Does Olaplex Cause Hair Loss?

More than 20 women are suing the haircare giant Olaplex. These women claim that the company falsely advertises Olaplex products as safe for dry or damaged hair.

Thanks to the endorsement of Kim Kardashian and other A-list celebrities the brand became a prominent figure in the haircare industry.

So consumers were understandably shocked by these allegations, but what is the truth behind these claims?

Today we’ll explore the reality of these claims, and tell you everything you need to know about the safety and efficacy of Olaplex products.

1. What is Olaplex?
2. Olaplex Lawsuit
3. Are there ingredients in Olaplex that could lead to hair loss?
4. Does Olaplex cause hair loss?
5. Alternative hair loss treatments

What is Olaplex?

Olaplex is a luxury hair care brand renowned for its patented bond-building technology, designed to repair and protect damaged hair.

Established in 2014, Olaplex quickly gained a significant following in the beauty industry, particularly among professional hairstylists and colourists.

The brand’s key innovation lies in its unique, scientifically formulated ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate.

This ingredient works by reconnecting broken disulfide sulfur bonds in the hair, which are often compromised during chemical treatments like colouring, bleaching, and heat styling.

By repairing these bonds, Olaplex not only restores the hair’s structural integrity but also enhances its overall strength, shine, and manageability.

Olaplex’s product line includes a range of treatments designed for both professional salon use and at-home care.

What the Olaplex hair loss lawsuit claims

28 women behind the Olaplex lawsuit claim that the company’s products cause hair loss and other adverse effects despite being marketed as safe and effective.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege that Olaplex’s haircare products, specifically those containing the ingredient lilial (butylphenyl methylpropional), have led to significant hair damage and thinning hair.

According to their reports, these included thinning and loss of hair, as well as skin irritation and other dermatological issues.

Lilial, which was previously used in many cosmetic products for its fragrance, has been classified as a reproductive toxin by the European Union and was banned in the EU starting in March 2022.

The lawsuit accuses Olaplex of failing to adequately inform consumers about the potential risks associated with using their products.

Plaintiffs argue that the company did not provide sufficient warnings about the inclusion of lilial and its possible side effects, leading consumers to believe that the products were entirely safe.

Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Olaplex engaged in deceptive marketing practices by promoting their products as beneficial while allegedly knowing about the harmful effects.

In response, Olaplex has denied these hair loss claims, maintaining that their products are safe and undergo rigorous testing to ensure quality and efficacy.

The company has also stated that they have reformulated their products to exclude lilial, aligning with regulatory changes and safety standards.

Olaplex asserts that any reported adverse effects are isolated incidents and not representative of the experiences of the vast majority of their customers.

Are there ingredients in Olaplex that could lead to hair loss?

As of now, there is no definitive scientific evidence directly linking Olaplex products to balding.

However, concerns have been raised about certain ingredients that were previously used in Olaplex formulations.

Olaplex has since reformulated its products to remove lilial in response to regulatory changes and to ensure consumer safety.

The company asserts that its products are safe and undergo rigorous testing to maintain quality and efficacy.

Olaplex maintains that the vast majority of users do not experience adverse effects such as hair loss.

It’s important to note that individual reactions to haircare products can vary widely due to differences in hair types, scalp conditions, and sensitivities to specific ingredients.

Common ingredients in many haircare products, such as sulfates, silicones, and certain preservatives, can potentially cause scaling skin or damp hair as well as allergic reactions in some individuals.

Does Olaplex cause hair loss?

There is currently no conclusive scientific evidence directly linking Olaplex products to hair loss.

If you’ve been using Olaplex products for a while and you haven’t noticed any hair breakage or hair loss, then there’s nothing to worry about.

Olaplex products are generally safe, and there is nothing to suggest that their hair products cause hair loss.

Independent third-party laboratories have confirmed that Olaplex hair care products can stimulate hair growth and prevent brittle hair.

However, if you have sensitive skin or fine hair it may be best to consult with a hair specialist before using Olaplex hair products.

What else can you do against hair loss?

If hair loss shampoos fail to provide the relief you’re looking for, you may consider other treatments.

These may entail things such as minoxidil and finasteride, which are two of the most popular hair-loss medications.

Additionally, you may experiment with PRP therapy, LLT or micropigmentation.

To find out which treatment is best suited for your specific hair loss condition, it’s best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or hair care specialist.