WEN Has Agreed to a Class-Action Settlement
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Bad news for WEN lovers: The hair-loss saga isn’t over. According to a statement released by the FDA, there have been 127 reports filed by consumers regarding hair loss, hair breakage, balding, itching, and rash associated with the use of WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner products.
Throughout the duration of the investigation, the FDA urges consumers to be aware of any reactions they may experience in association with the use of the products, and if they do experience a reaction, to stop using the product and consult with a dermatologist or other health care provider. You can also report your reaction to the FDA for further investigation.
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This news comes roughly six months after initial reports of severe damage and significant hair loss as a result of using the products were filed by 200 women in a class-action lawsuit against the brand. In a statement provided to NBC News in December 2015, WEN, Guthy-Renker and Chaz Dean refuted these claims and said there was no scientific evidence to support them.
According to the FDA’s statement, experts have not yet been able to pinpoint what is in the sulfate-free cleansing conditioners that could be causing such damage, but they’re now calling on WEN to provide any data that might help them better understand the reports of hair loss associated with the use of the products.
We received the following statement from Chaz Dean Inc.: “The Wen by Chaz Dean family cares deeply about everyone’s hair health. We encourage people who inquire about any hair issues to seek qualified medical assistance because it is a complex topic. WEN by Chaz Dean is safe, and millions of bottles have been sold over the last 16 years. We have consistently cooperated with the FDA and will continue to do so. We love our brand and our customers. Through this experience, we have learned that there is an immediate need for more education about hair health and common hair concerns in the industry, unrelated to WEN. There is no evidence that WEN by Chaz Dean products cause hair loss, and the ingredients and formulations meet or exceed safety and quality standards set by the cosmetics industry. We stand behind them.?”
**UPDATE August 16, 2016**
According to The New York Times, Guthy-Renker has agreed to a $26.25 million settlement, but it hasn’t been approved by a federal judge. If approved, the company would pay $25 to anyone who’s purchased a bottle of the cleansing conditioner since it was launched and up to $20,000 to those who claimed hair loss or other injury.
The FDA is still looking into the matter, but has yet to take any action and the products are still available for purchase. Stay tuned to NewBeauty.com for more updates!
