Lars Skjøth, the founder of Hårklinikken, one of the leading scalp and hair health companies, discusses how his own struggles with scalp and hair health transformed into a global business supporting others to regain their sense of self.
For over three decades, Lars Skjøth has stood at the intersection of science, nature, and innovation. The founder and lead researcher of Hårklinikken, a globally renowned hair and scalp health brand headquartered in Copenhagen, Lars has built a career on challenging industry myths and offering personalised, science-backed solutions for hair rejuvenation.
It all started with his own struggle. “I had a lot of issues with my scalp when I was younger,” he says. “There were many years of anguish, shame, and things related to that. It was very uncomfortable for me.”
That discomfort led him to pursue answers that dermatologists whom he consulted over several years couldn’t provide. Through tireless research, clinical trials, and a sharp focus on plant-based ingredients, Lars developed Hårklinikken’s cornerstone product: a custom-tailored Hair Gain Extract that addresses hair loss at its root – literally. The success of this product and Lars’ larger Hårklinikken program has become a global success, with the company opening up locations in Dubai, Los Angeles, New York, Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Reykjavik. Treating its devoted clientele with both in-person and online consultations.
Villa 88 Man sat down with Lars to talk about stress, scalp health, common misconceptions, and why taking your hair seriously could be the best investment you make in yourself.
I had a lot of issues with my scalp when I was younger. It was quite frustrating. There were many years of anguish, shame, and things related to that. I started looking for alternatives – more natural shampoos – but that wasn’t the solution. So I started embarking on a little bit of a journey myself. I did several years of research, and I made the first plant-based extraction from burdock root, which we’re still using today, though in a more advanced version. And I opened the first clinic in Copenhagen in 1992.
I’ve seen hair loss become more aggressive over the years, and lifestyle has a lot to do with it. I think we’re much more stressed than we think. It plays into how we rest, how much sleep we get, what we eat, how many stimulants we use, and all play in how our hair works.
It’s customised – not just at the beginning but throughout your journey with us. According to how you respond, how compliant you are, your hair type, your ethnic makeup, and many other aspects.
There will always be those who are looking for the quick fix. But others commit as they start seeing the progress after a few months. For example, it’s only one application now. A couple of years ago, it was two applications a day. I’m working on ways to make it even easier, maybe every other day.
First of all, if you go and do a hair transplant, it might be because you already have a bald area that needs to be fixed. But in many cases, it’s done without informing the client that there’s not enough donor hair to fulfil their dream. It’s very important to optimise the condition of the hair you already have before considering hair transplantation. I call it: stop, improve, and hold.
It’s not healthy to wash your hair too often. That’s not true. You’re creating, largely for most people, a less-than-ideal scalp microbiome when the scalp is not properly cleansed with the right product. For most people, it’s every day or every other day.
Hair health starts with the scalp. To achieve optimal hair quality, you must optimise scalp health. That’s what we’ve been preaching for decades.
Ricki Lake had been struggling with hair thinning for 30 years. She had tried everything – finasteride, Rogaine, hormone therapy. She had given up and shaved her head. But then she started with us. We regained all her hair… It was such a genuine story.
There’s an ingredient I developed from an apple. It took seven years to extract it, only for the ingredient to suffer oxidation within 48 hours. Then we developed 100% natural fatty acids to encapsulate them. Then we ran three years of clinical trials.
I’ve just launched new supplements that I developed over 11 years. The clinical trials are so impressive. Hårklinikken is much more than a company. It’s a lifelong journey for me.
We’re restoring personal well-being. We hold your hand and guide your steps, we can get you to the point where you may not have thought that you would get that much result.
