Hair loss can be absolutely devastating for women. Hundreds of women who experienced severe hair loss after using WEN shampoo have joined a class action or filed lawsuits against the manufacturer.
UPDATE: $25 Million Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Proposed
August 15, 2016 — Consumers who went bald after using WEN Cleansing Conditioner could be eligible for up to $20,000 as part of a proposed $25 million class action lawsuit settlement. Anyone who bought WEN could also receive a $25 cash refund. Click here to read more.
FDA Investigates WEN Hair Loss
July 2016 — The FDA is investigating reports of hair loss, hair breakage, balding, itching, and rash associated with the use of WEN Cleansing Conditioner by Chaz Dean. The agency has received 127 adverse event reports. Another 21,000 complaints have been sent to Chaz Dean and Guthy-Renker. Click here to read more.
Lawsuit Claims WEN Manufacturer Hid Secret Safety Studies
January 11, 2016 — The manufacturer of WEN may have secretly conducted safety studies after receiving reports of consumers who experienced severe hair loss, a class action claims. Click here to read more.
Florida Woman Reports Severe Hair Loss from WEN
January 7, 2016 — A woman from Florida claims WEN hair care products caused significant hair loss and she plans on joining a lawsuit with over 200 other women who experienced similar problems. She told News Channel 8:
“I’m going bald, there’s nothing I can do about it. Every day for me is a bad hair day. I can’t get away from it. … This company robbed us of our self-esteem. I don’t even know if my hair will ever grow back. I don’t trust any product now. I don’t even want to wash my hair.”
WEN Shampoo Hair Loss
The ingredients in WEN are widely used in the hair-care industry. However, one of the most unique products is WEN Cleansing Conditioner, a “5-in-1” shampoo, conditioner, de-tanger, leave-in-conditioner, and deep conditioner.
Unfortunately, hundreds of women who have used this product have reported severe hair loss. Lawyers who represent 200 women in 40 states filed a class action. They explained the problem to CBS DFW:
“It contains virtually no cleanser. It’s like using lotion to wash your hair, so instead of removing the product, when you rinse it off, it just becomes impacted in your hair follicle.”
Some of the victims are children. One 11 year-old girl from Colorado used WEN only three times before her hair fell out. The hair loss has persisted for two years. She is now home-schooled and said she was “scared that I had cancer or something.”
Hair Loss in Women
The average scalp has between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs, and it is normal to lose 50-150 hair per day. Nearly half of women over 40 have visible hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Normal hair loss is usually temporary. However, bad hair products can cause permanent hair loss and noticeable bald spots. Some women notice clumps of hair falling out after brushing or shampooing.
What is the problem?
The emotional embarrassment and social distress of hair loss can be even more devastating than the physical disfigurement. For many women, healthy hair is an expression of personality that is intimately linked to body-image. Women with severe hair loss may suffer painful reminders every time she looks in the mirror, which can negatively impact quality of life.
How to Prevent Hair Loss
The best way to protect your hair is to practice a good hair-care routine. It is important to keep hair clean and moisturized, but over-washing can dry out hair follicles and cause permanent hair loss. It is a good idea to use conditioner every time you wash your hair, but be sure not to rub too vigorously.
It is also important to dry the hair slowly and with the lowest heat possible. Only use a wide-toothed comb when the hair is wet. Hair only needs to be brushed during styling, and only after it has dried. Styles that pull at the scalp — such as ponytails and cornrows — should also be avoided.
How to Treat Hair Loss
- Coloring: A professional can dye the hair a slightly darker shade to help camouflage thinning hair.
- Styling: Avoid heavy gel products, get a haircut with layers, and choose a hairstyle that adds volume, maximizes coverage, and covers bald spots.
- Toupee-style hair pieces: Can help cover baldness or thin hair on the top of the head.
- Hair extensions: Can help lengthen hair, replace lost hair, or add volume to deeper layers of hair.
- Wig: Good options are available with natural hair and breathable material.