Can You Actually Speed Up Hair Growth? What’s Really Going On with Alopecia and Regrowth

Send us Fan MailCan you actually speed up hair growth — or is that the wrong question?In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most common questions I hear in clinic, particularly from those navigating hair loss and conditions like Alopecia Areata.We explore what is really happening beneath the surface when hair isn’t growing as expected, why regrowth can stall at fine, vellus hair, and what may be blocking the transition to stronger, terminal hair.Rather than focusing on quick fixes or isolated solutions, this episode takes a systems-based view — looking at how immune activity, inflammation, energy, hormones, and the nervous system all influence hair growth.I also share insights from emerging research, including how hair is not simply “pushed” from the follicle but involves coordinated cellular activity, and where tools like red light therapy may fit in.This is about shifting your perspective — from trying to force hair growth… to understanding what your body needs in order to support it.🔑 Key Topics Covered Why “speeding up hair growth” isn’t always the right focus  What’s really happening in alopecia and autoimmune-related hair loss  Vellus vs terminal hair — and why regrowth can stall  The role of immune activity and unresolved inflammation  How cellular energy and mitochondrial function impact hair growth  The connection between stress, the nervous system, and hair  Nutrient sufficiency vs nutrient utilisation  Where treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride fit  The science behind red light therapy and why wavelength matters  Why hair growth is a systems issue — not a single pathway problemReady to go deeper and understand your own “why”?→ Learn about the functional testing and 1:1 analysis I offer in clinic— the same root-cause tests I used to rebuild my own health, with personalised guidance so you know exactly what to do next. You can learn more about the tests offered at the Autoimmune Nutrition Clinic here.🧘‍♀️ Need nervous system support?→ I personally use and recommend Nurosym, a vagus nerve stimulation device clinically shown to support immune balance, inflammation, and stress recovery.Use this link: https://link.nurosym.com/VJ10 for 10% discount at checkout. 📥 New to the podcast or need a starting point?→ Download my free The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan— a simple guide that outlines the steps I recommend to all clients as they begin calming the immune response and rebuilding resilience.Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.