Protocol
GHK-Cu Aesthetic Stack
Sixteen-week copper-peptide protocol for hair density and skin quality.
Why this stack
The rationale.
GHK-Cu is delivered as a single peptide because its mechanism is broad enough to cover the aesthetic surface area on its own: it upregulates over 4,000 genes involved in tissue remodeling, drives collagen I and III synthesis, and signals to dermal papilla cells to extend the anagen phase of the hair cycle. Stacking another peptide on top would muddy attribution and risk over-driving the same fibroblast pathways.
The protocol
Dose, frequency, cycle.
- Dose
- 1,500mcg
- Frequency
- 5×/week
- Cycle
- 16 weeks on, 4 weeks off
- Timing
- subq morning, rotate sites (abdomen and thigh), avoid same site within 7 days
Expected timeline
What to expect, when.
weeks 1-4: skin texture becomes noticeably smoother, especially around eyes. weeks 4-8: hair shedding decreases, scalp itch or inflammation reduces. weeks 8-12: visible density change in hairline and crown if responsive, fine lines soften further. weeks 12-16: consolidate gains, take photos in identical lighting for comparison. note: GHK-Cu's effects are dose-cumulative and slow — patience is the protocol.
Monitoring markers
What to track.
- monthly standardized hair photos (scalp, hairline, crown, same lighting)
- monthly skin photos (full face, no makeup, neutral lighting)
- serum copper and ceruloplasmin (baseline and week 16, to rule out copper accumulation)
- ferritin (low iron often co-presents with hair loss; treat if low)
Contraindications
- Wilson's disease or any copper metabolism disorder
- active scalp infection or seborrheic dermatitis flare (treat first)
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- active melanoma or skin malignancy in the application area
Description
Protocol overview.
A single-peptide GHK-Cu protocol run subcutaneously, with optional topical add-on for scalp and facial application. GHK-Cu's copper-binding tripeptide structure drives fibroblast activity, collagen and elastin synthesis, and dermal papilla signaling. Conservative, long, and deliberately not stacked.
Clone this protocol to your account.
Drop it onto your dashboard, pin doses to your weekly schedule, and let the daily-protocol screen tell you what to draw each morning. Reconstitution math, site rotation, and lab reminders come with it.