WEN Cleansing Conditioner Hair Loss, Other Problems Lead To FDA Warning
Amid hundreds of reports involving problems with WEN hair care products, including instances where the cleansing conditioner caused hair to fall out, rashes and other adverse events, federal regulators announced this week that they are aware of the situation and are investigating the possible cause.
The FDA announced it has launched an investigation into WEN cleansing conditioner problems on July 19, following nearly 130 reports of adverse events received between February 18 and July 7, 2016; including hair loss, hair breakage, balding, itching and rash among individuals who used WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner products.
The agency seeks to determine the cause of the reactions and will provide additional updates as more information is uncovered.
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Learn MoreThe confirmed adverse event reports received from consumers are the largest number ever associated with cosmetic hair cleansing products, according to the agency. In addition, the FDA indicates that it is aware of more than 21,000 complaints that were reported directly to Chaz Dean, Inc. and Guthy Renker, LLC, which the agency discovered during an inspection of WEN manufacturing and distribution facilities.
A WEN class action lawsuit was filed last year by more than 200 women who claim the products damaged their hair and caused many to begin going bald. The complaint also indicated that hundreds of women experienced other problems connected to the WEN hair products, including rashes, scalp irritation, and damaged hair.
WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner is sold in various fragrances, including Sweet Almond Mint, Lavender, Pomegranate and Summer Honey Peach. The products are designed as an all-in-one hair cleaner replacing shampoo, conditioner and detangler. It sells for about $30 per bottle.
The FDA has called on the company to provide any data that might help investigators better understand reports of hair loss associated with the use of WEN products. The agency also reached out to doctors via a notice to healthcare providers and asked them to notify their patients of hair loss and other complaints associated with use of the products and to report any adverse events.
The FDA does not review or approve cosmetic products before being marketed. Unlike drugs, the law does not require manufacturers to provide the FDA with safety data on cosmetic products.
Consumers who experience any type of reaction after using WEN products have been advised to stop using the product immediately and consult a dermatologist or another doctor. The agency also urged consumers to report any reactions or side effects to the FDA through its MedWatch adverse event reporting program.
5 Comments
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GwenJanuary 19, 2017 at 8:54 pm
Help my hair is falling out!,, I have used Wen in gallon size for years.
CristinaSeptember 7, 2016 at 3:52 am
I used this product because my friends told me that it was good, at the beginning my hair was growing but it was also foling down, I stopped when I see my head bald in the frontline, I never thought that is going to be happening to me. Please help us get the best way to solve this problem. Thanks
TJuly 28, 2016 at 6:17 pm
I used Wen on my hair starting in Jan an continued for about 6 months. I notified Wen shortly after that my hair was falling a lot. They said oh you should use the Promagrate and then shipped it out. My scalp then became ravaged sores with pus so bad it was leak out all on my nite cap. My hair once glorious locks began shedding at the touch. Since I learned of all this I have a bucket of hair my g[Show More]I used Wen on my hair starting in Jan an continued for about 6 months. I notified Wen shortly after that my hair was falling a lot. They said oh you should use the Promagrate and then shipped it out. My scalp then became ravaged sores with pus so bad it was leak out all on my nite cap. My hair once glorious locks began shedding at the touch. Since I learned of all this I have a bucket of hair my glorious hair gone from my head. I am so sadden by this and it has changed my life forever.i live today with broken severely damaged, bald spots, rashes on scalp, and the sores than hurt fill with pulse after months are still in my head. I am really concerned is this going it stop with the sores an when, am I going to get cancer of the head, is this going to affect my brain since I previously had brain surgery I am concerned about what we now know is lead poisoning.
VickieJuly 23, 2016 at 3:05 pm
In October 2016 I started to use wen the first week I had no problems and then my head started to get irritated, but I thought it was nerves as I was going through a lot of stress. But when things calmed down my head was really irritated and sore I had some breakage but that did not bother me as the soreness on my head. Now my hair is not like it use to be before using it. I had nice hair no probl[Show More]In October 2016 I started to use wen the first week I had no problems and then my head started to get irritated, but I thought it was nerves as I was going through a lot of stress. But when things calmed down my head was really irritated and sore I had some breakage but that did not bother me as the soreness on my head. Now my hair is not like it use to be before using it. I had nice hair no problems now I can't even get it straight with m straightener it is a big frizzy mess. I have tried many products to get it back to normal but nothing works. This needs to come off the market. I tried to let the company know and they suggested a different product of theirs but did not try due to the irritation and soreness and sores. It was like I had road rash on my head but could not see it but you could feel it. If you had ever had a perm that is what my head felt like but worse from the chemicals. Something needs to be done and they need to be reliable for all of the problems that has developed from this product. Vickie
LucindaJuly 20, 2016 at 11:23 pm
I used Wen for years. I had rashes and itching scalp for years also which was something new for me. I went to my Dr and was told I had eczema and psoriasis. Did treatments for years it would help for awhile and come back. Then one day my hair started to fall out,was told I has psoriasis of the scalp. Did more treatments and still kept going,thought I was going to be bald. Stopped using Wen about 9[Show More]I used Wen for years. I had rashes and itching scalp for years also which was something new for me. I went to my Dr and was told I had eczema and psoriasis. Did treatments for years it would help for awhile and come back. Then one day my hair started to fall out,was told I has psoriasis of the scalp. Did more treatments and still kept going,thought I was going to be bald. Stopped using Wen about 9 months ago all my symptoms quit my hair started growing back I haven't had any problems for at least 4 months now. My hair is almost back to normal. Never going back to Wen .