Author: Richard Garner – Certified Trichologist
Editorial Content Provided by The Hair Society
Monat or not to Monat? This seems to be the question.
There is a lot of internet chatter these days both for and against the product line offered by Florida Multi-Level Marketing company Monat Global. I am not here “bash” them nor am I here to advocate for them. I am merely offering my views on what I’ve seen thus far.
Depending on which post you subscribe to or which industry influencers you believe, will most likely depend on how you answer the above “Monat or not to Monat” question of whether you would use or recommend Monat products or not.
Monat Global purports to be a global leader, all-natural, and professional quality, they state that their hair care line will help you heal damaged hair, even grow hair. Some of the online chatter in favor of Monat is that you can be your own boss, have unlimited earning potential, and you do not need to have prior experience in the hair care industry. All of which is true in theory. Earning potential within a multi-level marketing business model does present many geographical limits, especially if you live in a small community and are unable to branch out beyond that location.
On the flip side, the ingredients used in many of the Monat products have come into question by many within the beauty industry. The number of claims of hair loss are increasing and images of damaged hair purportedly all caused by Monat products are all over the internet. All it takes is a simple search.
While many professionals are now carrying and promoting the virtues of Monat, there are divisions among the rank and file of the professional beauty industry who also claim that Monat is not a professional salon product, and it damages hair and the ingredients are not safe to use. At the time this article was written, there has been no scientific evidence provided to either support or deny the claims that Monat is, in fact, the root cause of these posted claims. That being said, many professionally trained and licensed cosmetologists have all stated that Monat is, in fact, the cause of their clients having scalp irritation, damaged hair and even hair loss. In fairness, Monat Global clearly states that if you have any adverse reactions to using any of the Monat products, to immediately discontinue use, return for a refund and seek the advice from a dermatologist.
Here is what we know for sure. Monat, a relatively new company that by most standards has penetrated the beauty market like a rocket. They’ve leveraged social media and other digital platforms to promote their product line and it has been met with nothing short of remarkable success. In order to sell Monat, all one needs to do is join the team of Marketing Partners. Like many MLM’s before Monat, there are numerous promises or suggestions of becoming self-reliant, owning a shinier new car or SUV and even earning upwards of 50k a month are all possibilities if you sell Monat, this according to the many claims made by existing MP’s online. These sort of claims are common among this and many other MLM businesses, and in most cases are unlikely or realistic outcomes for the masses. We can argue the virtues or lack thereof of the MLM business model, but we will save that for another day and another story.
Monat and it MP’s also make other bold claims about their products, from repairing damaged split ends to growing hair. Many of these claims are even backed up by a study paid for by Monat. Let’s take a closer look at some of these claims.
Here is where things can get a bit confusing for the unsuspecting consumer or potential future MP. When it comes to the study that was conducted, if you do a simple Google search and read many of the results posted by many MP’s, one might actually believe that Princeton University, the Ivy League college was the actual institution that conducted the independent study on the Monat product line. Additionally, if you listen/read many MP’s comments, they’d have you believe the same. The fact is the research that was conducted was done by a company called Tri-Princeton, an organization not affiliated with the Ivy League College. This alone can be and in most cases is extremely misleading to the unsuspecting consumer. What’s more, many of the MP’s truly believe that Princeton University, conducted this study, so they are merely perpetuating an already misleading untruth. We conducted some basic searches of the Monat site and we were not able to find any clarification between Princeton and Tri-Princeton that would provide clarity to the MP’s or the consumer. It’s simply a falsehood that is unfortunately perpetuated by Monat’s MP’s on the web many times over.
Next is the claim that Monat is a “Professional Quality Product”. Based on what the beauty industry deems as being “true professional quality products” Monat does not seem to meet those standards. Most trained and licensed professionals would tell you as would the product manufacturers themselves that make professional wet products, that professional products are generally sold exclusively in salons only and not via house parties, or door to door etc. The fact is Monat can be sold by pretty much by anyone and pretty much anywhere. Licensed professionals have spent hundreds even thousands of hours being trained to become a “licensed professional” not to mention the continuing education they are required to undertake annually, and to sell Monat, you can have zero sales background, zero Beauty or hair care background and zero training from any accredited career cosmetology institution. What’s worse, is for an unqualified individual to make claims about restoring hair is in my professional opinion wrong on so many levels. One should have at least some professional training on what hair loss really is, not just call it Alopecia, which is nothing more than the general name for hair loss.
The fact is, there are many different forms of Alopecia, and the fact is some modalities would not even make a significant difference and thus should be avoided in order to save the client time, money and help manage their expectation. Hair loss is generally not just a simple issue that can be solved with topical wet products. Sure some people can and might see improvements in hair diameter and growth when using some specialty wet products, but a professional should first examine that individual first to see if they are even a candidate for them and if there are other underlying concerns prior to starting a treatment protocol. There are many other treatments to address thinning hair and hair loss, ranging from low-level laser light therapies, intensive scalp treatments, platelet-rich plasma injections, stem cell therapies, prescription oral drugs, transplant surgery, and non-surgical hair replacement, just to name a few. All of these modalities are treatments that should be looked at but not before a proper diagnosis is made as to the type of hair loss or thinning, the cause and a client profile is made so as to properly recommend the best treatment(s). To simply just suggest a product without first knowing more, is like suggesting eating gummy worms to cure cancer just because someone who is not licensed or properly trained said so.
There are even images being circulated all over the internet claiming you can grow many inches of hair in just 30 days using the “Let it Grow and S3 Supplements from Monat. The picture to the right even claims a woman whose hair length was about 9″-10″ grew to 13″ or 14″ in just 30 days. That would suggest 3”-5 inches of growth in just 30 days. This is simply untrue and not possible and only supports the argument that proper training and education is paramount prior to selling any product. This is just one example. There are hundreds on the web making similar claims.
You can decide for yourself if Monat is the right fit for you. My only advise to you would be to do your research, not just on Monat but any product you are thinking of using or selling. There is a myriad of reasons why you should or should not use certain product(s). The more educated you are the better off you will be. Don’t always believe what someone tells you either get a second opinion when possible. I can have a study done that promotes my business as well. Does that make it safe, okay or the best option…Not necessarily? Its remarkable how a study can be performed and the outcome can be manipulated by how the study is actually conducted based on what questions are being asked of the company doing the study and the research in doing the study.
Another concern that seems to be all over the blogosphere with Monat, is the manner in which they deal with those who speak negatively of them and their products. It would seem if you are not a supporter of Monat Global and its products, or MP’s and you speak out against the them and the products, you can be and in many cases are subjected to postings of negative reviews about your business on your social media pages, yelp and other social sites, even if they have never visited your salon or are not even in the same state as your business. If you speak out too loudly and offer your opinions, then you also may face being sued by Monet Global, claiming defamation, trademark infringement and so on. I understand a brand trying to protect itself, but on the surface this tactic and legal strategy seems like a very predatory one. As licensed professionals, every day cosmetologists, barbers and the like make professional recommendations as well as offer opinions on products all of the time, its what they do.
As for the images available on Facebook and in other blogs, there seems to be an ever increasing number of claims from people who are having issues with hair loss and other damage to both the hair and scalp, all claiming that Monat is the root cause, and while I cannot say for certain that, that is the case, only because I have not personally examined any of these individuals nor have I documented any of their personal history of other potential underlying issues. I can only say this…Something is causing this to happen, and if the only change in these people is the use of Monat, then I would first say STOP using the product, just as Monat suggests, and seek the help of a licensed professional or dermatologist. That said, the few individuals that I have personally examined and all claimed they were using Monat have all had extremely damaged hair and in some cases had minor to sever scalp issues. Once they stopped using Monat and were treated with other products to repair both the scalp and hair, the hair and scalp did begin to recover.
My advice to anyone considering Monat as a new product to use or as a career path or both, do your due diligence first. Remember, there is truth in the old adage, if it looks too good to be true, it very well may be. Do not be sucked in by the promise of unlimited wealth potential or a shiny new car. Rather first learn as much as you can about the product, ask questions, not just from the people behind it, but from professionals, and then you can at least make an informed decision.
So Do you Monat or not Monat? Leave your comments below and let us know where you fall on this topic.
TMG Ventures, Inc. – Digital Marketing & Advertising Agency
Thank you so much for this well written article.
You put that monat tells their customers to stop and seek help from a doctor once they start seeing those issues with their hair…
that may be true now.
…But before, it was said that all of that was a “hair detox” or then a “hair transformation” and that they needed to wait it out.. or maybe they needed to try a different line of product from them..which then cost the customer even more :/
Beautifully written unbiased article. I used one line for a month as a favor for an MP friend who wanted a professional opinion. It ended up in scalp sores and massive bald patches. I had my thyroid and bloodwork checked and saw a dermatologist with the report of zero health issues that could have caused it. When I stopped the line it stopped too and slowly recovered.
I am presently using Monat and I love it. Yet years ago I used Aveda products and had nothing but an irritated, itchy scalp. The bottom line is that in my case, I believe it was due to the fact that the product was made from flowers and herbs, (and other plants?) there could have been an allergy problem. Does that make it a bad product . . . absolutely not! It was thought to be one of the best out there, and I have since used it and have done fine. More recently I have found Monat to be a great product. When I started using it, I wasn’t following the directions properly and started to wonder why I was thinking of making the switch. When I listened more closely to the person I get my products through, it all came together and I was impressed. When you try a new product, much depends on what condition your hair is in when you start using any product and whether you are using a product that is (1) proper for your hair condition and/or your scalp, (2) whether you follow the directions for use of the product, and (3) whether you have an authentic product (this applies to any product) or a “knock off,” both of which are readily available through numerous sources. I have had great luck with both Aveda and Monat and have nothing negative to say about either one, although there have been others I’ve had much to say about, and it wasn’t necessarily good. I am not using Aveda as a negative, as I’m sure you can tell from the context of what I’ve written. I have not used it as an example of a bad product, but how a product can affect a person or their hair differently, depending on the product and how it’s used. Aveda is a great product. But so is Monat, which I presently prefer. Also, in my opinion and from my experience, one has to consider where the negatives are coming from. Is it true? Is it due to inappropriate use? Is it due to allergy? Or could it be . . . sour grapes?
I’ve been using it for almost a year and I like it. So far it’s done a lot of good for me🤷🏼♀️
I’ve been using for 17 months. It’s been great for me. MONAT does what it’s formulated and tested to. If one uses a product/s that’s not intended for them the wrong way – clearly, it will not work. MONAT scientific board is pretty amazing. Also, the products are not all natural, they’re natural based. There’s a difference. Not many products on the shelves are truly “all natural.” Training and education is provided. I highly encourage anyone using to educate yourself. Market partners have an unreal amount of training and education provided for them. I would choose your Market Partner wisely.
Thank you for your feedback.
I’ve used this for 3 years BECAUSE my hair fell out from stress and it is thick, strong, healthy and long despite using hot applicances every day on it and lightening it from dark brown to blonde and kept it long without breakage. Now when i go to my hair dresser and she uses salon products, my hair is limp! never again. Monat also does not put ANY toxic ingredients in their products. I’m extremely fussy about what i put in and on my body. Monat only.
You either have never seen the ingredient list or you need to research what toxic ingredients are. I wouldn’t touch Monat with a 10 foot pole after researching the ingredients! Which i finally did AFTER using it for 3 months and having my hair break off! Lesson learned.
Anyone can get access to their ingredient lists!
Funny because MONAT uses only ingredients listed acceptable by the European Union vs US. US bans 11 ingredients. EU bans something like 1,300. So how can the ingredients be dangerous?
The EU is much farther along in terms of regulations when it comes to banning certain ingredients from products. Especially cosmetics. The US has had a very relaxed policy when it comes to consumer products. That does not mean that Monat or any other product still does not contain a potentially harmful product. Because the FDA does not clear cosmetics any more than they regulate supplements, many manufactures can include ingredients that may have harmful effects. This is not too say that all do.
Trying to research because I’d really like to support the MP that is reaching out to me, but my hair professional has answered my questions and told me what to look for, while not giving any opinion for or against monat. However, in seeking the information she said I should look for I have become weary of buying into this trending product line. The discounts seem like a great break once you load up the shopping cart, but… still expensive to be trying something with an inexperienced person selling something that can affect my/my family’s hair Health with zero professional experience related to hair care, aside from whatever is being taught by her up leads… and when she can’t answer my questions or say anything educated about what concerns I present other than: “they’re using the product incorrectly” or “they want to promote their own products” or “they’re haters” or “it’s their age”(AS the reason for hair loss), Or reverberating what MP says Without being able to elaborate, just because it’s what they’re told by others above them making a profit on this…I’m kind of turned off by the generic answers, random justifications of how monat is not the issue but no further educated info… when in doubt… listen to your gut… or your actual hair pro. Holding off for note.
It is always good to do your research when it comes to any product. If you have concerns and or questions that are not being answered in a succinct and detailed manner, then you should consider trying something else. Any product, worth its weight in salt will have detailed information available to the consumer as well as the professional.succinct and detailed manner, then you should consider trying something else. Any product, worth its weight in salt will have detailed information available to the consumer as well as the professional.
Do you think the sales rep that sells professional products to your hairstylist has anymore experience or training than a MONAT rep? Probably less. MONAT has pretty extensive training available. Hairstylist know even less about these products except what the sales rep tells them.
But the difference is exactly what you just said, a sales rep selling Professional products vs. a Monat sales rep selling non professional products. I’m going to trust professional grade products before an already biased rep that sells only one line of non pro products. That’s just me though
Also, I wouldn’t assume hairstylists know less. Most states require stylists to complete hours of continuing education every year, and many that I know live for researching products like this to be more knowledgeable for their clients
All the lawsuits were won, and are now over with a long time ago. we also have changed some things.
I’m 62 went through menopause…. my hair changed and I lost some thick curly hair…. BUT I FOUND MONAT from an old customer and I tried it for 30 days…..NOW MY HAIR IS AMAZING!! Don’t need to do it for a business but love the product and lots of blondes in So CALIF need this great product. Period. Yes….I can sell it as I WAS SOLD ON IT!! 30 day money back guarantee too!!
I’m an experienced stylist of 33 years and have been using Monat exclusively in my salon for over 4 years now with tremendous results for both myself and my clients; their hair is in the best shape possible , colours take beautifully and the shine is amazing as for my own hair; my curls are the best they have ever been, my hair is thicker and more luxurious than ever before so yes, I highly recommend to all of my clients.
Hey Everyone,
Just to throw this out first, not every MP is like the ones he/she claimed. I may not have “professional” knowledge, but I do have some knowledge scientifically about my hair, nutrition, the things that allow our hair to be beautiful and grow. I myself use Monat, & just like anyone who is given an opportunity I hope you do your research first. For me, yes I was nervous at first but I wanted to give the product a try so why not. Being told you can make commission, take trips sounded good to me. All while getting beautiful hair. Rome wasn’t built in one day right?! So of course you have to wait for your amazing hair to come, but…..YES I WOULD CHOOSE MONAT OVER ANYTHING THAT IS OUT THERE.
My entire family uses Monat. My daughter who is 9 months old use Monat.
I would NEVER put anything in my hair or let alone my daughters if I knew it would cause issues like the ones people claim.
You have to understand,
Medication, what you eat, has major rolls in the nourishment of your hair, etc.
Also, not every product Monat offers is for everyone’s hair type. Make sure the person recommending knows what they are recommending you.
I’ll speak for myself but I take my time with my retail clients, VIP’s, and future Market Partners.
This is coming from someone who viewed Monat the same way “professionals do” but I tried it before talking trash 🤷🏽♀️
& it had yet to disappoint. I’ve been using since November, my sister 3 years..
You are 100% correct, not everyone fits into the same corner. There are those professionals within the hair industry that absolutely swear buy Monat, and then there are those who feel that Monat is giving the profession a bad name. There are also countless stories of how people state that Monat has changed their hair care regiment for the better, while there are equally as many that state that Monat has ruined their hair and scalp health. The purpose of our coverage of this lucrative and at time controversial brand is that people are interested. It is our goal to paint a fair and balanced perspective so that our readers can make an informed decision when it comes to Monat or any other brand we may write about.
I used monat and haven’t noticed a difference 🤣 for a whole year..hair still sheds
We all shed hair daily. It’s part of the hair growth cycle. Hopefully the author of this article, as a hair professional, will address what normal hair shedding is.
It is important to understand the normal hair growth cycle to understand why hair loss occurs in the first place. The hair follicle is an anatomical structure which evolved to produce and extrude a hair shaft. Hair is made up of proteins called keratins. Human hair grows in a continuous cyclic pattern of growth and rest known as the “hair growth cycle.”
Three phases of the hair growth cycle exist: Anagen= growth phase; Catagen= degradation phase; Telogen= resting phase. Periods of growth (anagen) between two and eight years are followed by a brief period, two to four weeks, in which the follicle is almost totally degraded (catagen). The resting phase (telogen) then begins and lasts two to four months. Shedding of the hair occurs only after the next growth cycle (anagen) begins and a new hair shaft begins to emerge. On average 50-100 telogen hairs are shed every day. This is normal hair loss and accounts for the hair loss seen every day in the shower and with hair combing. These hairs will regrow. Not more than 10 percent of the follicles are in the resting phase (telogen) at any time. A variety of factors can affect the hair growth cycle and cause temporary or permanent hair loss (alopecia) including medication, radiation, chemotherapy, exposure to chemicals, hormonal and nutritional factors, thyroid disease, generalized or local skin disease, and stress.
Androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone) are the most important control factors of human hair growth. Androgens must be present for the growth of beard, axillary (underarm), and pubic hair. Growth of scalp hair is NOT androgen-dependent but androgens are necessary for the development of male and female pattern hair loss.
My hair has never been healthier. I have fine hair that was always flat. I used salon products and hated conditioner. I wore clip on hair extensions, for volume, for 13 years. I’ve been using Monat for almost 10 months. I can now use conditioner & the hair masques. I haven’t needed extensions for several months. Love the styling products too. People do have sensitivities to plant based ingredients. I have a neighbor allergic to aloe. If she used an aloe based product, she would have a reaction. That doesn’t mean aloe based products are bad for me. I’m actually angry that I listened to the negative press. I would be 6 months further ahead with my progress. Summer hair is most improved. A good hair day in humidity is life changing. I will NEVER use anything else. Grateful to be part of this wonderful company and helping others has been amazing. I’m a fairly new MP but none of my customers have had any negative effects. I get thank-you messages and that fills my heart. Eventually, I may get a customer with a sensitivity issue and would immediately recommend to stop using.
I have been using Monat for awhile now (the Black 2-1 shampoo and conditioner) and it’s really helped my hair in volume and fullness. I love it so far. I have used many salon brands with allergic reactions like scalp scabs and sores. It’s just dependent on someone’s personal chemistry. I haven’t had any issues with Monat at all.
I’ve been using it for a month, I don’t sell it but purchased it from my closest friend who said it fixed her brittle hair. I have to be honest I was VERY skeptical. I read a lot and put a lot of weight in reviews so I have been waiting and analyzing my scalp and every hair on my head, expecting bad results. I have been surprised to find how much I really like it, shocked in fact. I use to get occasional sores on my scalp but haven’t had one the entire month. My hair is very long and it so shiny and silky. I keep getting compliments. I figured I would try it assuming the worst and was pleasantly surprised. I can’t venture to guess why so many have had issues and I haven’t. My advice to anyone is to try it for yourself, if you have issues throw it out.
My stylist, who uses the products herself & sells it in her salon but doesn’t “recruit” anyone to join a team, recommended a shampoo/conditioner combo for me and it helped so much with my menopausal hair loss. My hair is more dense, holds curl so much better and the pH of my scalp has drastically improved as well. When I asked her why this brand her answer was plain & simple it works!! She has been a licensed professional for over 25 years and said all the other “professional” products on her shelves rarely sold due to the price she had to sell them at just to break even and with MONAT her clients can have their products shipped direct to their home which helped a lot during salon closures in California due to COVID. I Personally I feel if MONAT wasn’t labeled as an MLM it would have less haters. I do understand the negative connotation associated with any company the FTC labels as an MLM with all those “ hey girl” messages we all get on social media platforms but with e-commerce taking over it seems a sound business model to sell direct and cut overhead. The products have helped so much with my self confidence about my hair. Not every product is for everyone and ALL brands have people who don’t like them, have allergic reactions or so no improvement based on claims of what the product was supposed to do.
I started using it three years ago after Lyme disease and thyroid issues left my hair thin and lifeless. It has worked for me and my hair is longer than it had been in years and years. No issues with my scalp but my mom said it bothered her when I gave her samples to try. I tried so many other products before this and Monat has worked the best for me.
This Monat os Harmful! Only using it 3-4months, scalp is burning, itchy and my hair is shedding!! Stay away from this product!!