AHK-Cu
A copper tripeptide marketed for hair growth, closely related to GHK-Cu. The published evidence is limited in-vitro work, mostly from cosmetic industry sources.
Skin & Cosmetic
PTD-DBM
A peptide that blocks a negative regulator of Wnt signalling, studied for hair regrowth in mice. One small human study exists; the evidence is thin.
Overview
Wnt signalling is what tells a hair follicle to enter its growth phase. A protein called CXXC5 acts as a brake on that pathway by binding to Dishevelled, a component the signal needs. PTD-DBM is a decoy that occupies CXXC5's binding site, freeing Dishevelled and letting the growth signal through. In mice it regrew hair, and combining it with valproic acid — which also boosts Wnt signalling — worked better than either alone.
A fusion of a protein transduction domain with the Dishevelled-binding motif of CXXC5. CXXC5 is a negative feedback regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signalling that binds the Dvl PDZ domain; the decoy peptide competitively disrupts the CXXC5-Dvl interaction, permitting β-catenin stabilisation and transcription of anagen-inducing targets. Topical application in mice induced anagen and accelerated wound-induced hair neogenesis, with additive effect alongside valproic acid. Human evidence is limited to a small clinical study; there is no large randomised trial and no regulatory programme.
Research areas
Androgenetic alopeciaWnt signallingHair follicle regeneration
Dosing reported in the literature
Every protocol below is reproduced from a published study or approved labelling, with its source named. These are records of what was studied — not recommendations, and not a suggestion that any of them is appropriate for any person.
| Protocol as reported | Source |
|---|---|
| Daily topical PTD-DBM, alone and with valproic acid, in mouse models of hair regrowth | Lee et al., Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2017 |
Trial status
Preclinical, with one small human study reported. No large randomised trial.
Reported safety signals
- Human safety data is minimal.
- Wnt/β-catenin is a canonical oncogenic pathway; sustained activation is the specific unaddressed concern with any Wnt-enhancing therapy.
- Sold through unregulated channels with unverified identity.
Common questions
Is there a real safety concern with hair peptides that activate Wnt?
Yes, at least in principle. Wnt/β-catenin activation is one of the most common drivers in colorectal and several other cancers. Topical application limits systemic exposure, but chronic pathway activation is not something that has been studied over the timescales people would use a hair treatment.
Primary sources
Medical disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice. The compounds discussed are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any protocol.
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