Editorial Note: This article, published on February 13, 2023, has since been updated to reflect an exclusive statement from an Olaplex spokesperson, received on February 16, 2023.
A group of 30 consumers is suing the haircare brand Olaplex after alleging that its products caused damage to their hair and scalp. According to CBS News, the consumers allege that the brand’s products left them with “bald spots and other injuries.”
More Details About The Haircare Brand
According to the outlet, Olaplex markets its products as a “remedy for dry or damaged hair.” The brand asserts that its formulas safely “restore damaged and compromised hair” and “protect against breakage.”
However, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege that Olaplex products do the exact opposite. They allege that the products leave one’s hair “dry, brittle, frizzy and dull.”
In an experienced detailed by one of the consumers, the woman explained that her hair became “split and broken.” And added that her hair looked as if it had been cut with a “weedwhacker.”
The plaintiffs also allege that the brand dismissed their concerns. And attributed their hair loss to other “normal or attributable” causes.
The lawsuit was reportedly filed on Thursday in district court in California
More About The Lawsuit & Olaplex’s Response
The plaintiffs are seeking more than $75,000 in damages. However, Olaplex denies the allegations against them.
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.
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.
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has received “about 25 consumer complaints about Olaplex’s products.” According to the suit, the brand’s products contain “lilial” and “panthenol.” Both are ingredients that can lead to conditions that cause hair loss and scalp injuries which include “inflamed, blistered, flaking or scaling skin.”
According to the outlet, Lilial is “banned from hair and beauty products in Europe.”
Despite the lawsuit, the brand has not recalled any products from retailer shelves.
TSR Exclusive Update
An Olaplex spokesperson shared a statement with TSR’s Senior Editor Jadriena Solomon on February 16, in response to the lawsuit and allegations.
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.
