Luxury “hair protectors” from Olaplex “cause women to go bald and get blisters,” lawsuit claims

Luxury hair care brand Olaplex is being sued over allegations that its products caused baldness and blisters in more than two dozen customers.

A lawsuit filed in California alleges that the company, which became known for “band building” claims about damaged hair, made false claims about the effectiveness of its products and alleges that the company covered up the fact that its formula contains potentially harmful chemicals.

It follows a flurry of negative reviews of Olaplex’s shampoos and conditioners – which range in price from about $30 to more than $100 – over the past year, with users reporting that their hair was broken, falling out and damaged, becoming dry with frequent use, fluffy and blunt.

Meanwhile, cosmetics giant L’Oreal is facing legal trouble over allegations that the company’s chemical hair straighteners, which are particularly popular among black women, have caused uterine and breast tumors.

Customer Cathy G posted online about the damage Olaplex did to her hair, with the photo to the right showing the results [Photo courtesy of Insider]

The lawsuit, filed by about 30 customers, involved several ingredients that may have caused the hair problems, including the preservative sodium benzoate.

The FDA has determined that sodium benzoate is safe for use in hair care products at levels up to 0.1% by weight.

They also claimed to have Lilial, which is used to add a pleasant fragrance to hair products It has been found to have endocrine disrupting properties that interfere with natural hormone functions and may pose a risk to fertility and fetal development.

The company announced last year that it would drop Lilial from its formula after it was classified as “toxic to reproduction” by the European Union.

Customers are seeking $75,000 in damages.

Olaplex has built its reputation as a brand focused on repairing damaged hair bonds through chemical treatments and coloring. Celebrities and influencers, including Kim Kardashian, have sung praises.

The products are widely available in high-end cosmetics chain Sephora, Ulta Beauty and various online marketplaces.

The lawsuit said, “Rather than repairing hair and protecting it from damage, the products instead left the plaintiffs’ hair dry, brittle, frizzy and dull.”

“The hair is split and broken which makes it look unkempt and looks like it was cut with a weed sprayer.”

Dallas-based attorney Amy Davis, who represents the plaintiffs, asked the court to order Olaplex to stop what she describes as false and deceptive marketing.

The California hair care label bills itself as a highly effective agent for “repairing broken bonds and rejuvenating hair,” “increasing tensile strength and restoring elasticity,” and “protecting hair follicles from further breakage.”

User Keannia Johnson said her hair took on a straw-like texture and shedding after consistent use of Olaplex

The Santa Barbara, Calif.-based hair care company has denied all allegations.

Expert reveals the nine most common causes of hair loss in women

A hair restoration expert in London says numerous factors including stress, hormonal imbalances, especially those caused by pregnancy, hair styling and vitamin deficiencies can all lead to hair loss.

The Olaplex communications team said of its products: “Do not cause hair loss or breakage… We have full confidence and belief in the safety and efficacy of our products, which have been thoroughly tested in-house and by independent third-party laboratories.”

However, the complaint states that Olaplex’s products are neither safe nor effective.

And it builds on a mountain of growing controversy surrounding her, mostly on TikTok and Instagram, where influencers like reality TV actress-turned-beauty influencer and entrepreneur Kristin Cavallari have warned her followers to stay away from the series .

Ms Cavallari told her 4.5 million followers: “This is not an ad at all.”

“I used it too many times and it literally broke my hair. This has happened to other people, so be careful when using it.”

The latest lawsuit adds to a mountain of bad press, with customers reporting clumps of hair falling out and their scalps developing a painful rash.

A Facebook group called “Olaplex Hair Loss/Hair Damage?” gained more than 5,000 followers, who say the products caused her hair to break at the roots and stripped color from chemically treated hair.

The Food and Drug Administration has received about 25 customer complaints about Olaplex.