociated, so avoid acidic diluents and metal-chelating buffers. PTD-DBM is a larger construct — check for full clarity before use and aliquot it to avoid freeze–thaw. Label every preparation with peptide, concentration, lot and date, and keep working solutions at 2–8 °C in the dark.