Copper in the regeneration of hair follicles against hair loss?

Although it is primarily found in skincare products, copper is also present in haircare products. In the form of copper peptides, this element has numerous benefits for the hair, including protection against free radicals and regeneration of hair follicles located at the base of the hair fibres. The properties of copper thus promote hair growth and help to limit hair loss.

An ex vivo study has particularly focused on the effects of a copper tripeptide on the growth of human hair and on the dermal papilla cells . These cells are specialised fibroblasts that play a significant role in the morphogenesis and growth of hair follicles. The dermal papilla cells were cultivated for twelve days in the presence of the tripeptide Alanine-Histidine-Lysine-Copper (AHK-Cu).

Researchers observed at the conclusion of the experiment that the tripeptide had acted as a growth factor for various differentiated cells and that its addition to the culture medium had stimulated the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts. It was also noted that the elongation of human hair follicles had been accelerated. This study thus suggests that AHK-Cu promotes the growth of hair follicles and that this effect is due to the stimulation of proliferation and the prevention of apoptosis of the dermal papilla cells.

Furthermore, copper has a preventive effect on hair loss. The antioxidant properties of AHK-Cu have also been studied and it has been shown that this tripeptide increases the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme that neutralises certain free radicals such as the superoxide ion O2-. Oxidative stress triggers an increased synthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles of the scalp. This androgen hormone accelerates the entry of hair follicles into the telogen phase, or hair loss phase. AHK-Cu thus has a protective effect on the hair and helps to limit hair loss.