A Congressman who is a ranking member of the House of Energy and Commerce Committee is seeking answers for over 17,000 WEN hair care product complaints.

Each of these complaints were submitted by consumers who had purchased WEN hair products and had experienced hair loss or baldness soon after.

New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone recently sent letters to both the FDA and the CEO and president of WEN,  Georg Ritcher.

These letters inquired why consumers were experiencing hair loss, visible bald spots, hair breaking, and scalp irritation. One customer had reportedly suffered hair loss for three weeks even after discounting their WEN product.

In a news release, Pallone stated that consumers have the right to know what ingredients makeup their cosmetic products given that a number of these products are unregulated before they reach the marketplace.

Pallone went on to say that these products, could potentially contain harmful chemicals that could pose a risk to consumers. WEN manufacturing company, Guth-Renker LLC, has reportedly denied these allegations and safety issues.

According to his letter to Richter, Pallone requested a briefing with his staff “as soon as possible.” He also requested copies of several documents including commissioned assessments, product testing, time line of communications with the FDA, and all communications regarding WEN side effects.

Pallone also directed questions at the FDA, asking the agency how it first became aware of the hair loss allegations against WEN Cleansing Conditioner and what steps the agency took to address them.

In addition, he asked what information Guthy-Renker had shared with the FDA and if the agency had any access to the company’s safety records. From this, he asked if any inspections had been conducted, if the agency requested a product recall, and if the agency had sufficient authority to oversee WEN hair care products.

Overview of WEN Hair Care Litigation

The criticism of WEN hair care products gained widespread following in July 2014, when Amy F. had filed a class action lawsuit against Guthy-Renker LLC.

She alleged that after only using WEN Cleansing Conditioner for two weeks, she had lost up to one third of her hair. Even after she ceased using the product, Amy had continued to suffer hair loss for three weeks. Later on in March 2015, Texas lawyers had filed their own class action lawsuit that has garnered over 200 women from 40 states.

Each of these women experienced some severity of hair loss, and may continue to lose hair despite discontinuing the products. Reportedly, a number of the victims have been children. Some wonder if the reason for the hair loss is linked to an unnamed ingredient in the WEN hair care formula.

Consumers who suffered hair loss or baldness from WEN hair care products may be eligible to join a class action. Potential claimantss should consult a specialized lawyers to determine their eligibility to file legal action.

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