How to make an AHK‑Cu hair serum
A copper peptide scalp serum in four steps, with kitchen measures. One gram of AHK‑Cu makes about 27 one-ounce bottles.
Why AHK‑Cu for hair
AHK‑Cu is the copper peptide formulators use in hair-growth serums, scalp tonics and leave-in treatments. It works best in its own water-based product, which makes a scalp serum the easiest thing to make with it. One gram makes about 27 one-ounce bottles at the standard level, roughly $1.11 of peptide per bottle.
What you need
- 1 g AHK‑Cu
- 20 mL (4 tsp) distilled water
- A water-based base: aloe gel, an unscented hyaluronic acid serum, or water with a little glycerin
- Optional: caffeine, niacinamide or panthenol, which all pair well with it
- Measuring spoons down to ⅛ tsp, a small glass jar and a 1 oz dropper bottle
- A glass or plastic stirrer, not metal
Step 1: make the stock solution
Stir 1 g of AHK‑Cu into 20 mL (4 tsp) of distilled water until it's clear and deep blue-violet. That's a 5% stock. Seal it, keep it in the fridge and use it within 30 days.
Step 2: add the stock to your base
Fill the dropper bottle with 30 g (1 oz) of base, add ⅛ tsp of stock and turn the bottle until the color is even. That's about 0.12% AHK‑Cu, the standard level for scalp serums and tonics.
Step 3: choose your strength
| Per 100 g | Stock | Per 1 oz | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¼ tsp | 1.25 mL | 8 drops | Shampoo, conditioner, first time |
| ½ tsp | 2.5 mL | ⅛ tsp | Standard, scalp serums, tonics |
| 1 tsp | 5 mL | ¼ tsp + 5 drops | Leave-in treatments, masks |
| 2 tsp | 10 mL | ½ tsp + ⅛ tsp | Maximum |
For other batch sizes, use the dosage calculator.
Step 4: apply
Part your hair and put a few drops along each part, then massage them into the scalp. Leave it in. Use it within a month.
Adding it to shampoo or conditioner
Stir ¼ tsp of stock into 100 g (3.5 oz) of a sulfate-free shampoo or conditioner. Check that the label has no EDTA, which pulls the copper out of the peptide.
What to keep out of the bottle
Vitamin C, EDTA and other chelators, salicylic acid and other acids below pH 5. Don't premix AHK‑Cu into minoxidil or high-alcohol solutions; keep them in separate bottles.
Want a copper peptide for your face too? See GHK‑Cu vs AHK‑Cu.
