Sculp care is as important as skin care and the longer (older) our hair grows, the more time and care we have to invest in health enhancing hair treatments, products and rituals.
We had a chat with dermatologist Dr. Timm Golüke about scalp care and edited our current favourite hair products from Niche Beauty.com
IRMA: What are the first signs you are looking for when a patient come into your praxis regarding loss of hair?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: I am looking at the pattern of hair loss and typical for androgenetic alopecia is loss of hair on the forehead and in the middle of the head. If it is defused Alopecia, which is a different type, the hair loss is at any part of the head.
IRMA: Once you checked the blood for endocrinological imbalance, loss of iron or irregular hormones, what is the next step?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: As a result, from working together with endocrinologist and gynaecologists we then prescribe a supplementary therapy which could be an iron preparation or hormones or a combination of both.
We can also do a Trichoscan with a computer based softwaer to analyse more about the personal hair loss condition.
In addition, we can do some dermatological therapies at our practice like mesotherapy and PRP (see below).
IRMA: How important is scalp care and what is your advice?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: You should see the scalp as an extension of your face. The scalp skin is more delicate, and it has a higher number of sebaceous glands, sweat glands and hair follicles and a lower barrier function as compared to the skin on rest of the body. It is therefore very important to have a scalp care regime as good as the skincare regime for our face. A clean scalp will also promote good cell turnover and promote a healthy environment for optimal hair growth.
IRMA: The scalp is the soil for healthy hair. What is your suggestion for a daily routine?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: Cleanse with a shampoo according to your specific scalp type.
Moisturize with a scalp mask or hair serum.
Exfoliate 2-3 times a week, depending on how many build up you have, e.g., from your styling products like dry shampoo.
IRMA: You mentioned that circulation is key, is there a special brush or head massage technique you suggest?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: It is study proven that a daily scalp massage increases blood circulation by dilating the very small arteries within the scalp, increasing blood flow, which provides vital oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles and prolonging the growth cycle of hair.
There are great electronic devices on the market that you could use or special kind of hairbrushes that can be used for massage.
Even if you only use your fingers, you will see an improvement.
Apply your hair serum and use your finger pads (not nails) to apply medium-firm pressure to your scalp, in a circular motion.
IRMA: Which are the most often prescribed supplements you give to your patients once you have analysed the blood?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: Supplements containing Biotin, Taurine and Zinc is number one. But there are new upcoming ingredients too like horsetail extract.
IRMA: To your opinion which natural remedies do you suggest for scalp care?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: It starts with the right diet. Depending on your concerns you can use apple cider vinegar for more shine and bouncy hair or coconut oil against a dry scalp. You can use tee tree oil and cinnamon against dandruff.
IRMA: Is there anything how you can accelerate hair growth?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: For faster hair growth, you need to eat a diet rich in both Biotin and protein to facilitate the building blocks of protein like Salomon, Avocado or Almonds. Additionally focus on hair growth promoting hair products and avoid heat from your styling tools.
Tight ponytails and high buns can cause serious damage to our hair health as well so give your hair a break every other day.
IRMA: How important is the right shampoo for hair care, as well as the water you use for washing?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: Shampoo is super important, but you have to choose the right shampoo that suits your scalp and hair type. You should avoid harsh ingredients that can dry out your scalp.
The different water types can also have an effect on your hair health. Hard water contains a high amount of magnesium and calcium deposits that can make your hair dull, dry and overly frizzy. So, replenish your hair’s natural moisture as often as possible is super important. Choose hydrating shampoos and conditioners when you live in an area with hard water.
Soft water is low calcium and magnesium content can cause it to make your hair feel slimy, limp or it lacks sufficient body over time. Here you should focus on volumizing products.
As you see: select your haircare products depending on your scalp and hair type and have a look on your water type as well to get best results.
IRMA: Your ultimate tip to prolong healthy growing hair and avoiding your hair to age to fast?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: As said before I am a huge believer that the right diet can make the best improvements for your hair. Consider hair growth vitamins as well and hair treatments from your dermatologist, like PRP or Mesotherapy.
For daily maintenance take care of your scalp and use the right haircare products.
IRMA: My Persian grandmother always said to rinse off the conditioner with ice cold water to get shiny hair? Right or wrong?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: Yes! Cold water lays down the outer layer of your hair more smoothly, which helps prevent moisture loss, snags, and heat damage. You only need to do it for a few seconds, but this one extra step can make a huge difference over time.
This pre-wash exfoliating scrub perfectly removes product build-up from your scalp and smooth out dry patches of skin. Sugar crystals deeply exfoliate the scalp without drying hair out. Coconut oil has fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the scalp at the same time.
This handmade brush is perfect to stimulate circulation on your scup while brushing your hair before going to bed.
Here comes the perfect shampoo for my thick, stubborn hair. Impossibly thick hair gets instant moisture gratification and even a bit of devolumization, leaving it smooth and sleek.
The brightening, intensely hydrating conditioner banishes dullness and yellow tones while restoring youthfulness, elasticity, and shine.
This repairing mask instantly restores hydration, fights frizz, and strengthens fine to medium strands. Formulated with a nourishing blend of shea butter, panthenol, and hydrolyzed keratin, it leaves hair soft, shiny, and healthy. Use at least once a week.
This multi-nutritional formula is enriched with Horsetail Extract to give structure and strength to the hair, skin and nails whilst supporting the maintenance of healthy connective tissue. A blend of Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid and Copper works to promote hair pigmentation for stronger, healthier colour and Vitamin A and Zinc aid cellular growth.
Ideal for vegetarians and vegans, 3 More Inches Hair & Nail Capsules provide significant levels of Iron and Vitamin B12 whilst Lysine helps to support a healthy hormonal balance.
This gentle nutrient rich formulation leaves hair clean, shiny, and nourished. Perfect for daily use, it provides manageability and strength without stripping hair or drying the scalp.