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A class action lawsuit alleges that Combe Inc., the maker of Just for Men hair products, illegally targets African American men for its Jet Black hair dye.
The complaint asserts that the Jet Black hair dye is racially discriminatory and violates California consumer protection laws, because Just for Men did not warn African American men that they are at a higher risk of being harmed by the Jet Black dye.
The Just for Men hair dye class action lawsuit claims that the Jet Black hair product contains 17 times more p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) than lighter colored dyes.
The complaint states that PPD is an “organic aromatic amine chemical compound” that is used as an additive in gasoline and to make rubber tires; the class action claims that PPD can be “hazardous” for people.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the chemical PPD “has been implicated more prominently in leading to allergic reactions.” It is classified as a “strong sensitizer,” by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Board. Finally, the Environmental Protection Agency has linked PPD to a laundry list of harmful conditions, including “severe dermatitis,” “asthma,” “convulsions,” and even comas.
In addition, the class action contends that African American males are five times more likely to have a harmful reaction to PPD. The complaint cites a study by the Cleveland Clinic which found that the “sensitization rate” for African American men was 21.2 percent, compared to just 4.2 percent in Caucasian men. “PPD is now known as one of, if not the most, common allergens in the African American population,” according to the Just for Men class action.
The complaint asserts that Just for Men maker Combe Inc. knew these facts, but chose to target its advertising of its Jet Black dye specifically to African American men without disclosing the additional danger they faced from the product. The complaint lists several advertising campaigns for the Jet Black dye as examples, including using prominent athletes like Emmitt Smith. The class action also accuses Just for Men of seeking liability releases through its internal claims process, to conceal from the public the high rate of harmful reactions to the hair dye.
Plaintiff John Stringer states that he is an African American man, and that he used Just for Men Jet Black hair dye in September of 2016. Stringer asserts that he tried the skin patch test, which did not have any unusual results. However, Stringer claims that after using the dye he had a severe allergic reaction, with symptoms of “facial soreness, rash, itching, swelling and burning sensations as well as shortness of breath.”
The discrimination lawsuit requests certification of a Class of all African American men in the U.S. who have purchased and used Just for Men Jet Black hair dye. The complaint also asks for a subclass of California residents. The class action seeks damages, including non-economic and punitive damages. In addition, the class action wants an injunction that would stop the defendants from making and marketing its Jet Black dye.
Stringer is represented by Elise R. Sanguinetti and Alferdo Torrijos of Arias Sanguinetti Stahle & Torrijos LLP, and Jay A. Urban of Urban & Taylor SC.
The Just for Men Jet Black Hair Dye Discrimination Class Action Lawsuit is John Stringer v. Combe Inc., et al., Case No. 4:17-cv-03192, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Oakland Division.
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148 thoughts onJust for Men Class Action Alleges Jet Black Hair Dye Harmful
I bought a box of just for men beard dye to dye the grey hair on my beard I test it on my chin everything was normal so I went on and dye my beard me and my girlfriend took pictures I was fine I went to sleep and woke up with a swollen face irritated skin itching so bad I had to go to the emergency room to have an IV put in my arm for the swelling I was provided steroid medication but my face is still swollen and itching it been 3days this is ridiculous for this product to be on the market burning ppl face
I suffered head burns and red eyes after use as well as burning and allergic reactions.Even Asthma Attacks and total body readiness.
I’m dying, this stuff is killing me. My faces is wellping swole I’m go in thru emergency
Help!!!!! My head was twice it’s normal size, leaking a brown fluid!!!! Burns all over my head that made my skin feel like leather!! My face, ear and neck was swollen. My eye was swollen completely shut! Rash covered portions of my body which still itches horribly. I also suffered shortness of breath. This whole ordeal has been miserable. I had to take off work due to my impaired vision.
My husband used this in November and had SOB. he was hospitalized. Please add me to this claim
My husband used this product on 11/22/17, he woke up to swollen lips and his chin is swollen also he has blisters around his mouth. He is in so much pain
Causes irritation and breathing problems heart burn swollen glands in neck ichy uncomfortable pain will never use product again just for men is horrible.
I tried this product just for men 11-4-17 and my throats swore and swollen my face is ichy and sore and I had a few off anon felt like painful heart burn what’s up with this product I will be seeking a doctor
Me too,
Me too.
I have used this product and stopped using it as it was severely burning my scalp and literally
large flakes of scalp came off my scalp.
In addition there has been moderate skin discoloration in my front forehead area that I am unable
to remove with soap and water. I’ll probably investigate if a laser can fix this issue.