Unraveling the Mystery: Does Monat Cause Hair Loss?
In 2017, the Facebook buzzed with stories of Monat, a brand that emerged as a herald of hope for those struggling with hair and scalp woes. Monat's bold promises ranged from safeguarding hair during chemotherapy to curing alopecia in children, positioning its products as not just beauty enhancements but essential lifelines for those in desperate need.
Yet, as these promises permeated online forums and conversations, a deeper narrative began to unfold—one that questioned the veracity of Monat's claims. My own skepticism took root when I encountered the firsthand account of a cancer patient who, lured by the promise of hair retention during chemotherapy, faced not only hair loss but also worsening scalp conditions. This story was a mere glimpse into the complex web of experiences with Monat, prompting a critical question: Was Monat truly delivering on its promises?
A Little History
Monat launced in October 2014, but one month prior to the launch in September 2014 Toni Vanshoyck a top sales person stated in a video that Monat could make medical claims about the wonders of their product because they were FDA approved. From 2014-2018 that lie continued over and over again with sales rep after sales rep to confuse consumers until pressure from beauty industry experts began to call foul on the claim. Monat continued to shift the narrative and blame their sales force. While Monat couldn't keep it's sales team from lying and making false medical claims to sell the shampoo they were fast to throw threats and intimidation at anyone in the beauty industry who spoke out against their tactics. Many received cease and desist letters and a handful found themselves with a huge lawsuits on their hands. One Monat sales person created a list of people that Market Partners were not to talk to or interact with at all on social media. I am proud to say, I made the list. Several of Monat sales team members made videos poking fun at those suffering from hair loss due to the shampoo. Many of us who spoke out received threats from sales people within the company. Then came the class action lawsuits due to the hair loss. Monat went after the consumers and even reporters who spoke about the issues. Their sales team double downed on making fun of the consumers who were suffering. They started saying that the push through it was sales people not the company and that the consumer should have known they were having an allergic reaction and stopped using Monat. So, that those losing hair it was againtheir own fault. The 11 class action lawsuits were brought into one lawsuit. This lawsuit is ongoing although if you talk to a sales person with Monat they will most likely say the case was thrown out. Simply ask them for proof of the dismissal or settlement After numerous complaints to the FDA about hair loss and scalp issues in 2018 the FDA visited the facilitate that manufactures Monat in Miami, Florida. They found that because of several violations that Monat was at risk of producing a product that was filthy. The report stated that Monat products were, "prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth." Monat acting like they had a great report from the FDA. I bring all this up to share with you the clincial study on Monat by the FDA. After years of fighting against Monat and their untold number of lies I feel the truth is finally here.
Unraveling the Truth: The FDA's Clinical Study on Monat
This clinical study, initiated by the FDA, aimed to dissect the relationship between certain hair care products and hair health. Among the products examined, Monat Renew Shampoo stood out for its notable cytotoxic effects on dermal papilla cells (DPCs), vital for hair follicle health. A startling 80.94% decrease in DPC viability at just a 0.04% concentration flagged Monat as significantly more cytotoxic compared to its counterparts, such as WEN and DevaCurl.
This discovery not only spotlighted the potential harmful impact of Monat on hair follicle health but also hinted at a broader issue of product safety and efficacy in the hair care industry.
Further insights from the study revealed Monat's link to prolonged telogen phases in hair growth cycles, observed through in vivo murine models. This extended dormant phase could potentially lead to thinner hair or significant hair loss, providing a scientific basis to the anecdotal evidence accumulated over the years.
The FDA's findings offer a crucial piece of the puzzle for those experiencing unexplained hair loss or thinning, underscoring the importance of scrutinizing the ingredients and claims of hair care products. This scientific backdrop not only illuminates the potential risks associated with Monat but also serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and rigor in the beauty industry.
Concluding Thoughts
The question of Monat's role in hair loss finds a nuanced answer in the intersection of scientific research, personal experiences, and legal scrutiny. The FDA's clinical study on Monat Renew Shampoo sheds light on the potential hazards of blindly trusting hair care products, highlighting the necessity for consumers to navigate the beauty landscape with knowledge and vigilance.
As the narrative around Monat continues to evolve, it serves as a case study in the broader conversation about product safety and the responsibilities of brands within the beauty industry. The journey towards understanding and transparency in hair care is ongoing, but armed with knowledge and caution, consumers can steer their paths towards healthier choices.
*Cytotoxicity is the potential of a substance to damage or kill cells, a crucial consideration when evaluating the safety and suitability of hair care products.