More than 100 customers are suing hair care brand Olaplex, accusing the company of false advertising. The plaintiffs allege Olaplex’s products contain irritants and allergens that have led to hair loss, blisters, and scalp problems.
According to the lawsuit, Olaplex markets its hair products – including oils, shampoos, and conditioners – as a solution to “restore damaged and compromised hair” and “repair broken bonds and rejuvenate hair.” Those claims are false, according to the lawsuit filed on Feb. 9, 2023, in the U.S. District Court of Central District of California.
The plaintiffs are seeking more than $75,000 in collective damages. Olaplex, founded in 2014, has denied any wrongdoing in the case and has not recalled any of its products.
In an Instagram post on Feb. 15, 2023, Olaplex assured its stylists, customers, and fans that they can continue to use its products with confidence.
“To demonstrate this, we have publicly released test results from independent third-party laboratories, going above and beyond industry standards,” the statement said. “We are prepared to vigorously defend our company, our brand, and our products against these baseless accusations,” it said in a statement on Instagram.
The Specifics of the Olaplex Lawsuit
Olaplex’s products rose to prominence through TikTok influencers and celebrities including Drew Barrymore and Kim Kardashian.
Using patented chemistry, Olaplex claims its products are scientifically proven to restore damaged hair. The company’s products are widely available to the public and specifically geared toward people who bleach their hair.
However, according to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs “have lost their hair – in some cases more than half and leaving bald spots in others.” Other plaintiffs reported that the products left their hair brittle, frizzy, dull, and dry. Some of the women have also experienced open sores, burning, bacterial inventions, itchiness, rashes, and yeast infections, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit claims several of Olaplex’s products contain a chemical compound called lilial. In March 2022, the European Union mandated that the ingredient, often used in perfume, be removed from products over concerns about its impact on fertility.
“Out of an abundance of caution,” Olaplex says it removed the ingredient from all of its projects. The lawsuit filed in California, though, claims the company is still selling older products that contain lilial.
The company wrote on its website that “independent third-party laboratory tests results show that Olaplex products are safe and effective” and posted links to several studies from industry-standard tests.
How to Sue Olaplex
The lawsuit filed in California is not a class action. If you believe you were injured or lost hair due to using Olaplex’s products, consider contacting an attorney to speak over the details of the case. They can help you decide whether to consider pursuing legal action.
You can also consider filing a lawsuit in Small Claims Court. It’s typically cheaper and easier to file in Small Claims Court compared to other legal options.
Getdispute.com is a legal platform that can help with your Small Claims Court case by writing demand letters and generating paperwork. Contact us today to make an appointment.
With Dispute software, you can start your small claims case by generating, signing, and mailing a demand letter and small claims filing in minutes from your phone or computer. Keep reading below for more info on how to move forward.
Write a Demand Letter
A demand letter is a formal letter asking for payment. Strongly worded demand letters on professional letterhead have a better chance of reaching a settlement out of court than regular letters. At Dispute, you can generate a demand letter in minutes.
- On the top, in the address block, put in the company name and address. You can find the registered agent at the bottom of this page.
- Next, put the subject line as 'Re: Demand for Payment'
- In one sentence, tell them how much the other party owes you which you will claim in your small claims lawsuit.
- Then, in two to three sentences describe your issue.
- Finally, state in plain language that you will go to small claims court if necessary. Don't say that you will do anything else, such as speaking poorly about them.
- On the bottom, include your name and address
How to Send a Demand Letter
After you write the demand letter, you’ll want to send it to their registered agent so that it’s guaranteed to go to the legal department. Make sure that you get a tracking number for the mail you send them. It can become important evidence in your case.
Demand letters are often mailed. But if you don’t have time to find a printer, buy an envelope, and visit a post office, we can mail it for you. Send your demand letter with just a click from the comfort of your home with Dispute.
Start your Small Claims Forms
If the dealership does not pay you after receiving the demand letter, you can file a small claim to win your money back. Although this may sound complicated, small claims is actually less complicated than regular court. There are some county guidelines you’ll have to follow, but filing with Dispute can make it easier on you.
You’ll need to find and prepare your small claims form based on where you decide to sue. Usually, people sue where the defendant lives or does business.
Then, wherever you decide to sue, look up the county's small claims system. They’ll provide details on their website about what small claims forms are necessary. You can read more about the small claims process here.
Serve your Small Claims Paperwork
One of the last steps before your trial will be to physically give the small claims paperwork to the defendant. This is called “serving” the defendant. You can’t serve the defendant yourself, but you can find someone else to do it. Many people hire professional process servers. There are legal guidelines that you must follow so that your case can go to court.
Defendants may sometimes avoid service. In order to keep your court date, you should hire a professional process server so that you can be sure all legal guidelines are appropriately followed.
Attend your Small Claims Trial
On the date of your small claims trial, be sure to arrive early and well prepared. Bring at least three copies of all evidence you intend to present, and if your hearing is remote be sure to have provided copies in advance to the other party and to the court. Failure to follow the strict local guidelines can result in your case being dismissed, but if you’ve followed the rules then you can often win by default when the other party doesn’t show up.
How Much it Costs
So how much will you spend by suing in small claims court?
- Court Filing Fees: The amount you will pay to file a small claims lawsuit depends on how much you are suing for and where you are suing. You can expect to pay between $30 to $400 to file the lawsuit. If you cannot afford to pay court fees, you can ask the court to waive the fees.
- Serving Costs: Once the lawsuit is filed, you must notify the defendant that you have sued them. This is called "serving." Serving Costs can range from $20-100 depending upon the local area.
Remember, if you win, you can request that the other party pay for your court fees and serving costs.
The Benefits of Small Claims Court
- Court filing fees are cheaper in small claims than in other courts.
- The process is faster in small claims than in other courts, as your hearing will usually be scheduled 30-70 days after you file the lawsuit.
- Lawyers are generally not allowed in small claims, which helps keep the costs of suing low.
Taking the First Step in Your Lawsuit
If all of this work seems complicated or daunting, rest assured that it's easier than it initially seems. 2.7 million small claims court cases are filed annually in the US, which is only growing as more people realize how easy it is to enforce their legal rights in court.
Suing can be a complex and challenging process. It's essential to gather evidence and understand the legal process. If you believe that you have been the victim of this crime, don't hesitate to seek legal advice. By taking action, you can hold the company accountable for its actions and receive the compensation you deserve.
