Can a GHK Peptide and 5-ALA Complex Help Regrow Hair in Men with Pattern Baldness?
A topical complex of GHK peptide and 5-aminolevulinic acid significantly increased hair count in men with pattern hair loss over 6 months with no side effects.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
n=45 · 6-month treatment · Hair count increase: 71.5 (50 mg/ml) vs 9.6 (placebo) · p<0.05 · 0 adverse events
How They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 71.5 more hairs Mean increase in hair count in the 50 mg/ml treatment group over 6 months, compared to just 9.6 in the placebo group
- Evidence Grade:
- 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.
- Study Age:
- 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.
- Original Title:
- Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth.
- Published In:
- Annals of dermatology, 28(4), 438-43 (2016)
- Authors:
- Lee, Weon Ju, Sim, Hyun Bo, Jang, Yong Hyun, Lee, Seok-Jong, Kim, Do Won, Yim, Soon-Ho
- Database ID:
- RPEP-03006
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ALAVAX and how does it work for hair loss?
ALAVAX is a topical complex combining 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) with GHK peptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine). GHK is a naturally occurring peptide involved in tissue repair and remodeling, and this study suggests the combination may stimulate new hair growth when applied to the scalp.
Were there any side effects from using GHK peptide for hair growth?
No adverse events were reported in any of the three groups during the 6-month trial, including both treatment concentrations and the placebo group.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-03006APA
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
MLA
Lee, Weon Ju, et al. "Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth.." Annals of dermatology, 2016. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2016.28.4.438
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Hi..." RPEP-03006. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/lee-2016-efficacy-of-a-complex
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.