As someone who‘s tried dozens of haircare brands over the past decade, I was intrigued when I first heard about Monat. The before and after photos showing such improved shine, growth and texture convinced me to give it a shot.
Now, after using nearly their entire line for over a year, I want to provide an in-depth review across all factors – from effectiveness to safety to cost.
Overview of Monat as a Company
Monat is a Florida-based haircare company that launched in 2014 after years of R&D. Their name comes from "Modern Nature" as they promote plant-based ingredients.
The product range includes:
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Hair masks, oils and serums
- Styling products like mousse, gel, salt spray
- Supplements and hair growth formulas
Some key technologies and ingredients:
- Rejuvenique Oil Intensive blend with 13 oils
- Capixyl complex for fuller, thicker hair
- Crodasorb for protection and repair
Monat uses a direct sales model with independent distributors, often called Market Partners. This has sparked debate over whether the company structure qualifies as a pyramid scheme.
Now, onto my first-hand experiences after trying virtually everything Monat sells.
Monat Product Reviews: What I Discovered After Extended Use
Here is an overview of the Monat collections I‘ve used, along with detailed thoughts on how my hair responded:
REJUVENIQE Line
Key products tried: Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner, Treatment Masque, Serum
The Rejuveniqe line aims to rehabilitate damaged, overprocessed hair with nourishing botanical oils.
My thoughts: This line definitely helped smooth and soften my dry ends. The masque feels especially hydrating. I don‘t color treat my hair but I image these would be comforting for chemically processed strands.
That said, the shampoo does contain harsh sulfates that tend to strip my roots overtime. And the serum is quite lightweight without much noticeable impact.
Cost: $$ out of $$$
STYLE Line
Key products tried: Flex Control Paste, Dry Finish Spray, Root Lifter
As the name suggests, Style focuses on volumizing, texturizing formulas to achieve glam looks.
My thoughts: I like the Flex Control paste for separation and definition when air drying. It isn‘t crunchy or sticky. The root lifter does provide a subtle boost. But the dry finish spray makes hair a bit stiff and dull looking.
These products work decently well but don‘t stand out much from drugstore options 1/4 the price.
Cost: $$ out of $$$
BLACK Line
Key products tried: Shampoo, Conditioner, Mask
Monat‘s Black line contains charcoal and other dark botanical ingredients to clarify hair and scalp.
My thoughts: This is one of my favorite Monat collections for deep cleansing. I use the shampoo and mask weekly. My scalp feels super fresh without being stripped. And it leaves hair bouncy.
The conditioner is nothing special though. I need to follow with another hydrating formula. But the shampoo and mask are definite winners.
Cost: $$$ out of $$$
RENEW Line
Key products tried: Shampoo, Condition
The Renew range uses antioxidants and proteins to improve fragility and damage. It‘s marketed a protective regimen.
My thoughts: I don‘t see much of a difference using Renew versus other smoothing lines. It cleans decently without irritation. But the conditioner is quite lightweight and the overall results seem underwhelming for the high costs.
Cost: $$$ out of $$$
Volume Line
Key products tried: Volumizing Tonic, Root Lifter, Conditioner
As you can guess, the Volume collection promises to boost limp, flat hair.
My thoughts: The volumizing tonic and root lifter do provide extra body at the roots when used together. But the results don‘t last longer than a day or two for my fine hair.
And again, the price tag seems high when I can buy volumizing sprays and mousses from drugstores for much less cost.
Cost: $$ out of $$$
Analyzing Monat Ingredients
Monat tends to use a mix of botanical oils, plant extracts, proteins and vitamins in their products.
Some key ingredients:
- Rejuveniqe Oil Blend: Contains 13+ oils and extracts like abyssinian and macadamia
- Crodasorb: Pollution protection complex
- Various vitamins: B complex, vitamin E, biotin
- Proteins: Quinoa, rice, oat extracts help strengthen
- Charcoal powder: Cleansing/clarifying properties
However, they do also use concerning compounds linked to reactions and hair loss for some people over time. Problematic ingredients include:
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Irritating for many scalps
- Red Clover Extract: Can exacerbate hormone-driven hair loss
- Phenoxyethanol: Restricted in Japan/EU. Endocrine disruptor risk
- Lots of synthetic fragrances: Contain hormone disruptors
So while some components show promise, the inclusion of harsh chemicals counters their "naturally-based" marketing to an extent.
What Experts & Consumers Say About Monat
Monat is no stranger to controversies and lawsuits. Here is a brief overview:
- 800+ complaints to Canada‘s consumer safety group over hair loss, scalp damage after using Monat products (source)
- 400+ reports of balding, shedding, thin spots to the FDA (source)
- Multiple class action lawsuits over injuries, misleading marketing regarding safety (source)
And beyond consumer complaints, cosmetic chemists and dermatologists have criticized Monat for their formulations linked to stinging, burning, redness and hair falling out for some users.
Are Monat Products Worth the Cost?
After using Monat religiously for over a year, here is my verdict on whether they deliver enough value to justify such premium pricing:
The Good
- Smooths and softens dry, damaged hair
- Offers decent volumizing and cleansing for some formulas
- Leaves hair bouncy and shiny…when the products agree with you
The Bad
- Caused scalp irritation, flaking and accelerated shedding for me
- Lots of controversial ingredients despite "naturally-based" claims
- Similar or better results achieved from cheaper drugstore brands
- Poor customer service; difficult cancellation and return policies
Given the risks of hair loss from irritated scalps, Monat just doesn‘t seem worth the above-average costs in my experience. Especially when more affordable options give comparable – if not better – outcomes.
Healthier, Budget-Friendly Alternatives
If you‘re seeking salon-worthy results without break-the-bank prices or safety concerns, these are fantastic options:
High-End
- Oribe (starts at $46)
- R+Co (starts at $29)
- Briogeo (starts at $24)
Salon Quality, Affordable
- SheaMoisture (starts at $12)
- Acure (starts at $10)
- Maple Holistics (starts at $25)
Drugstore
- The Mane Choice (starts at $13)
- Carol‘s Daughter (starts at $14)
- Mielle Organics (starts at $15)
These cleaner brands deliver stellar hair transformations without harsh chemicals or legal allegations. Their rave reviews speak for themselves!
I suggest rotating treatments from a couple lines to maximize shine, volume and growth month after month.
The Final Takeaway
I entered my Monat journey hopeful. But after a year of trying everything from shampoos to serums, I experienced accelerated shedding, scalp irritation and lackluster results for the price.
And hundreds of other women report similar hair loss and reactions. Lawsuits persist on these injury claims as well.
There are simply healthier, more affordable options without harsh additives or safety issues. Brands like Oribe, SheaMoisture and The Mane Choice offer comparable results for less cost.
While Monat works beautifully for some lucky customers, adverse reactions seem too widespread to ignore.
I advise doing thorough research before trying Monat if you have sensitive skin or hair. And patch test carefully over weeks if choosing to become a VIP. Hearing stories of women who lost over 50% of hair density is alarming.
No matter which brands you consider, remember to rotate formulas seasonally. Our hair needs change over time.Be patient through adjustment periods, use protective styles while transitioning and consult doctors for the best care.
Here‘s to luscious locks in 2024 and beyond!
