Celebrity hair stylist, Chaz Dean, creator of the popular Wen hair care products, and the products manufacturer, Guthy-Renker LLC, have proposed a $26.25 million settlement to end class action claims filed by women across the country who allege that the product, which is promoted as containing no harsh chemicals, left them with severe hair loss and bald spots. More than 200 women have joined the class since lead plaintiff, Amy Friedman, originally filed the suit in 2014.
Plaintiffs claim that the hair care product left them with hair loss, breakage and rashes, arguing that the product contains caustic ingredients that cause follicle damage. Bolstering the plaintiffs’ position is the fact that the FDA has recently issued a safety alert for Wen products after receiving more than 127 adverse event reports from consumers who had problems with the product.
The proposed $26.25 million settlement would provide purchasers of Wen products with a $25 payment. Plaintiffs who suffered more severe side effects from the product could receive up to $20,000 to reimburse them for any treatments they underwent to repair damage caused by using the product. A preliminary settlement approval hearing is currently scheduled for September 19, 2016.
The case is: Amy Friedman v. Guthy-Renker LLC, Case No. 2:14-cv-MRP-AGR, in the U.S. District Court of Central California
Counsel Financial provides working capital credit lines up to $5 million exclusively for the plaintiffs' bar in all states except California, where credit lines are issued by California Attorney Lending. Explore all of our financial solutions designed for contingent fee practice.
