“I am a victim of Mielle hair products,” TikTok influencer Bethany captioned a video earlier this week, as she holds up a large lock of hair that’s no longer on her head. The video, in which she claims Mielle’s cult-favorite Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil and Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo are to blame for her hair loss, has been viewed more than 4 million times.
The experience the content creator gained working for one of the fastest growing hair brands in the multicultural sector was clearly not irrelevant.
Dozens of natural-haired Miel users have taken to social media to share their own experiences since her post earlier this week went viral. Ashlyn Delaney, deputy social media editor at Marie Claire, is one of many who have had an epiphany amid the high-profile Miel controversy.
“I ran out of shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. The funny thing is, I was using protective styling products in between, so my hair was feeling great, but it was really crazy how my hair was falling out in between washes,” she told her team over Slack. “I never even thought about it until all this stuff was falling out. It got to the point where my hair wouldn’t stay in a braid… At one point it fell out by the roots.”
@bethanymhrndz ♬ Uncle Ruckus can’t do this – Repent @blaccheartts ♬ Stella (slow + reverb) – .diedlonely & énouement
Procter & Gamble’s acquisition of the brand in January 2023 has led to rumors of secret formula changes that have resulted in a plethora of hair loss content creators are now sharing, but the brand’s founder and current CEO, Monique Rodriguez, insists that the formula has not changed and that the products are rigorously tested for both efficacy and safety.
Independent testing has shown no signs of irritation or sensitivity, and independent experts believe it is unlikely that Miel is the cause of such dramatic and widespread hair loss.
As the Mielle controversy continues to swirl with mixed opinions online, Marie Claire reached out to a cosmetic chemist and a board-certified dermatologist for their unbiased opinions. Below, we share our latest analysis of the debate and how it may affect your haircare routine.
Do Mielle products cause hair loss?
The videos of Miel’s “victims” seem convincing, and hair loss that coincides with product use is seemingly widespread among people with natural hair types. That said, Robert Finney, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist, emphasizes that “no single ingredient causes hair strands to fall out,” so oils and shampoos aren’t the only culprits.
“These products are unlikely to cause significant hair loss, and it’s usually a combination of factors,” adds hair expert and chemist Alexandra Arriaga. “Heretics, stress, medical conditions, etc. can all play a role, so it’s important to evaluate all possibilities before attributing it solely to the product.”
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But from an ingredients standpoint, Mielle’s formula contains essential and seed oils that can cause irritation, sensitivity, and even sudden scalp irritation, leading to hair loss and breakage. “There are irritants like peppermint and nicotinic acid,” explains cosmetic chemist Ginger King. “If someone has a sensitive scalp and they keep scratching for the intended sensation, it can cause hair loss. It’s a matter of personal sensitivity, not the product.”
It’s also possible that after six months to a year of good results, you developed an allergy to the product. “Essential oils are a common cause of contact allergies, meaning that repeated exposure to contact allergens can sensitize your body over time and cause allergic contact dermatitis,” says Amna Adel, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “This is just my theory as to why people may not experience any issues with the product initially, but then develop an itchy scalp or hair loss.”
Has Miel’s product been improved by Procter & Gamble?
Miel started small in 2014, but after expanding to 87 countries and more than 100,000 stores, its unique blend of herbs, amino acids, and minerals remains a selling point. When Procter & Gamble acquired Miel for an undisclosed amount in January 2023, many consumers thought the change in acquirer had a negative impact on the formula.
Although the label looks the same and Miel has repeatedly assured consumers that the formula has not changed, long-time users believe that the sourcing and concentration of active ingredients have affected the product’s efficacy (although there is no evidence of this change).
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Has Miel responded to criticism over her hair removal?
Following the backlash on TikTok, Rodriguez shared a video on Mielle’s Instagram page on Sunday, September 8, reassuring consumers that Mielle’s formula has not changed from 2019 to 2024. “My decision to partner with P&G was driven by my vision to take Mielle to new heights and make it a global beauty brand. I am so grateful for the opportunities this partnership has brought,” she said, citing the brand’s ability to become the WNBA’s first textured hair sponsor and partner with HBCUs. “Our products are made with healthy ingredients and formulated to deliver safe, healthy results. We have not wavered in that commitment. If in doubt, please inspect the label. There have been no changes… Nothing has changed since our acquisition by P&G.”
On Monday, September 9, the brand released an additional statement emphasizing that “none of the alleged negative experiences have been medically confirmed with our products.”
Marie Claire reached out to the brand to see if it plans to further investigate consumer complaints. “We are constantly evaluating the quality of our products from a compliance and safety standpoint. Our in-house and third-party independent laboratories conduct rigorous and frequent testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our products,” a rep said.
Should I stop using Mielle?
According to experts, the only reason to stop using Miel products is if you experience irritation. There are no lawsuits against the brand or specific medical diagnosis that state that hair products are the sole cause of hair loss.
Still, Dr. Finney adds that people with dandruff should avoid Miel products because the oils can cause irritation. “I don’t know why so many people claim these products cause their hair to fall out,” Dr. Adell says, noting that hair loss and breakage could be due to a variety of factors. “If you’re not experiencing any symptoms at all, you can carry on using them. Using anything with essential oils does increase your risk of developing contact allergic dermatitis in the future, so it’s something to be cautious about. My biggest message is that people should just be aware.”
