The Real Reason So Many Black Women Are Experiencing Hair Loss — And It’s Not “Lack of Moisturizer"
- Admin
- May 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: May 29, 2025
The natural hair movement was supposed to be about empowerment. But somewhere along the way, misinformation got packaged, branded, and sold back to Black women—leading to scalp issues, breakage, and in many cases, permanent hair loss.
Where It All Started:
The co-wash trend blew up after brands like WEN and DevaCurl came out with cleansing conditioners. Then came the “no-poo,” “moisture is everything” wave. But these brands never warned consumers that:
Co-washing doesn’t clean the scalp—it only softens hair using lecithins and emollients.
It doesn’t kill bacteria, yeast, or remove sebum buildup.
Over time, this leads to clogged follicles, scalp inflammation, and hair thinning.
Let’s Kill the Curl Chart Myth:
The curl type chart (2A–4C) wasn’t science—it was created by Andre Walker (Oprah’s stylist) to sell his product line. It’s marketing, not biology.
It grouped Black women into “types” based on curl pattern instead of hair needs.
It led to people hyper-focusing on curl definition and moisture—not scalp health.
And it caused confusion: people with buildup thought they had “low porosity” or “dry hair” when really their scalps were just blocked with oils, grease, and butters.
Here’s the Science:
Black people produce sebum just like everyone else.
Our issue isn’t a dry scalp—it’s a trapped scalp. Curls + thick oils + no washing = suffocated follicles.
Add tight wigs, braids, no airflow, and inconsistent shampooing? You’ve got traction alopecia and inflammation waiting to happen.
If Your Hair Isn’t Dry, Here’s Why:
You comb it daily, keeping the scalp stimulated and preventing buildup.
You likely clarify or wash regularly, even if you moisturize.
You’re not just layering products—you’re managing your scalp.
Bottom Line:
The natural hair movement copied what came after WEN and DevaCurl, not what was healthy.
Co-washing alone is not care—it’s cosmetic.
Clean scalp, clear follicles, consistent care. That’s the formula.
Absolutely, here’s a detailed breakdown of the lawsuits involving WEN by Chaz Dean and DevaCurl, focusing on the allegations, settlements, and outcomes:
🧴 WEN Hair Care Lawsuit
Background:
WEN, created by celebrity stylist Chaz Dean and marketed by Guthy-Renker, promoted a “no-shampoo” cleansing conditioner. Users reported significant hair loss, scalp irritation, and other adverse effects after using the product.
Allegations:
The product allegedly caused:
Hair loss and thinning
Scalp irritation and rashes
Hair breakage and bald spots
Claims that WEN lacked proper cleansing agents, leading to product buildup and clogged hair follicles.
Over 21,000 complaints were reported directly to WEN and Guthy-Renker.
FDA Involvement:
In July 2016, the FDA initiated an investigation after receiving 127 adverse event reports, marking the highest number ever associated with a cosmetic hair cleansing product.
Settlement Details:
Amount: $26.25 million
Eligibility: Consumers who purchased WEN products between November 1, 2007, and September 19, 2016.
Compensation Tiers:
Tier 1: $25 for consumers without documented injuries.
Tier 2: Up to $20,000 for consumers with documented injuries, including medical records and photographs.
Final Approval: Granted on August 21, 2017.
Company’s Stance:
WEN and Guthy-Renker denied any wrongdoing, stating the settlement was to avoid prolonged litigation.
💇♀️ DevaCurl Lawsuit
Background:
DevaCurl, known for its products catering to curly hair, faced backlash as users reported hair loss, scalp irritation, and changes in curl pattern after using their products.
Allegations:
Products allegedly caused:
Hair loss and thinning
Scalp irritation and rashes
Altered curl patterns
Claims of false advertising and failure to warn consumers about potential risks.
Settlement Details:
Amount: $5.2 million
Eligibility: Consumers who purchased or used DevaCurl products between February 8, 2008, and August 29, 2021.
Compensation Tiers:
Tier 1: Up to $20 without proof of purchase.
Tier 2: Up to $18,000 for documented injuries, plus up to $1,000 for out-of-pocket expenses.
Final Approval: Granted on January 3, 2022.
Company’s Stance:
DevaCurl denied all allegations but agreed to the settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainties of litigation.
Both WEN and DevaCurl faced significant legal challenges due to consumer reports of adverse effects. While neither company admitted wrongdoing, substantial settlements were reached to compensate affected consumers.
Transparency You Can Trust:
We believe in full disclosure and protecting our customers. That’s why we stay informed on major product safety issues like the DevaCurl and Wen lawsuits. If you’re curious or concerned, you can view the court records and settlement info here:
Knowledge is power—and we’re here to make sure your purchases are always safe, informed, and delicious.
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