200-Plus Customers Sue Wen, Claiming Products Caused Hair To Fall Out
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Wen says its products are free of harsh and harmful chemicals, making them a better alternative to traditional shampoos and conditioners.
However, some customers are now blaming Wen products for making their hair fall out.
It's hard to miss their infomercials featuring Hollywood stars including, Alyssa Milano and Brooke Shields.
They credit their flowing locks to Chaz Dean's Wen creation.
Former Wen customer Jennifer Minonno had a different experience.
"I am just now getting over the damage. I am not over it yet -- what it's done to me," she said.
The 44-year-old mom said she received the product as a birthday gift last November, but soon after, felt her hair was thinning.
She developed bald spots and then heard others were complaining of similar problems.
"I was just in awe, thinking what is going on? Something was definitely wrong. People's hair don't just drop out like that," Minonno said.
Other customers have vented their frustrations online.
More than 200 people are now suing Wen in at least two class action lawsuits, claiming Wen's products contain, "...ingredients that act as a depilatory or caustic agent, causing a chemical reaction that damages the hair strand and/or follicle."
A Wen company spokesman told CBS News their products are safe, saying in a statement, "...there is no scientific evidence whatsoever to support any claim that our hair care products caused anyone to lose their hair."
Minonno now plans to sue as well and she wants the products recalled.
"There shouldn't be other people who have to go through this for something to be done about it," she said.
Wen has shipped more than 10 million products since 2008, and the company said most of its customers are satisfied with the products.
It said there are many reasons for hair loss, unrelated to their products.
As for those two class-action lawsuits, they're now in mediation.
For more information on the lawsuits, click here.
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