Peptides for Hair Growth: What They Are and How To Use Them

Searching for hair loss answers? Peptides for hair growth might’ve popped up on your radar. But what are they? And does science support the use of peptides for hair growth?

These tiny proteins can boost collagen, improve scalp circulation, and protect your hair from damage — all of which might lead to thicker, healthier hair. 

But peptides alone aren’t a magic fix for hair loss. If you have androgenetic alopecia (AKA male pattern baldness), science-backed treatments are your best bet. 

Below, we dive into peptides in more detail, including the best ones for hair loss, how to add them to your hair care routine, and proven hair loss treatments to use along with peptides. 

Peptides are short chain amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. In the context of hair care, they can: 

• Help strengthen hair follicles

• Promote scalp health

• Stimulate hair growth

By enhancing collagen production and improving blood circulation to the scalp, peptides can help your hair follicles get the nutrients and oxygen to they need to function.​ 

Peptides might boost hair growth in several ways:​

• They stimulate collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are important parts of the hair structure. More of these means stronger strands.

• They improve circulation. Peptides may enhance blood flow to hair follicles, ensuring they get essential nutrients and oxygen.​

• They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation and oxidative stress can lead to hair loss.

But, peptides aren’t a miracle cure — and they won’t lead to sudden hair regrowth in areas where your hair follicles have gone totally dormant. 

Research suggests copper peptides, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, and keratin may promote hair growth, making them some of the best peptides for hair growth. 

With that said, the effectiveness of a peptide really depends on why your hair is thinning in the first place. The “best” peptide for hair loss really hinges on your personal biology.

Let’s unpack some popular peptides for hair growth below. 

1. Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)

You’ll often see copper peptides, particularly GHK-Cu, called the best peptide for hair growth. 

And research supports the use of copper peptides for hair growth. 

A 2023 paper shows that copper peptides can support healthy hair growth with minimal side effects, although the authors concluded that more research is needed. 

Copper peptides might boost hair growth by:

• Stimulating hair growth by boosting blood flow to the scalp

• Strengthening hair strands by promoting collagen and elastin production

• Reducing inflammation to prevent damage to the hair growth cycle

Copper peptides are also popular in skincare products, especially in anti-aging cosmetics. 

2. Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 and Biotinyl-GHK

Biotinoyl tripeptide-1 and biotinyl-GHK are peptide derivatives of biotin, which is a B vitamin involved in the hair growth process.

Research shows these peptides may:

• Anchor the hair to the follicles to reduce hair shedding

• Strengthen the hair shaft

• Boost circulation to support hair follicle health 

• Encourage follicles to enter the anagen (growth phase) of the hair growth cycle

But, more research is needed before we fully understand how effective these peptides are for hair loss. 

3. Keratin Peptides

Since keratin makes up most of the hair’s cuticle — the outer layer of the hair shaft — it’s not surprising that keratin-derived peptides can promote healthy hair. 

Derived from the protein that makes up hair, keratin peptides may:

• Strengthen the hair shaft, preventing damage and breakage

• Repair and smooth damaged hairs 

• Add shine and moisture to hair strands

Hair strengthening shampoos often contain keratin peptides. These products may help with issues like split ends and fragile hair. 

Short answer: They can help, but results vary. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for hair loss, after all. 

If your thinning hair is due to inflammation, oxidative stress, or weak follicle health, peptides might improve your hair health. But you won’t experience new hair growth overnight.

Instead of relying on peptides alone, consider combining peptide-containing products with science-backed hair loss treatments, like:

• Finasteride, a medication that treats androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

• Minoxidil, a topical treatment that stimulates hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth  

These are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hair loss. 

Hair loss usually gets worse over time, so it’s a good idea to seek treatment advice ASAP. Consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss your hair loss treatment options. 

So, you’re sold on using peptides in your hair care routine — but how exactly do you do this? 

You could try: 

• Peptide shampoos and serums. These are products infused with peptides that you can apply directly to your scalp and hair.

• Oral supplements. Some supplements combine peptides with other hair-friendly nutrients to promote growth from within. 

• Professional treatments. Some hair stylists offer nourishing peptide treatments.

While the research on peptides is promising, you’ll get the best results by using them in combination with other — more well-researched — hair loss treatments, like finasteride and minoxidil. 

You might also want to read our tips for healthy hair care habits and our guide to getting healthy hair. 

Peptides are typically safe, but like any treatment, some people might experience mild side effects.

To avoid unwanted surprises, always speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions.​

Peptide-based topical treatments are usually safe, but we suggest performing a patch test to check for potential allergic reactions or skin irritation. 

 The Verdict on Peptides for Hair Growth

Peptides show promise for hair loss — but they're just one tool in a bigger toolbox. 

Before you grab that peptide-infused hair growth serum, keep the following in mind:

• Peptides might promote hair growth. The key word is “might”. They could stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen production — all of which can be good for your hair. 

• But they’re not a miracle treatment. There’s too little research to know whether peptides alone can effectively prevent male pattern hair loss or promote hair regrowth. 

• Peptides may support other hair loss treatments. If you’re experiencing hair thinning, try a peptide treatment along with science-backed medications (like minoxidil or finasteride).

Peptides might help promote healthier, thicker hair. But if you think you’re experiencing hair loss, contact a professional. They can help get to the root cause of your excess thinning and outline your treatment options. 

Check out our line of hair loss treatments or connect with a healthcare provider who can help pinpoint exactly what's going on — and exactly how to fix it.

Start by taking our free online assessment.