Empowering Scalp Health: The Journey Behind The Scalp Sanctuary

Meet Nienke Lourens, a 29-year-old entrepreneur who followed her heart to create something truly unique. Nienke has turned her personal experiences with hair loss and her 10+ years in the hair care industry into a mission to help others. What started as a passion for understanding scalp health has grown into a thriving private clinic, where Nienke combines innovative treatments with a personal touch. Her journey is all about making people feel confident and cared for, one scalp at a time.

Can you tell us what you do now?

My name is Nienke Lourens, I am 29 years old, and I am the proud owner of The Scalp Sanctuary. The Scalp Sanctuary is one of the first exclusive private clinics in the Netherlands fully dedicated to the care and treatment of the scalp. We address issues such as hair loss, psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff using innovative methods such as light therapy and magnesium sea salt therapy. In addition, we collaborate with nutritionists, dermatologists, and medical specialists.

How did you get to where you are now? What education, life lessons, or mistakes have led you to this point?

With over 10 years of experience in the hair care industry, I have encountered a wide range of scalp issues over the years. This extensive experience has fueled my passion for improving the health and well-being of the scalp. Currently, there are very few places in the Netherlands where people can truly seek help for their scalp problems.

When I was 16, I discovered that my hair was falling out excessively, which made me incredibly insecure. It wasn't until years later that we found out a thyroid issue was the cause of my hair loss. At The Scalp Sanctuary, we don't just treat the problem; we actively search for the underlying cause. The knowledge I lacked in the past is something I now hope to provide to others.

Nienke works at Stories Haarlem Wagenweg.

Did you find it scary to start your own business? How did you make the decision?

Starting my own business was incredibly daunting—it’s such a big commitment! Despite having a good job, I chose to follow my passion and focus on helping people. The turning point for me was when I received a request for help from someone who had just finished chemotherapy and had lost all their hair. We were able to help this person in such a meaningful way, restoring their confidence and helping them embrace life again. No "good" job could ever compare to that.

What type of clients can come to you? Why specifically these?

All clients with scalp issues are welcome at our practice. Examples of scalp problems include psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, oily hair, and, most importantly, hair loss! People often forget that hair loss is also a scalp condition, and we offer excellent treatments for it.

Each person and condition is unique, which is why we exclusively provide one-on-one treatments in our practice. This allows us to focus specifically on the issue at hand. Since I know better than anyone that scalp problems often originate from within the body, I have partnered with the best specialists in their fields. This includes nutritionists, dermatologists, and medical specialists.

What advice would you give to other coaches and therapists who want to start their own practice?

What I’d like to share with everyone is: just start! Stop endlessly perfecting everything and simply begin! Everyone is unique, and every approach is unique—it's that individuality that already sets you apart in the market around you.

How did you find- and what made you choose Stories?

I found the Stories Instagram and was interested instantly. Having all coaches and therapists under one roof—this concept is truly fantastic! It creates opportunities for the most amazing collaborations. On top of that, the service is outstanding!

Nienke Lourens

Member at Stories Haarlem Wagenweg

Nienke Lourens’s mission is to empower individuals struggling with scalp issues by offering innovative, personalized treatments and uncovering the root causes of their concerns. Through The Scalp Sanctuary, she combines expertise with compassion to help clients regain their confidence and well-being. Connect with her through her website or social channels to learn more.

Find Nienke’s Instagram here. Or send an e-mail to thescalpsanctuary@outlook.com

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