MONAT Review
Update 2/10/18: I reviewed Monat back in April of 2017. I only washed my hair with the products 2 or 3 times as they were being loaned to me by the rep who requested this review. I didn’t experience any hair loss but I also didn’t use these long enough to know. I assured her that I have thick, virgin hair with few complaints so wouldn’t make for a dramatic before and after but she was ok with that and just wanted to see what I thought.
Recently, I’ve been seeing a great deal of disturbing things with regard to Monat and it’s products. If it is indeed making people’s hair fall out, I truly hope the appropriate parties get involved and pull it from distribution too.
I do not think anyone is lying about their hair loss and I feel so sorry for them.
No one shares unflattering, humiliating photos of their scalp for no reason.
No one is paying women to share their stories and I support them in trying to help one another.
Many of these women initially believed in the products enough to sell them, investing their own time and money into Monat. I have no doubt it was embarrassing and alarming when their hair began to take a turn for the worse.
I’ve had several blog readers and friends let me know that this product damaged their hair. I believe them and I’m so sad that they had to have this experience. I don’t believe your hair, nor your skin goes through a detox. That isn’t a thing. That’s your liver’s job.
That being said, my very limited, original Monat review is as follows.
I haven’t posted a recent photo or video for you to know but I recently cut about 6 inches off my hair. It wasn’t a midlife crisis or anything. I just realized I needed less weight and here we are. Though I really like my hair cut, now I actually have to style my hair more often. This means I have to do something I struggle with called “try”.
I’ve learned a lot about my hair lately as a result, one unfortunate thing being that I have occasional dandruff. You can sometimes see evidence of this in my older videos. I have virgin hair so it’s in pretty good condition but is prone to oiliness and since cutting it, the under layers have gone from wavy to almost curly, making it lay kind of funny. The only thing I’ve found to help remedy my dandruff and oiliness, after trying every natural product, was unfortunately Head & Shoulders. I don’t want to use it; even though it works. It contains sulfates, artificial fragrances, and worst of all, they test on animals, something I’m strictly against.
Therefore, I’m all for trying cleaner products that don’t test on animals, especially if they can help me, and more importantly, others. Dandruff is gross and embarrassing, but you know whats even more embarrassing? Hair thinning and hair loss. I’ve got enough hair for 4 people but I once had Grave’s Disease, an autoimmune disorder that resulted in a sizable bald spot right in my hair line. It was alarming and inconvenient. I know many who have lost significant hair volume after having a child or taking certain medications. It affects your self esteem and makes you feel self conscious. There’s a fairly new haircare company that promises to remedy that called MONAT.
My friend Kylika Miller sells MONAT and asked if I wanted to try it out. I’d been hearing a bit about it, and was invited to “wash and wine” events here and there. I really like Kylika and I like supporting other women. I know you guys are always curious about these things people sell so I’m usually happy to try the products and give you the scoop. FYI-I am a not a hair stylist therefore am reviewing these products purely from a consumer point of view. I’d love to know a stylist’s opinion though so if you’ve tried it, please comment!
What I Tried
Renew Shampoo
Restore Leave-In Conditioner
Refinish Control Hairspray
Replenish Masque
What I Thought
Ease of Use
I really like the twist top tube packaging style of the Renew Shampoo. The shampoo doesn’t contain sulfates so it doesn’t foam up much but enough to work it in to the scalp easily. The scent is really nice and fresh and what I would categorize as a “green” scent. The shampoo rinses out easily.
After shampooing, I applied the Replenish Masque. It smells nice and fresh too and feels rich without being too thick or heavy. It doesn’t contain silicones which I love because sometimes hair masks just coat your hair to make it feel superficially slippery and smooth but it’s sort of a cheat.
I used the Restore Leave-In Conditioner and brushed it through with my Wet Brush when i got out of the shower. I think I used too much of this so I was worried my hair would feel heavy and greasy but it really didn’t.
I lightly sprayed my hair after styling with the Refinish Control Hairspray and found this to be one of my favorite products. It’s lightweight, smells nice and leaves hair brushable and soft, no stiffness. It keeps that movement but smoothes the hair.
Value
I’ve seen a few comments online say these products are expensive but if compared to many high end brands, I think the price point is pretty average. Plus, I could have definitely used less product than I did so I imagine a little goes a long way since it’s not packed with odd fillers as some products are. You can save by buying sets or being a VIP member too. If you do VIP, the shampoo, conditioner and masque set I tried would break down to $28 each, for example.
Left: Washed with Head & Shoulders, used Kevin Murphy UN.TANGLED Leave-In Conditioner, blow dried. Right: MONAT Balance System, blow dried.
Results
After shampooing, conditioning, and blow drying as usual with my Instyler Turbo Dryer and Wet Brush Speed Dry Brush, I found that my thick, heavy hair laid much better. It seemed sleeker, smoother and more manageable. When I examined my part carefully, I didn’t see any white flakes. Yay! I have good hair to begin with but I especially like how my hair felt from these products, clean, healthy and nice. I’ve been dealing with a lot of annoying static and flyaway lately and I noticed that MONAT eliminated that.
This was taken right after blow drying. Not that you didn’t already know, but I have no makeup on. Someone please brush up those damn eyebrows. Anyways, I think you can tell how nicely my hair is laying. I didn’t straighten it yet it looks as though I did.
PROS
- Cruelty free
- Paraben free
- No sulfates
- No silicones
- No pthalates
- No harsh colorants or fragrances
- Products contain multiple natural oils
- Can encourage hair growth
CONS
- Lots of lines and options but Kylika would be happy to help you find the best line.
- May be more costly than your current routine
- Sold via independent consultant vs. salons
- One might be more likely to purchase from someone who regularly cuts their hair
- This is petty but it really bothers me that it’s pronounced mo-nay but not spelled Monet.
Do I recommend MONAT?
As someone with already healthy hair with a few complaints, I do. I honestly had a really good experience with it. If I were to purchase MONAT products, I’d choose the shampoo and hairspray and maybe Leave In Conditioner.
Product samples were provided by Kylika Miller on behalf of MONAT. No financial compensation was received and I will not make any compensation for purchases made through links in this post.
Christy Stephens
04/05/2017 at 8:36 PMMy mom uses a line. Her hair is fine and thin and she swears by it. I would like to come by a review from someone with a bit more coarse hair, however. But the hair spray intrigues me. No alcohol?
Kelly Roberts
04/05/2017 at 10:31 PMActually, it is pronounced “maw-nate” stands for MOdern NATure. And yes Christy Stephens, no alcohol. Every thing made by Monat is considered eco-friendly 😉 great blog!
Ivy Boyd
04/05/2017 at 10:42 PMOh man, now I’m even more angry about the pronunciation! Just kidding 🙂 Thank you for clarifying that and for reading this post. I’ve read the hairspray actually puts out fires vs. igniting them. Is that true??
Kelly
08/09/2017 at 8:26 PMYes that is true. There are several you tube videos proving it.
Christy Stephens
04/05/2017 at 10:43 PMAwesome! Thanks! Alcohol seriously cries my hair out! Appreciate it!
Shalom Santos
05/12/2018 at 10:32 AMOne of the ingredients in the shampoo is alcohol.
Christy Stephens
04/05/2017 at 10:44 PMLol *dries out my hair. But I’m sure my hair cries as well.
Meghan
07/19/2017 at 12:38 AMI am a licensed professional and absolutely love these products. I have tried almost everything and haven’t had any complaints about the products. One thing I hate is the tousled texture sprays nozzle is terrible. It doesn’t mist so you have to spray it in your hands and then run it through your hair. I love the revive system which gives me volume without drying out my hair, like other brands. the dry shampoo is also to die for and I have literally tried like twenty dry shampoos lol. Love these products!
Ivy Boyd
07/19/2017 at 6:09 PMThank you so much for your input, Meghan! It’s really helpful to have a pro’s opinion. Sounds like I need that dry shampoo because I pretty much hate every one I’ve tried!
Kenz
08/27/2017 at 1:47 PMHi Meghan, I am also a licensed professional and have been using Monat for over a month now have also joined as an MP. Recently I was given some push back from others who are professionals saying things such as, “I would never touch the stuff because it is not professional…”. I can understand why some professionals feel this way, but she went on to say that she knew someone doing a study on how bad some of the oils are for your hair. Now, I have had nothing but positive feedback from my customers and personally love the products (besides the texturizing mist as you mentioned with the nozzle and I do not like that it makes the curls hard & crunchy). So, currently I am trying to DIG and find anything I can that is negative about the products. I want to prove my fellow professionals wrong!!! Why is this NOT a PROFESSIONAL only product line, I wonder?? My though is because it is that good of a product that almost anyone can sell it because after a few uses it sells itself for life. Do you or anyone else know why it is not strictly Professional? Thanks in advanced!
Meghan
08/28/2017 at 8:55 PMI have no idea why it isn’t a professianal only line but I do hear a lot of back lash from other stylists as well. I’ve also heard about the oils causing “buildup” on the hair shaft but I haven’t noticed any so called buildup on my hair at all, if anything my hair feels a lot less weighed down than using something such as morrocan oil. I know it was created by a stylist as well so as to why they say it’s not professional is beyond me. My guess would be because they’re not able to sell what’s on their shelves with something better on the market?
Nemie
10/24/2017 at 5:55 AMI would say the company chose to not sell exclusively to professionals because this would limit their market. The market of potential buyers is by far a much larger market than to professionals. It is a MLM company and volume of sales is the number one priority of these companies.
Cami Awalt
06/21/2018 at 8:26 PMAre any products strictly professional anymore? Las time I checked you can totally bypass your stylist and go to ULTA or even target. Stylists are not protected by the top brands that they sell anymore. Monat dedicates themselves 100% to hair research and products. Plus, they manufacture their own products. Most companies can’t say that at all. They make many different type of beauty products and don’t even own their own manufacturing facilities. It’s doesn’t take a “professional ” to sell hair products. The proof is that the cashiers at Walmart are selling some professional brands. Don’t rip on them because they are in direct sales. There are many high quality direct sales companies now. I’ve been using Monat for 1 year and you’d have to pry it from my cold dead hand. I will never quit using it. This is coming from someone who was always trying new “professional ” products. It was love st first wash and my hair was already thick, but now I have to get it thinned out! Best product ever.
Donna
07/31/2017 at 10:59 PMI absolutely love the Monat products! I agree about the nozzle on the tousled texture spray. They need to rethink that. My hair has never been healthier. I signed up as a market partner just a couple of months ago.
Kelly
08/09/2017 at 8:24 PMAmodimethicone is entirely different from dimethicone. To say they are the same is like saying water and peroxide are the same because they have the same atoms involved. The big difference is Amodimethicone is amine functionalized and is actually a silicone ester. The changes that occur with amine functionalization make the molecule target specific areas, damaged areas, because it has an opposite ion charge from damage. So, amodimethicone goes where it can do good, since it is charged, it doesn’t build up on itself or cause other ingredients to stick to it. Depending on the formulation of the product, amodimethicone will not adhere strongly to the strand which makes it easier to remove with cleansers, Monat cleansers.
Kelly
08/09/2017 at 8:31 PMAlso, PTPD is another amine functionalized silicone ester. Works much like Amodimethicone, but has a stronger positive charge.
Jen
11/17/2017 at 7:11 AMLove reading Monat reviews from people not already selling it! I’m a licensed cosmetologist (21 years) and Monat is changing the hair & lives of so many, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by. I signed on as a VIP first and a month later decided to upgrade to Market Partner. The before and afters I see from others and that I’m able to get myself are incredible. I’m so happy to be able to recommend products that are truly changing EVERYONE’s hair for the better! It’s all I use & recommend in my salon now!
Emm
12/30/2017 at 12:18 PMPeople with hormone sensitivities need to be wary of red clover. Monat and it’s MPs should do a better job of explaining this.
Lea
12/30/2017 at 6:33 PMI would only suggest before buying into any product line research it with BBB.
Helene
12/30/2017 at 9:14 PMSays the blogger who belongs to groups such I hate Monat, Professionals against Monat, Monat is a nightmare etc….I have seen your posts Lea, most recently this one
“Lea Hartline – I simply put, before buying into any product line I would check it with BBB let’s see if she post that.”
Which is posted on a thread in the MONAT hate group pointing people to this blog post. These groups are nothing but a bunch of people with their panties in a lot because they feel threatened by Monat for some reason. The products are AMAZING!!!
I have also seen posts (and have screen shots) of you posting and telling others to go put bad reviews on the BBB. Someone noticed Monat had 2 BBB profiles and it was suggested in this group that everyone go and put a bad review on BOTH of the Monat profiles found.
Lea Hartline – “I think the plan for than is to use this second one to say, look at our BBB reports. We need to make sure they both have complaints.”
I also have screen shots of you calling Monat a marketing genius Lea. A description also saying and I quote “So, wanted to share what I have been doing. How has Monat been hitting us hard… Shampoo parties! I am doing an all day one.To share REF, and introduce myself and maybe grow my business even if it is only my retail business.
After one day of having it out there, I just had to ask an assistant to come in and help out for the event.
I will be running it from 11-7 with an hour lunch. Doing a max of 3 clients an hour. My assistant will shampoo and we are already working on her script and I will blow dry and style talking all the time about products, healthy hair and explaining why they need to take care of their hair.
So, far I have added 7 new prospective clients to my books.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1730136253715216/
I am going to give away door prizes, have drinks, snacks, and hopefully, I can get off my butt and have small samples for everyone to take home.”
I am SOOOO glad you are learning something from Monat and finding ways to promote your own products. I do wish you success in your business.
I have been removed from the Professionals against Monat page but not before I spent a few days screen shorting everything you and your friends have been saying. Don’t worry, I didnt screen shot the picture of your grand mother. Only the comments that are slanderous.
You are “angry because Megs is being sued”….Think to yourself why she is being sued? She is being sued because she made false damaging statements about a product and company. That is called SLANDER and is against the law. Yes, I understand that you will run back to your group and show screen shots of my words to you and they will growl, scowl and throw up eye roll gifs….but that is ok. I hope that the people who sell Monat make a fantastic business for themselves. Many of them seem to really educate themselves on these products, they educate themselves on hair (i mean really hair isn’t rocket science, how long did you go to school? 10 months? LOL..oooh)…..sorry, that was petty, but i am angry too….I am angry because I used nothing but Redken, Sebastien, Pureology and Joico for YEARS..and more recently Biolage, Terre de Bain tossed in there..and I had to constantly switch them up because of the buildup they caused….I was so self conscious about my frizzy hair all the time no matter what. I had regualar cuts with the best stylist in town. Used the best products I could find (My friend owns a local professional beauty supply store so I got all the goods)….and NOTHING left my hair the way Monat has made my hair look and feel. I can now let my hair air dry if I want, and virtually NO FRIZZ!!!! I take my puppy out all day long even in the fog (which we get here ALOT) and NO FRIZZ!!! My hair has never been softer, my hair has never felt lighter, yet fuller, my hair has never been shinier (even right out of the shower with no other product added)…..I have been using Monat for almost a year and I will NEVER use anything else again. I will admit, the shedding in the first couple of months concerned me. But the 3rd month came and I have never been hoaxer with my hair. I barely shed at all now. No near like I did before I started Monat,
P.s. these groups also post links to Monat sellers posts, groups, live videos etc and suggest to each other what to say to cause drama on them. Very classy bunch.
*Disclaimer – I am NOT a Monat Sales person. I am a Monat user!
Vickie
12/30/2017 at 8:59 PMPeople please please do your research before buying this crappy product from an even crappier company. It’s not what it claims! There are hundreds, if not thousands of us with major hair loss and damage. The red clover in it mimics estrogen and can cause all kinds of problems. Please research and ask. Check out the FB group Monat – My Modern Nightmare before shelling out your hard earned money on this scam. There are other proven, safe and effective hair care lines out there. Don’t let them prey on your dreams only to have you wake up in a nightmare!!!
Kera
07/26/2018 at 12:48 PMI’m not someone that has tried this product, I’m just someone interested in trying it and was reading reviews on it. You say do your research before trying the product and that Red Clover is the main culprit causing tons of issues. I’ve researched Red Clover and all I find are tons of documents and lab tests that show all the benefits to skin and to hair that Red Clover produces. Even used for cancer treatment and psoriasis/eczema. Now WebMD did have some complications listed, but nothing that would jump out at me more than any other natural product you would consume by mouth or on skin. ANY natural product or product with natural ingredients in it has the potential of causing some sort of problem or irritation. You just have to try products with precaution. But Red Clover which mimics estrogen is really good for the skin and hair. It’s good for those going through menopause and can help reduce bone loss. I don’t see Red Clover being a key ingredient in these products as a huge Red Flag. If you are someone taking Estrogen or medications for your liver then I would suggest using with caution, and if you notice a side effect then immediately stop taking it.
Cathy
10/27/2019 at 5:05 AMI have used t
Monat exclusively for 2 years and have never had an issue with it causing hair falling out. In fact. Just the opposite. My very fine hair is thicker looming than ever. It cleans the follicles of old residues from parabens and silicones in commercial hair products and stimulates them to grow new hair…I have seen it!. I used to have scalp break outs from chemicals in other products on the market. I tried everything, expensive “professional” products. They all irritated my scalp. After using Monat for 3 weeks my decades of scalp issues were gone and have never come back. The natural hair growth ingredient in Monat “Capixcyl” has my hair growing almost an inch a month..unheard of for me! My hair is shiny, my highlights look more platinum..no gold tones..and I get compliments daily. My hair looks vibrant and thick..better than it did in high school. I am 64. I wouldn’t consider using any other product on my hair. With these results why would I? It surprises me how many hair “professionals” criticize Monat and try to scare people away from using it..even though they personally have never used it. Has anyone EVER had hair issues with Monat? Yes..there is no hair product anywhere that works 100% for everyone. You can be allergic to an ingredient. But Monat has revenues of over 500 million a year., sells globally and is growing in leaps and bounds. It has a AAA+ rating with Better Business Bureau and is known as a natural hair product company that stimulates hair growth and RESTORES hairloss. not causes it. I feel badly for the few that have experienced hairloss but many of them try Monat because they already have serious hairloss issues and then blame Monat when their hairloss continues. They may have hairloss because of thyroid or other health issues. Monat is a great company with great products and I hate seeing such a negative accusatory comment based on a few isolated cases. Monat has not been found at fault ever for causing hairloss by any court. This comment seems irrational and is not based on facts.
Helene
12/30/2017 at 9:17 PMoh theres vickie. she is also a member of the hate groups against MONAT…..shall i quote some of your questionable comments inhere as well? I have LOADS!!! I am sending them all to my Monat contact , so she can send it to her company lawyers.
Hollie
01/24/2018 at 8:58 PMI love this product but if it touches my face I break out into a awful rash. Only on my face. Any suggestions??
Ivy Boyd
01/26/2018 at 9:53 AMHi Holly! Eek! That is no good! Are there particular products that you are noticing this with? There must be an ingredient that you are sensitive to. My first thought would be the fragrance. Though they say they have no “harmful fragrances” that doesn’t mean it’s fragrance-free, nor does it mean someone might not be sensitive to it. Fragrance is listed as ‘parfum’ and the Monat products do contain it. The Renew Shampoo in particular, lists Parfum fairly high in the ingredient list.
Hollie
02/10/2018 at 3:30 AMI have tried the renew, revive, black and the kids line. Every single one broke me out. The worst one was the kids line 🙁
Ivy Boyd
02/13/2018 at 1:28 PMSo interesting! There is something so strange going on with all this and I just hope that the appropriate people get it figured out!
Jessica
05/30/2018 at 4:45 AMJust a thought…. Sometimes botanical ingredients will cause irritation and/or break outs. Yes they are natural and not chrmical but still irritating for those who have sensitive skin.
WGrace
02/07/2018 at 7:12 PMIvy, You don’t have to post this as a comment, but please read today’s article on BuzzFeed dot com titled, “This Trendy Hair Company Is Suing A Woman Who Said Their Products Are A “Nightmare”.
Ivy Boyd
02/09/2018 at 10:27 PMI am seeing more and more of this lately and it’s pretty frightening. Many experienced stylists in my community are posting some scary stories about the damage they are attempting to help clients fix. I hope that if this product is indeed damaging hair the way it seems that the appropriate people get involved and it’s pulled or reformulated. It’s truly hard to know what to believe when money is involved.
Ivy Boyd
02/13/2018 at 1:29 PMThanks for sharing this! I hadn’t seen it but it’s relevant to our discussion and the woman being sued is in this comment section. I really hope this all gets resolved! It all makes me quite nervous for those involved.
Cheri
04/12/2018 at 9:52 AMMonat was recommended to me by my stylist. I was hesitant after reading some of the ingredients but gave it a try. The first wash was fine, but after the third wash my head, hands and shoulders were itching non-stop and beginning to hurt as well as having a lot of hair loss. I contacted my stylist/MP and she said that I was obviously having a reaction to the products and to stop using them immediately. I had to give her credit for not using the “this is just the detox” and not trying to sell me a different product. Since she uses these products in her salon, I now wash and condition my hair with a 100% natural shampoo and conditioner before going in for a hair cut. So, while this product may work for some, there are obviously many of us out there that cannot use these products and are having problems because of them. My MP was more concerned about me than any money she may have made and I am so appreciative of her doing that.
Ivy Boyd
04/19/2018 at 1:25 PMThank you for sharing your experience, Cheri! I am so sorry to hear you encountered such discomfort but it does sound like you had a great MP/stylist who cares about you! Thank you for reading and weighing in!
Sherri-Ann Garett
07/26/2018 at 8:44 PMThat’s the appropriate response. If you are having a reaction to it you must stop using it!
I am a market partner but haven’t really started selling. I’m testing and reviewing. Having my family test. So far so good. However, I myself had a two day uncomfortable scalp issue, it was itchy and hot not quite burning but hot. Others described it as detox and I’m still unsure about detox. I only had this issue two days and these two days I went swimming in the pool. Not sure if they’re somehow connected. I’m still using the products I purchased and am staying positive about Monat.
I absolutely love the oil! It’s helped some of my sundamaged skin.
Sherri-Ann Garett
07/26/2018 at 8:31 PMThank you for sharing your review. I am a new member of Monat (mah-nate as in modern nature) and I enjoy reading and watching all reviews, good and bad.
Doree
08/19/2023 at 10:21 AMI’ve been using Monat for over 2 years now, probably closer to 3. And have wanted to quit using it for a while now however a friend of mine supports my business (non-MLM, I am an entrepreneur) so I wanted to support hers. Initially for the first maybe 6 months to a year the product was great, my hair was soft, and my dandruff cleared up. In the last year – 2 it has slowly gotten incredibly dry. I used to have to wash my hair every 3 days, now if I let it, I could get away with washing every couple of weeks. I have a lot of fine hair that reached mid back. I do not dye my hair, rarely heat style and do not wash my hair every day. There should be no reason that my hair is getting so rough and dry.
I have switched over to another brand of MUCH cheaper (still sulphate free) shampoo, conditioner and for the first time in my life have been using a hair mask once a week and my hair is finally just starting to feel soft again.
Justy experience, I cannot speak for anyone else, Monat was good to maybe initially clean my hair and scalp, and get rid of build up. But by using it consistently, it has done some damage for sure.