200 women join class action against WEN by Chaz Dean

Published: 15-Dec-2015

Hair product allegedly causes hair to fall out

More than 200 women in the US have joined a class action lawsuit against popular hair care range Wen by Chaz Dean. The suit was originally filed earlier this year and is ongoing, although the two parties have now agreed to a framework for mediation.

WEN by Chaz Dean is advertised as a sulfate-free alternative to traditional shampoo products. The product’s website states that it contains a “perfect blend of special ingredients, including natural botanicals and herbs and do not contain sodium laurel sulfate or harsh chemicals”.

The brand is owned by Guthy-Renker, which is also behind skin care range Proactiv, and has a number of celebrity spokespeople, including Brooke Shields and Alyssa Milano. It is said to have generated $100m in sales in its second year.

But earlier this year a number of women filed a lawsuit against the brand, seeking damages for personal injuries caused by the product – said to be hair loss and irritation on the scalp. The complaint alleges that “Wen products contain a caustic ingredient that causes a chemical reaction and damages hair and follicles.”

A number of complainants have also taken to social media to report their experiences with the products.

Amy Davis, Lead Counsel for the victims told CBS 11 that her firm has instructed chemists to test the products. She said: “What we understand about the product and how it causes hair loss is 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.”

WEN told Buzzfeed News: “Importantly, there is no scientific evidence whatsoever to support any claim that our hair care products caused anyone to lose their hair. There are many reasons why individuals may lose their hair, all unrelated to Wen hair care products. We intend to vigorously contest the allegations made against our products.”

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