sh-Polypeptide-7 for Hair Regrowth - Quick Reference Sheet
evipedia.ai
← Back

sh-Polypeptide-7 for Hair Regrowth

Created on 08/03/2026 – Quick Reference based on Evidence Review created using AI4L / Opus 4.8 – Audit

sh-Polypeptide-7 is a lab-made copy of human growth hormone sold in scalp serums. The underlying biology is sound, but no controlled human study shows it regrows hair, and it is unclear whether such a large protein even penetrates the skin. Realistic risks are mild, mainly local scalp irritation. Promise currently outruns evidence. (Full Review)

Protocol

Application
1–2× daily
Leave-on serum to a clean, dry scalp, focusing on thinning areas
Delivery
± Microneedling
Applied alone, or with weekly microneedling (≤0.5 mm) to aid penetration
Positioning
Adjunct
Add-on to minoxidil/finasteride, not a standalone replacement
Time to effect
Before judging
3–6 months
Minimum of consistent daily use before any effect can be judged
Fair assessment
~12 months
Time needed for a fair assessment, as with all hair treatments

Benefits

Contraindications
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Active or recent hormone-sensitive cancer (within ~5 years)
  • Active scalp skin cancer
  • Active scalp infection, open wounds, or inflammatory scalp disease
    •
Key Interactions
  • 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride) and minoxidil
  • Systemic growth hormone
  • Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene), alpha-hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide
  • Other growth-factor or peptide serums (copper peptides/GHK-Cu)
    •

Risk & Side Effects

  • High:
  • Medium:
  • Low: Application-site irritation and contact dermatitis
    •
  • Speculative: Stimulation of abnormal or pre-cancerous cells; effects of unintended systemic absorption; immune response to the recombinant protein
    •

Monitoring

Marker Target Why
Ferritin 40–70 ng/mL Low iron stores are a common, reversible cause of hair shedding
Vitamin D (25-OH) 40–60 ng/mL Deficiency is linked to disrupted hair cycling
TSH 0.5–2.0 mIU/L Thyroid over- or under-activity causes diffuse hair loss
Serum IGF-1 Mid-range for age and sex Reflects the growth-hormone/IGF-1 axis relevant to follicle signaling

Cadence: Standardized photos and, if available, trichoscopy at 12 and 24 weeks, then every 6 months; recheck any abnormal baseline lab after it is addressed

Qualitative Assessment

  • Daily hair shedding (pillow, shower, brush) trending down
  • Part width and overall density appearing fuller in consistent photos
  • Individual hair caliber (finer versus thicker regrowth) at the hairline and crown
  • Scalp comfort — absence of persistent itching, redness, or flaking from the product
Not medical advice. Educational distillation of a single evidence review. Confirm any decision with a qualified clinician, especially in the presence of prescription drugs or chronic conditions.