Whether you’ve seen the line in your hair salon or heard about it from your favorite celebs, Olaplex is a household name when it comes to haircare. Founded in 2014 and aimed at safely repairing broken bonds and revitalizing hair, Olaplex has gained massive success since its inception, gaining endorsements from A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Drew Barrymore. But, last week, the company found itself in hot water after 28 women filed a lawsuit claiming the products were detrimental to their hair.
Filed last week in a California district court, the plaintiffs in the suit against Olaplex claim that the brand’s products have caused them to lose their hair—”in some cases more than half”—as well as resulting in bald spots and leaving the hair generally “dry, brittle, frizzy, and dull.” The suit also revealed that some of the plaintiffs recalled experiencing “extreme itchiness, rashes, yeast infections, bacterial infections, burning, open sores” as a result of using Olaplex products, claiming that the products contain lilial and panthenol which are known to lead to hair loss, blistered skin and scalp irritation.
The lawyers on the case say that they have carefully considered any and all other factors that could be contributing to the women’s hair issues, but have stated confidently that “the products alone are to blame.” The 28 plaintiffs are seeking $75,000 in collective damages.
Despite allegations, the company released a statement this week affirming that “OLAPLEX products do not cause hair loss or hair breakage. OLAPLEX products are safe and effective, as millions of our customers can happily attest.” The statement went on to explain that “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,” and thus “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.”
Further defending their stance, the company referenced several different doctors who support the brand’s position, like that of board-certified dermatologist Chesahna Kindred, MD, who states “there isn’t a form of hair loss that occurs from applying a hair product topically once unless you’re allergic to that product.” Olaplex remains firm in their commitment to protecting their brand from these accusations.
