What Is Monat? Does Monat Cause Hair Loss?

Monat hair products are probably safe for most folks, but that doesn't imply they're safe for you.

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Written by , MSc Annie Jangam MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by , MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Monomita Chakraborty MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
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MONAT is a multilevel marketing company and achieved rapid success with its hair care products. However, the MONAT hair loss scandal has tarnished this company’s reputation. It currently faces lawsuits as its products are alleged to cause harmful side effects, including scalp irritation, hair thinning and hair shedding. The company is also under fire for making false claims about its products, claiming they are scientifically proven without providing any independent clinical evidence. Learn more about the safety of MONAT products in this article. Scroll down.

protip_icon Quick Tip
As MONAT has both satisfied as well as unhappy customers, you should take precautions and avoid their products if you are allergic to essential oils or have existing scalp or hair loss issues.

What Is MONAT?

Monat hair care products
Image: IStock

MONAT is a company that sells hair care and skin care products. It is a subsidiary of the Alcora Corporation. It was founded in 2014 and is popular for Rejuvabeads (a solution that mends split ends). MONATs revolutionary anti-aging products for hair and hair care lines, catering to children and even pets, catapulted them to fame. MONAT hair products were alleged to be Leaping Bunny certified as well. The MONAT shampoo and conditioner were some of its best-selling products.

MONAT is now in the news for various class-action lawsuits that have been filed for hair loss and scalp irritation caused by the use of allergens and harsh chemicals in its products. The FDA has received several complaints, and the company has filed defamation lawsuits against the complainants (1). So, currently, the company is broiled in controversy.

So, let’s answer the most important question.

Do MONAT Products Cause Hair Loss?

Back view of woman moving her wet hair post-shower to reveal shedding hair from use of monat products
Image: IStock

Yes, according to a number of lawsuits and testimonies, MONAT hair care products may cause hair loss.

Seanna, a blogger, shared her experience of using MONAT products for 3 months in her personal blog. She said, “I think I kept expecting to suddenly have this amazingly full, shiny hair, and in my opinion that never happened. I did experience hair loss, but that could be blamed on postpartum hormones so I will give Monat the benefit of the doubt (i).”

The initial responses to hair loss in their clients were claimed by the company representatives to be effects of detoxification. The company also falsely claimed that their products are clinically proven to prevent hair loss and thinning, and promote hair growth without any research to back it up.

The FDA is currently reviewing the complaints, so it is advised to refrain from using MONAT products until they are deemed safe. If you experience any side effects after using these products, we recommend you report it to the FDA.

The company has also been under fire for misrepresentation as it claims that its products do not contain the following ingredients when they actually do:

  • Polyethylene glycoli  A petroleum-derived organic substance that serves as a skin conditioner, humectant, surfactant, and emulsifier in cosmetic products.
  • Petrochemicalsi  Petroleum-derived chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetic products, with a possible contamination risk by cancer-causing agents.
  • Sulfatesi  Potentially irritating cleaning agents that adhere to oil, fat, and grease to remove them from the surface of an object.
  • Harmful fragrances and dyes

It is also unclear if the products are 100% vegan and/or gluten-free like they have claimed.

protip_icon Did You Know?
The MONAT products that have received the most complaints are Intense Repair Treatment Shampoo, Rejuvenique Oil Intensive Treatment, and Intense Repair Treatment Leave-In Conditioner.

The company is also under investigation for using misleading stock photos (as before and after using MONAT products) instead of authentic data from independent studies to advertise its products. Even their pyramid scheme type of marketing is heavily criticized.

Infographic: MONAT Hair Loss Scandal

According to several complaints and lawsuits, MONAT hair care products are unsafe to use. Avoid using these products until they are proven to be safe for your hair. If you are still wondering whether to use it or not, check out the infographic below to get a complete picture of what happened.

monat hair loss scandal (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

To recap, Monat is a brand that sells hair and skin care products. They claimed that their products are scientifically proven without conducting any independent clinical trials. The company also claimed that their products did not contain harmful substances like sulfates and petrochemicals when they actually do. Due to the allergens and chemicals used in their products, many people experienced adverse reactions to their products, such as scalp irritation, severe hair fall and balding. Currently, the FDA is reviewing their products, and it is recommended to avoid using their products so as to avoid their adverse effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does hair fall out with Monat?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Monat products may cause hair fall in people with a sensitive scalp or other inflammatory conditions like dandruff, eczemai  A disorder that results in inflamed, itchy, and cracked skin and can flare up in response to irritants like soaps and detergents. , or psoriasisi  A chronic skin condition that typically affects the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp and results in rashes with itchy, scaly patches. . However, they are considered safe for use by the majority of people.

What happens when you stop using Monat?

Your hair will eventually return to its original condition once you stop using Monat products.

How long does hair shedding last with Monat?

It may differ from person to person. When you switch to natural products, there is a kind of purging that happens where the skin/scalp sheds the top layer to eliminate all the toxic chemicals from previous products or treatments. You may undergo this brief detox phase when you switch to Monat.

Is Monat safe to use?

Yes. Monat products are safe to use for most people. However, you should do a spot test before using them to check for any potential allergic reactions on your scalp.

How does Monat make your hair grow?

Monat products contain botanical ingredients, such as capixyl and procataline that are known to promote hair growth and hair restoration, and protect your mane from environmental aggressors.

Key Takeaways

  • Various lawsuits have been filed against MONAT for causing hair loss and scalp irritation.
  • MONAT products contain harmful chemicals like polyethylene glycol, petrochemicals, sulfates, fragrances, and dyes.
  • MONAT falsely claimed that their products are clinically proven to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.

Curious about Monat? Dive into this video to see what a year-long journey with Monat products looks like. Discover if this haircare brand lives up to the hype or falls short.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

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Madison Dufour
Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist
Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.

Read full bio of Madison Dufour
Annie Jangam
Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand.

Read full bio of Annie Jangam
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Monomita Chakraborty
Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty