FDA Warns About Wen Hair Products
A little hair loss while shampooing is normal, but recently women using the WEN line of hair care products have lost more than a stray strand or two in the shower. These women have reported excessive breakage, burning and balding after shampooing their hair with the supposedly mild brand of cleansing conditioner. What exactly is causing the reactions is unknown to the makers of WEN and, at this point, the FDA.
Wen, the hair care line popularized by Chaz Dean's late night infomercials, has come under fire following more than 21,000 adverse reactions reported directly to the company. Complaints about the cleansing conditioner, which markets itself as a natural, gentler alternative to conventional shampoo and conditioner, have led the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to launch an investigation into the product line. In addition to complaints filed directly with Guthy Renker and Chaz Dean, Inc., the FDA has received 127 independent reports of adverse reactions from consumers.
Reactions have been reported in response to the Sweet Almond Mint, Lavender and Pomegranate formulations of Wen Cleansing Conditioner. The investigation follows the initiation of a class action lawsuit levied against WEN in 2014 that details six women's experiences with the product. These women allege that WEN products caused scalp itching, rashes, hair breakage and the loss of clumps of hair.
The FDA has requested data, manufacturing locations, measures taken to guarantee ingredient quality and recent formulation changes to the product, information which may be useful for its investigation. It is inspecting WEN facilities in an attempt to pinpoint the cause of these reactions. In the meantime, the FDA has advised consumers to stop using WEN Cleansing Conditioner if they experience any symptoms such as rash, itching or hair loss. If you suspect WEN products have caused hair loss of balding, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
"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," Chaz Dean Inc. claimed in a statement. "There is no evidence that WEN 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." This reassurance was not enough to satisfy the FDA, whose investigation into the hair care line continues.
