Hair Regrowth Protocol

Understanding Hair Loss Mechanisms

Androgenic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness)

The most common form of hair loss, caused by:

• DHT (Dihydrotestosterone): Testosterone metabolite that miniaturizes hair follicles
• Follicle Sensitivity: Genetic predisposition to DHT effects
• Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation damages follicles
• Reduced Blood Flow: Decreased nutrient delivery to follicles
• Shortened Growth Phase: Hair spends less time in anagen (growth) phase

Hair Growth Cycle

• Anagen (Growth Phase): 2-7 years, 85-90% of hair
• Catagen (Transition): 2-3 weeks, follicle shrinks
• Telogen (Resting): 2-4 months, hair sheds

Goal of Protocol: Extend anagen phase, reduce telogen phase, reverse miniaturization

How Peptides Address Hair Loss

• GHK-Cu: Stimulates follicle stem cells, increases hair thickness, prolongs anagen
• TB-500: Promotes angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), reduces inflammation
• BPC-157: Enhances healing, improves blood flow, reduces scarring
• PEG-MGF: Activates satellite cells, promotes tissue regeneration

Primary Peptides for Hair Regrowth

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

The most researched peptide for hair regrowth, with multiple mechanisms of action:

Mechanisms:

• Stimulates hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells
• Increases hair follicle size (reverses miniaturization)
• Prolongs anagen (growth) phase
• Enhances blood vessel formation around follicles
• Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
• Increases collagen and elastin production in scalp
• Modulates gene expression favoring hair growth

Research Evidence:

• Human studies show 30-40% increase in hair density after 6 months
• Increases hair thickness by 20-30%
• Effective for both male and female pattern baldness
• Works synergistically with minoxidil

Application Methods:

• Topical: Most common, applied directly to scalp
• Microneedling + Topical: Enhanced absorption (preferred method)
• Subcutaneous Injection: Around hairline (advanced technique)

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)

Promotes hair follicle regeneration through multiple pathways:

Mechanisms:

• Stimulates angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
• Promotes stem cell migration to hair follicles
• Reduces inflammation around follicles
• Enhances wound healing (important post-transplant)
• Increases growth factor production (VEGF, IGF-1)

Best For:

• Improving scalp blood flow
• Post-hair transplant recovery
• Alopecia areata (autoimmune hair loss)
• Scarring alopecia
• Combining with GHK-Cu for synergistic effects

Supporting Peptides

BPC-157

Enhances healing and blood flow to scalp:

• Promotes angiogenesis (blood vessel growth)
• Reduces inflammation
• Accelerates wound healing (post-transplant)
• May protect against DHT-induced damage

PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor)

Stimulates tissue regeneration:

• Activates satellite cells and stem cells
• Promotes tissue repair and regeneration
• May enhance follicle recovery
• Longer half-life than standard MGF

Thymosin Alpha-1

For autoimmune-related hair loss (alopecia areata):

• Modulates immune system
• Reduces autoimmune attack on follicles
• Promotes immune tolerance

Complete Hair Regrowth Protocols

Administration Guidelines

GHK-Cu Topical Preparation

1. Materials: GHK-Cu powder, distilled water, amber dropper bottle
2. Concentration: 1-3% (10-30mg per ml)
   • Beginner: 1% (100mg in 10ml water)
   • Standard: 2% (200mg in 10ml water)
   • Advanced: 3% (300mg in 10ml water)
3. Mixing: Add powder to distilled water, shake vigorously for 2-3 minutes
4. Storage: Refrigerate, use within 30 days
5. Application: Use dropper to apply 1-2ml to affected areas, massage gently

Microneedling Technique

1. Preparation: Clean scalp with gentle shampoo, dry completely
2. Sterilization: Soak derma roller in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes
3. Technique:
   • Divide scalp into sections
   • Roll in 4 directions (vertical, horizontal, diagonal both ways)
   • 4-5 passes per direction with moderate pressure
   • Goal: Slight redness, no bleeding
4. Post-Treatment: Apply GHK-Cu solution immediately, wait 30 minutes before washing
5. Frequency: Once weekly (allow 7 days healing between sessions)
6. Needle Depth:
   • Beginner: 0.5mm
   • Standard: 0.75-1.0mm
   • Advanced: 1.0-1.5mm

Systemic Peptide Injections

1. TB-500 Reconstitution: Add 2ml bacteriostatic water to 5mg vial (2.5mg/ml)
2. BPC-157 Reconstitution: Add 2ml bacteriostatic water to 5mg vial (2.5mg/ml)
3. Injection Site: Subcutaneous in abdomen (pinch skin, 45° angle)
4. Rotation: Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation
5. Storage: Refrigerate reconstituted peptides, use within 30 days

Expected Timeline and Results

Month-by-Month Progression

• Month 1-2: Reduced hair shedding, improved scalp health, no visible growth yet
• Month 3-4: Vellus hair (fine, light hair) begins appearing in thinning areas
• Month 5-6: Vellus hair thickens, noticeable increase in hair density
• Month 7-9: Continued thickening, improved coverage, reversal of miniaturization
• Month 10-12: Maximum results, 30-60% increase in density (protocol dependent)
• 12+ Months: Maintenance phase, sustained results with continued use

Realistic Expectations

• Best Results: Early-stage hair loss (Norwood 2-4, Ludwig 1-2)
• Moderate Results: Moderate hair loss (Norwood 5-6, Ludwig 2-3)
• Limited Results: Advanced hair loss (Norwood 7, Ludwig 3), long-term baldness (>10 years)
• No Results: Completely bald areas with no follicles remaining

Factors Affecting Results

• Duration of hair loss (earlier treatment = better results)
• Degree of miniaturization (partially miniaturized follicles respond better)
• Age (younger individuals typically see better results)
• Consistency of application (daily use critical)
• Combination with other treatments (minoxidil, finasteride)

Combining with FDA-Approved Treatments

Peptides + Minoxidil

Synergistic Effects: GHK-Cu enhances minoxidil's effectiveness

• Application: Apply minoxidil first, wait 30 minutes, then apply GHK-Cu
• Benefit: Complementary mechanisms (minoxidil = vasodilation, GHK-Cu = follicle stimulation)
• Results: 40-50% better than either alone

Peptides + Finasteride/Dutasteride

Complementary Approach: DHT blockers + regenerative peptides

• Finasteride: Blocks DHT production (addresses cause)
• Peptides: Stimulate follicle regeneration (addresses damage)
• Benefit: Prevents further loss while promoting regrowth
• Results: Superior to either approach alone

Peptides + PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

Enhanced Regeneration: Growth factors + peptides

• PRP Sessions: Every 4-6 weeks
• Peptides: Daily topical GHK-Cu between sessions
• Benefit: PRP provides growth factors, peptides maintain stimulation
• Results: Faster and more robust regrowth

Safety and Side Effects

GHK-Cu Topical

• Common: Mild scalp irritation, temporary redness (5-10% of users)
• Rare: Allergic reaction, contact dermatitis
• Management: Reduce concentration, apply less frequently

Microneedling

• Common: Redness, mild discomfort during treatment
• Rare: Infection (if poor sterilization), scarring (if too aggressive)
• Prevention: Proper sterilization, appropriate depth, adequate healing time

Systemic Peptides (TB-500, BPC-157)

• Common: Injection site reactions, mild fatigue
• Rare: Headache, dizziness
• Contraindications: Active cancer, pregnancy/breastfeeding

Monitoring

• Photos: Take standardized photos monthly (same lighting, angle)
• Hair Count: Count hairs in defined area monthly
• Scalp Health: Monitor for irritation, inflammation
• Shedding: Track daily hair loss (normal: 50-100 hairs/day)

Troubleshooting

No Results After 3-4 Months?

• Increase GHK-Cu concentration to 3%
• Add microneedling if not already doing
• Consider adding systemic peptides (TB-500)
• Verify peptide quality and purity
• Ensure consistent daily application
• Consider combining with minoxidil or finasteride

Increased Shedding?

• Often normal in first 2-3 months (shedding phase)
• Miniaturized hairs shed before new growth
• Continue protocol - shedding typically resolves
• If persistent beyond 3 months, reduce frequency

Scalp Irritation?

• Reduce GHK-Cu concentration to 1%
• Apply once daily instead of twice
• Ensure proper dilution and mixing
• Consider allergic reaction - discontinue if severe

Results Plateaued?

• Increase microneedling depth (if under 1.0mm)
• Add systemic peptides for additional mechanisms
• Cycle protocols (4 weeks on, 1 week off)
• Combine with other treatments (minoxidil, PRP)

Long-Term Maintenance

After achieving desired results (typically 9-12 months):

Maintenance Protocol

• GHK-Cu Topical: Once daily (down from twice daily)
• Microneedling: Every 2 weeks (down from weekly)
• Systemic Peptides: TB-500 monthly (optional)
• Monitoring: Monthly photos to track maintenance

Discontinuation

If stopping peptides:

• Results maintained for 2-4 months after stopping
• Gradual return to baseline over 6-12 months
• Consider maintenance protocol to preserve gains
• Can restart protocol if hair loss resumes

Related Resources

• Complete GHK-Cu Guide
• Complete TB-500 Guide
• Complete BPC-157 Guide
• Complete PEG-MGF Guide
• Longevity Protocol