What Is Monat? Does Monat Cause Hair Loss?

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 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?

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.

In 2018, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) received a significant number of complaints about Monat products—hundreds within just three days (2). The BBB is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers find trustworthy businesses. It evaluates companies based on factors like customer complaints, transparency, and ethical practices. This prompted the BBB to disable the company’s reviews on its website. Currently, Monat does not hold BBB accreditation.

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 safety of cosmetics largely depends on the manufacturer, who is responsible for ensuring their products are safe to use. Additionally, governments and regulatory bodies have rules in place to prevent harmful ingredients from being used.

These rules include (3):

• Banning Certain Ingredients: Some harmful substances are completely prohibited.
• Limiting How Ingredients Are Used: Specific ingredients can only be included in products under strict conditions or in small amounts.

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

So are these ingredients safe for hair? Are these responsible for Monat hair loss? Read on to find out more about them.

Are The Ingredients In Monat Products Safe For Hair?

• Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs)

When applied topically, PEGs may cause stinging sensations, especially on sensitive areas like the scalp. Additionally, they have been linked to hypersensitivity reactions such as hives (urticaria) and delayed allergic responses (4). For individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing scalp conditions, these reactions may worsen irritation, leading to discomfort, inflammation, or even hair loss. 

• Petrochemicals

The petrochemicals present in Monat products could potentially disrupt hormones. However, there is no definitive scientific proof linking them directly to hormone imbalances in consumers. A study on petrochemical chemicals used in industries suggests that low doses of certain chemicals might interfere with hormone receptors and gene expression (5). While more research is needed, this study raises concerns about their endocrine-disrupting potential.

• Sulfates

Sulfates, commonly found in shampoos, create lather but are harsh detergents that can strip hair of natural oils. They may make hair dry, fragile, and prone to frizz. This dryness and damage can weaken the hair, potentially leading to hair loss over time (6).

• Harmful Fragrances and Dyes

Synthetic fragrances and dyes often contain allergens and irritants that can inflame the scalp. Chronic exposure may cause scalp sensitivity, itchiness, and even hair fall in severe cases (7).

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

Here are some tips if you are concerned about hair loss from using MONAT:

• Consider switching to gentler, sulfate-free products and avoiding those with potential allergens like fragrances or petrochemicals. 
• Consult a dermatologist if you notice scalp irritation or hair thinning to identify the cause and receive tailored treatment and advice. 
• Always patch-test new products to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. 
• Stop using the product immediately if you experience worsening symptoms and seek professional guidance.

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.

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.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential long-term effects of using MONAT products?

A few of the common long-term effects of using MONAT products that customers have shared are hair thinning, hair loss, skin lesions, and scalp irritation.

How do I report side effects from using MONAT products?

To report side effects from using MONAT products, you can either contact MONAT’s customer service or report directly through the FDA’s MedWatch program.

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.

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.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

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.

Read full bio of Madison Dufour

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 SinhaEditor

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 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