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Browsing online or wandering the aisles of Sephora can turn up a dizzying array of hair care products. Some of these may be made by the hair care brand Olaplex®.
If that brand name rings a bell, it could be because you saw it pop up on your TikTok or other social media feed a few years ago.
In early 2023, a group of consumers filed a lawsuit against Olaplex. The plaintiffs claimed that Olaplex products led to bald spots, scalp irritation, and damaged hair. They alleged that Olaplex made false claims about its products and that the products contained potentially harmful ingredients.
So, is Olaplex bad for your hair? Does using its products lead to hair loss? Keep reading for a deep dive into what we know about Olaplex hair loss concerns.
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Olaplex is a hair care company. Its lineup includes a variety of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. The unifying theme around all products is that they aim to boost hair health by repairing disulfide bonds that have been broken.
Without getting too into the weeds, disulfide bonds are a type of chemical link that turns keratin fibers into resilient structures in hair. They’re important for several qualities of hair, including its stability, strength, and shape.
Exposure to mechanical stress, heat, and chemicals can break these bonds. (Think of things known to damage hair, like aggressive towel-drying, heat-styling, or hair treatments like dyeing and relaxing.)
When disulfide bonds are broken, the appearance and behavior of hair can change. For example, it may not retain its natural shape, become frizzy, or get brittle and prone to breakage.
That’s where Olaplex comes in. Olaplex hair care products are advertised to boost hair strength, flexibility, and elasticity by repairing broken disulfide bonds.
But does Olaplex cause hair loss? Keep reading to find out.
The quick answer to this question is that there’s no direct evidence that using Olaplex products specifically leads to hair loss.
However, there are a few explanations as to why hair loss may have occurred.
Some Olaplex products are designed to be left in. A few examples include:
No.5 Leave-InTM conditioner
No.6 Bond Smoother®
No.7 Bonding OilTM
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, leave-in products are meant to be applied to the hair only. Applying them to the scalp, even mistakenly, can lead to product buildup and scalp irritation.
An irritated scalp is often itchy, which naturally leads to the urge to scratch. Over time, frequent scratching may damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.
It’s also possible that an ingredient present in Olaplex products could have led to some of the symptoms described by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Let’s explore this in more detail now.
One of the ingredients spotlighted in the Olaplex lawsuit is butylphenyl methylpropional. More commonly known as lilial, this ingredient is a synthetic fragrance additive.
At the time of the lawsuit, lilial had been included in a variety of Olaplex products, including Olaplex No.3 Hair PerfectorTM. The plaintiffs claim that lilial contributed to the scalp irritation and hair loss they experienced.
Toxicological studies have found that lilial is a strong allergen. The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) — a non-government entity — Skin Deep® database lists lilial as an ingredient of high concern when it comes to allergies.
This means lilial has the potential to cause an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with your skin. Healthcare providers call this allergic contact dermatitis, a type of eczema.
Allergic reactions and eczema affecting the scalp can potentially lead to hair loss. Other symptoms can include:
Itchy scalp
A burning sensation
Thinning hair
Further, as mentioned earlier, frequent scratching at an irritated scalp can contribute to hair loss.
Allergic reactions like this can also develop over time. So a product may initially be tolerated very well but could go on to cause a reaction later on, after repeated exposure. Experts call this sensitization.
For its part, Olaplex has denied the allegations in the lawsuit, noting that its products have passed industry-standard safety tests.
These include human repeat insult patch testing (HRIPT). This test, typically done by independent third-party laboratories, repeatedly exposes volunteers’ skin to a substance to see whether it leads to sensitization.
At the time the lawsuit was hitting news feeds, Olaplex posted test results for its products. However, this information has since been removed from the brand’s website.
Lilial has been removed from Olaplex products as of February 2022. But the lawsuit claims Olaplex didn’t recall older lilial-containing products from its suppliers, meaning it could still be sold to consumers.
The use of lilial has been banned in the European Union (EU). However, this ban is due to concerns about reproductive toxicity observed in animal studies — not because of its potential to cause an allergic reaction.
As noted, there’s no direct evidence that Olaplex leads to hair loss. Many people around the world continue to use Olaplex products without any issues.
Having said that, every individual is different, and not all products work great for everyone.
Those with sensitive skin or allergies may experience irritation, redness, or itching after using certain hair care products, including those made by Olaplex.
It’s also important to point out that while laboratory tests like HRIPT can be informative, they don’t really replicate what happens in the real world. They can only control so much for factors like the amount of product applied, how frequently it’s used, and how long it’s left in.
If you’re ever concerned about how you’ll react to a cosmetic product, it’s never a bad idea to do a patch test. This involves applying a small amount of product to your skin and waiting to see if you have a reaction.
Consulting a dermatologist is also beneficial. They can evaluate your skin sensitivities and hair type, then make personalized recommendations on hair care products that might work best for your individual needs.
If not Olaplex, then what’s causing your hair loss, excessive shedding, or gradual thinning?
There are several potential causes of hair loss. The most common is called androgenetic alopecia — the clinical term for male pattern baldness. It’s caused by genetic and hormonal factors.
Another common cause of hair loss is telogen effluvium. This is actually a form of excessive hair shedding that can lead to a loss of over 200 hairs each day. It’s typically temporary and can happen due to several factors, including stress, severe illness, and rapid weight loss.
Other potential causes of hair loss include:
Autoimmune disease, such as in a type of hair loss called alopecia areata
Hormonal imbalances
Scalp conditions like scalp infections or scalp psoriasis
Specific hair care and hair styling practices
Does blow-drying cause hair loss? Our blog has answers.
Some causes of hair loss may go away on their own or resolve with lifestyle adjustments.
For instance, telogen effluvium is often temporary, with hair growth typically restarting within six months. Another example is that hair loss due to a nutritional deficiency may resolve after taking supplements.
If you’ve been experiencing noticeable hair thinning or hair loss, a variety of treatments can help. These include:
Topical minoxidil (generic Rogaine®), available over-the-counter
Finasteride (Propecia®), an oral medication available by prescription
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), aka red light therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
The treatment recommended for you by a specialist can depend on the severity of your hair loss and what’s causing it. Linking up with a dermatologist or another healthcare professional specializing in hair loss is a good way to learn about the treatment options appropriate for you.
Whether or not you’re using haircare products like Olaplex, there are several steps you can take to maintain healthy hair and help prevent damage.
Hair comes in a variety of types (like straight, wavy, and curly) and textures (think coarse versus fine hair). Choosing products appropriate for your hair type can help ensure you’re receiving the most benefits.
Unsure about your hair type? Have a chat with your stylist or barber to get a better idea.
Be sure to wash your hair when it becomes dirty or oily, but remember that lathering up too often can strip hair of its natural oils, resulting in brittle, dry hair. Don’t forget to use conditioner after you shampoo.
Numerous styling practices can lead to hair damage and hair breakage. As such, it’s best to avoid doing things like:
Brushing your hair or combing while it’s still wet (when it’s weakest)
Heat-styling, like using a blow dryer or flat iron
Using products that advertise a long-lasting hold (such as hairspray or gel)
Wearing your hair in tight styles like braids or locs
Speaking of styling, these are the best haircuts for a receding hairline, according to barbers.
You know how your mouth and skin get super dry when you’re dehydrated? The same goes for your hair. Staying hydrated isn’t only good for your overall health, but it also helps prevent dry hair.
Beyond drinking plenty of water, consider applying a deep conditioner or a moisturizing hair mask every so often.
Proper nutrition can keep your hair happy and healthy.
Deficiencies in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamins like vitamin D and biotin (vitamin B7) can all contribute to hair loss. These types of nutritional deficiencies are rare in the U.S., but it’s still worth striving to get enough essential nutrients through a well-rounded diet.
As we wrap up our discussion of Olaplex and hair loss, let’s review some of the high points:
Olaplex hair care products aim to boost hair health by repairing disulfide bonds, which are important for the structure and strength of hair.
A group of consumers sued Olaplex in 2023, claiming that use of its products led to issues like hair loss and scalp irritation.
There’s no direct scientific evidence linking Olaplex products to hair loss.
The fragrance ingredient lilial, a known allergen, was previously included in Olaplex products. It’s possible lilial could have led to contact allergic dermatitis on the scalps of some people using the products. A potential symptom of this type of reaction is hair loss.
Many consumers across the globe continue to use Olaplex without any issues. But it’s still possible that some, such as those with sensitive skin or known allergies, may have a reaction to it.
If you have negative side effects like scalp irritation, hair breakage, or hair loss due to Olaplex or any other haircare product, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider or a dermatologist for next steps.
Additionally, if hair thinning or hair loss has you concerned in general, seek advice from a healthcare provider. There are several effective treatments for hair loss, and knowing the cause of your hair loss can help steer you toward an appropriate treatment.
Take the free hair quiz to start exploring your options from Hims.
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