July 21, 2016 — The FDA has opened an investigation into reports of hair loss from WEN Cleansing Conditioner.
The FDA has received reports of hair loss, hair breakage, balding, itching, and rash associated with the use of WEN by Chaz Dean.
As of July 7, 2016, the FDA had received 127 adverse event reports directly from consumers about WEN — the largest number of reports ever associated with any cosmetic hair cleansing product.
The FDA is also investigating over 21,000 complaints to the manufacturers of WEN, including Chaz Dean, Inc. and Guthy Renker LLC.
The FDA has not yet determined a possible cause for the reactions. However, one attorney in Texas who filed a class action told CBS News:
“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.”
While the investigation continues, the agency is asking consumers to report to the FDA any reactions they have experienced. Anyone who experiences a reaction should stop using WEN and consult with a dermatologist or other healthcare provider.
Last year, more than 200 people in 40 states joined a class action lawsuit against WEN and Guthy-Renker. Lawyers say the manufacturer knew about reports of hair loss but continued promoting WEN and refused to remove it from the market.