Multiple women are suing famous hair care company Olaplex, accusing them of causing hair loss and extensive scalp burns.
Millions have adored the celebrity-endorsed products, but a group of 30 consumers is claiming that these products are dangerous. According to the plaintiffs, Olaplex left their hair brittle, dull, and broken, despite its promise of restoring damaged follicles. One woman says the products caused her hair to completely fall out. Others documented harsh chemical burns. They say the company initially ignored their claims, leading them to believe that there was an underlying health condition causing their hair loss. However, some customers did confirm they received refunds after complaining about excessive shedding. Social media groups are now dedicated to discussing the damage caused by the products.
The suit accuses Olaplex of containing ingredients such as “lilial” and “panthenol” which can lead to conditions causing hair loss and scalp injuries. However, Olaplex says it phased out the lilial after the EU regulatory authority announced its intent to phase out Butylphenyl methylpropional, (commonly referred to as “lilial”) by March 2022. At OLAPLEX, lilial was previously used in small amounts as a fragrance in N°.3 Hair Perfector and N°.2 Bond Perfector. The company says it is not an active or functional ingredient and while this phase out is limited to the EU, out of an abundance of caution, OLAPLEX proactively removed lilial from N°.3 Hair Perfector and N°.2 Bond Perfector globally.
The company said in a statement, “OLAPLEX products do not cause hair loss or hair breakage. OLAPLEX products are safe and effective, as millions of our customers can happily attest. We have publicly released test results from independent third-party laboratories, going above and beyond industry standards, to demonstrate this. We have full confidence and believe in the safety and efficacy of our products.
There are a wide variety of reasons for hair breakage or hair loss, as medical and scientific experts have publicly stated, including lifestyle, various medical conditions and medications, the aftereffects of COVID, skin conditions and more. Anyone experiencing consistent hair breakage should consult their stylist and dermatologist to best understand their unique hair and skin needs.
Complaints like the ones referenced in this article are, sadly, a fact of life in our industry, and have been made against other brands in the category for years. We are prepared to vigorously defend our Company, our brand, and our products against these baseless accusations.”
The lawsuit is seeking at least $75,000 in damages.
