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Mielle Organics, a popular Black-owned haircare brand, is in the spotlight —but not for the reasons founder Monique Rodriguez may want. This weekend, Rodriguez took to Instagram with a video PSA addressing the latest uproar surrounding her brand.
As usual, the internet has a lot to say.
Mielle Organics Founder Monique Rodriguez is standing on business.
In her video, Rodriguez came out swinging. She directly addressed a viral TikToker (and others) who she claims was paid by a competitor to spread misinformation about Mielle’s products.
“As most of you know, it’s been important to me to keep you aware of this entrepreneurial journey because I have to be honest with you guys, it is not for the faint at heart—especially being a Black woman,” Rodriguez shared at the beginning of her reel.
She didn’t hold back, revealing that a competitor financially backed the TikToker who “originally sparked rumors” about Mielle products causing hair loss. This TikTok creator had claimed that Mielle’s fan-favorite rosemary formula had changed and was causing issues like hair loss, but Rodriguez set the record straight.
She claimed the TikToker – and others who followed suit – had ulterior motives. Rodriguez asked her fans to share her message and continue to stand by Mielle, making it clear that the brand’s integrity remains her top priority.
Rodriguez also said the previous TikToker “has been removed.”
At the root of it all: Black women deserve the best in beauty care.
This latest controversy is just one of many internet storms Mielle Organics has weathered recently. In January 2023, Rodriguez faced backlash when the company was sold to Procter & Gamble, sparking concerns about potential formula changes and the integrity of the products. Then, in September of this year, negative comments reached an all-time high with a wave of public claims from consumers alleging that Mielle products caused loss.
Further, according to Law360, there is a current lawsuit against the brand’s hair oil alleging it causes hair loss. The suit was filed this November.
Rodriguez has consistently taken to social media to defend her company. In September, she dropped a statement to reassure customers that her brand “remains committed to empowering and uplifting Black women.”
Yet the question at the root of all this remains: are the products causing hair loss?
While Rodriguez insists Mielle products are safe and effective for maintaining and growing Black hair, some social media users feel otherwise. TikTok has become a battleground of alleged customer experiences, with some users claiming the products have damaged their hair.
Under Rodriguez’s recent Instagram video, opinions are divided. Loyal fans jumped in with encouragement, praising Rodriguez for her transparency and sharing their favorable experiences with Mielle products. Love your products and staying with them and standing with you🩷🩷🩷,” wrote one fan.
On the flip side, naysayers had a lot to add. “My hair most definitely fell out & thinned out. I still have leftover products I refuse to touch,” one commenter claimed. Others expressed disappointment and feelings of being let down and “discredited” by the brand.
Have you tried Mielle Organics?
As with most social media drama, the situation is undeniably messy. Memes, reactions, and heated debates have been flying left and right. But underneath it all is a deeper conversation about the health, beauty, and, to an extent, integrity of Black women.
Our hair is our crowning glory. We deserve products we can trust. Period. So, HB, what’s been your experience with Mielle Organics?
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