AHK-Cu vs TB-4 Topical (Hair)
A side-by-side research comparison of AHK-Cu and TB-4 Topical (Hair) across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | AHK-Cu | TB-4 Topical (Hair) |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper Peptide) | Thymosin Beta-4 Topical (Hair Growth) |
| Category | Hair Growth | Hair Growth |
| Status | Cosmetic research peptide | Research compound |
| 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. | Promotes migration and differentiation of hair follicle stem cells via actin sequestration and cell motility enhancement. Activates quiescent stem cells in the bulge niche. Stimulates new blood vessel formation around follicles for nutrient delivery. |
| Molecular weight | ~403 Da (with copper) | 4921 Da |
| Half-life | Topical (local action) | ~6 hours (systemic); local depot effect (topical) |
| Bioavailability | Topical (serum/solution); local delivery | Topical: penetrates to bulge region with microneedling |
| Typical dose | ~0.5-2 mg/mL topical serum | 50-200 mcg per scalp application or 0.1% solution |
| Frequency | 1-2x daily on scalp | 3x weekly |
| Route | Topical | Topical serum or mesotherapy (intradermal injection) |
AHK-Cu reported benefits
- Hair follicle support and growth signaling
- Follicle vascularization (VEGF)
- Prolongs anagen growth phase
- Collagen and skin support
- Antioxidant copper delivery
TB-4 Topical (Hair) reported benefits
- Hair follicle stem cell activation
- Dormant follicle reactivation
- Scalp angiogenesis
- Anti-inflammatory for scalp
- Synergistic with microneedling
- Novel mechanism (stem cell migration)
Related comparisons
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.