Can a GHK Peptide and 5-ALA Complex Help Regrow Hair in Men with Pattern Baldness?

What the researchers found

A topical complex of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and GHK peptide (ALAVAX) significantly increased hair count in men with pattern hair loss over 6 months compared to placebo. The 50 mg/ml group showed the strongest results, with a mean increase of 71.5 hairs (p<0.05) versus only 9.6 hairs in the placebo group. The ratio of change in hair count between the 50 mg/ml group (2.38) and placebo (1.21) was statistically significant (p<0.05).

Interestingly, the higher-dose 100 mg/ml group showed a hair count increase of 52.6, which was also significant versus baseline but numerically lower than the 50 mg/ml group. Patient satisfaction was highest in the 100 mg/ml group (26.7% reporting good or better), though hair length and thickness did not significantly differ among groups. No adverse events were reported in any group.

Why it matters

Male pattern hair loss affects a large proportion of men and current treatments like finasteride and minoxidil have limitations. This study suggests that a peptide-based topical approach using GHK combined with 5-ALA could offer a complementary treatment option with no reported side effects, which is notable given that existing treatments can carry significant adverse effects.

The numbers in context

n=45 · 6-month treatment · Hair count increase: 71.5 (50 mg/ml) vs 9.6 (placebo) · p<0.05 · 0 adverse events

How the study worked

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 45 men with male pattern hair loss divided into three groups: ALAVAX 100 mg/ml (group A), ALAVAX 50 mg/ml (group B), and placebo (group C). Treatment was applied once daily for 6 months. Outcomes measured at months 1, 3, and 6 included total hair count, hair length, hair thickness, patient satisfaction, and adverse events.

Who was studied

Men with male pattern hair loss

What this study cannot tell us

Small sample size of only 45 participants across three groups. Hair length and thickness did not show significant changes, suggesting the treatment may primarily affect hair count rather than hair quality. The lower-dose group outperformed the higher-dose group on hair count, which is unusual and unexplained. Single-center study with no long-term follow-up beyond 6 months.

How to read the evidence

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial — the gold standard for clinical research — but the small sample size of 45 participants limits the strength of the conclusions. Results are statistically significant but need replication in larger studies.

When this study was published

Published in 2016. The findings remain relevant as GHK peptide research continues to expand, though no large-scale follow-up trials have been widely reported.

The bigger picture

GHK (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide known for its roles in wound healing and tissue remodeling. This study explores a novel application — combining GHK with 5-ALA for hair regrowth — adding to a growing body of research on peptide-based approaches to dermatological conditions. If validated in larger trials, peptide-based hair treatments could offer alternatives with fewer side effects than current pharmaceutical options.

Questions still open

• Why did the lower-dose (50 mg/ml) group show better hair count results than the higher-dose (100 mg/ml) group?
• Would longer treatment beyond 6 months lead to improvements in hair thickness and length as well?
• How does ALAVAX compare directly to established treatments like minoxidil or finasteride?

Common questions

Read the original research

Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth.

Annals of dermatology, 28(4), 438-43

Citation

Lee, Weon Ju; Sim, Hyun Bo; Jang, Yong Hyun; Lee, Seok-Jong; Kim, Do Won; Yim, Soon-Ho. (2016). Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth.. Annals of dermatology, 28(4), 438-43. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2016.28.4.438