AHK-Cu vs Finasteride
A side-by-side research comparison of AHK-Cu and Finasteride across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | AHK-Cu | Finasteride |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper Peptide) | Finasteride (Propecia/Proscar) |
| Category | Hair Growth | Hair Growth |
| Status | Cosmetic research peptide | FDA Approved (hair loss & BPH) |
| Mechanism | Delivers copper to tissue and signals angiogenesis and growth-factor activity (notably VEGF) around hair follicles, promoting follicle vascularization, prolonging the anagen (growth) phase, and supporting collagen production. | Selectively inhibits type II 5-alpha reductase (predominant in hair follicles), reducing conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Serum DHT decreases ~70%, scalp DHT ~40%, allowing follicle recovery. |
| Molecular weight | ~403 Da (with copper) | 372.54 Da |
| Half-life | Topical (local action) | ~6-8 hours (but DHT suppression lasts 24h) |
| Bioavailability | Topical (serum/solution); local delivery | ~80% oral |
| Typical dose | ~0.5-2 mg/mL topical serum | 1 mg (hair) or 5 mg (prostate) |
| Frequency | 1-2x daily on scalp | Daily |
| Route | Topical | Oral tablet |
AHK-Cu reported benefits
- Hair follicle support and growth signaling
- Follicle vascularization (VEGF)
- Prolongs anagen growth phase
- Collagen and skin support
- Antioxidant copper delivery
Finasteride reported benefits
- Halts hair loss progression (90% of men)
- Regrows hair (65% of men)
- Well-studied long-term safety
- FDA-approved
- Available generic
- Topical option available
Related comparisons
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.