Monat is everywhere these days, from your Instagram feed to enthusiastic recommendations by online influencers. Marketed as the ultimate solution for healthy, shiny hair, Monat promises salon-quality results at home. While the brand has captured the imagination of beauty lovers, there’s a darker side you should be aware of.
Before you reach for that Monat shampoo, here’s everything you need to know about its potential serious side effects.
Also Read: Is Monat Good for Your Hair? A Comprehensive Review
What Exactly Is Monat?
Monat is a premium hair-care brand offering shampoos, conditioners, oils, and masks. It markets itself as eco-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free. Monat products notably exclude parabens, sulfates, and animal-derived ingredients, making them attractive to health-conscious buyers.
Unlike typical beauty brands, Monat sells products through multilevel marketing (MLM). This means you purchase products from independent sellers rather than traditional stores. This sales method, coupled with trendy online marketing, has fueled Monat’s rapid popularity—particularly among younger consumers.
Can Monat Actually Cause Hair Loss?
Ironically, Monat, which promises thicker, fuller hair, has faced significant backlash with accusations that its products cause hair loss and damage. Many consumers reported severe side effects, including scalp irritation, hair thinning, and breakage.
These aren’t isolated incidents. In fact, the situation got so intense that class-action lawsuits against Monat began appearing as early as 2015. Customers collectively reported symptoms such as:
- Hair loss and thinning
- Severe scalp irritation and burning sensations
- Dryness and brittle hair
- Inflammation and sores on the scalp
These lawsuits eventually consolidated into a single, major case in Florida, the company’s headquarters. The situation escalated further in 2018, drawing the attention of Florida’s Attorney General. The company subsequently agreed to stop making certain health-related claims and offered refunds to dissatisfied customers.
Why Did Monat Face Legal Troubles?
The heart of the controversy wasn’t just whether Monat’s products caused harm, but whether the company falsely advertised its benefits. The Florida Attorney General’s ruling didn’t directly confirm Monat’s products were harmful. Instead, the investigation focused on misleading advertising and exaggerated claims about the effectiveness of Monat products.
However, the lawsuits didn’t specifically address the scientific validity of consumer complaints about hair loss. So, while the advertising issue was addressed legally, the underlying question about Monat’s safety remained unresolved.
Former Monat President Calls Company a “Cult”
Adding fuel to the controversy, in 2024, former Monat President Stuart MacMillan publicly criticized the company. MacMillan filed a lawsuit describing Monat as a “cult-like” operation, suggesting the company prioritized profits over customer safety and ethical practices. This accusation raised additional doubts about the integrity of the brand and its marketing claims.
What Ingredients Could Cause These Side Effects?
Monat proudly promotes its proprietary botanical blends, including ingredients like Capixyl and Procataline. Capixyl, featuring red clover extract, has some scientific backing for promoting hair growth. Meanwhile, Procataline, which includes pea sprout extract, claims antioxidant benefits.
However, independent research on these specific blends remains limited. Although Monat conducted clinical trials, the studies were funded by Monat itself. This creates potential bias and reduces reliability.
Moreover, some users may react negatively to botanical extracts or essential oils commonly found in Monat products. These reactions can lead to inflammation, irritation, and ultimately hair loss in susceptible individuals.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Not everyone using Monat will experience hair loss or other adverse reactions. The likelihood of experiencing negative effects largely depends on individual sensitivities and scalp health. People who might be at higher risk include those with:
- Sensitive skin or scalp conditions (such as eczema or psoriasis)
- Allergies or sensitivities to botanical extracts and essential oils
- Chemically damaged hair or previously treated hair
If you fall into these categories, proceed with extreme caution or consult a dermatologist before using Monat.
FDA and Better Business Bureau Complaints
The concerns aren’t just anecdotal. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received over 300 complaints from consumers regarding Monat products. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) faced such a surge of negative reviews in 2018 that it had to temporarily disable consumer reviews about Monat.
This unusual step underscores the seriousness and widespread nature of the issue.
Are Monat Products Truly Safe?
While Monat claims their products are safe, independent evidence to confirm this claim is scarce. Most safety data provided by Monat has potential conflicts of interest due to self-funded studies. The stark difference between Monat’s claims and consumer experiences creates uncertainty about the brand’s reliability.
Given the extensive consumer complaints, FDA involvement, lawsuits, and even criticisms from former company leadership, caution is advisable. While many users report no issues, the severity of reported side effects is significant enough to warrant serious consideration.
What Should You Do Before Using Monat?
To avoid becoming another horror story, take these precautions:
- Always perform a patch test before fully using the products.
- Carefully review the ingredient lists for known allergens or irritants.
- Consult a dermatologist or hair-care specialist, especially if you have sensitive skin or hair problems.
- Avoid Monat entirely if you have ongoing scalp or hair health conditions.
If you’re already using Monat and experience unusual symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual hair loss, stop immediately and consult a medical professional.
Final Thoughts
Monat products might work fine for some users, but the potential risk of severe side effects like hair loss and scalp damage cannot be ignored. The wave of consumer complaints, ongoing legal controversies, and the questionable scientific backing behind Monat products are serious red flags.
Before jumping into the Monat trend, educate yourself thoroughly, pay attention to early signs of reactions, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance.
Your hair and scalp health deserve more than trendy promises—they deserve proven safety and genuine results.
