Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
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.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
148 thoughts onJust for Men Class Action Alleges Jet Black Hair Dye Harmful
Am going through this right now,it’s not just the jet black,its the others also. I went to Walgreens showed them what the product done to me and also all complaints,just in 2019. I’ve tried calling the number on the box, and can’t get anyone to answer the phone,or respond to any E-mails. If you have time please Google just for men complaints. There’s close to 1,000 men who’ve had these issue.
What I want to know is why is it still on the market.. Still being sold like it’s okay..
bribes corruption collusion indifference, and fools that think big brother is there to protect them
Wow! I thought it was only me that experience the rash, oozing…I actually missed work.
My husband didn’t want to be grey bearded especially since it took him so long to actually grow it. He purchased the Jet Black Just for Men and began using it and after each application he would be itching and scratching. I forst chucked it up to allergies and eczema, especially since it was on his neck, chest and arms bit then came the blisters and the open sores and I told him it was the dye. When he didn’t use it he was fine but the moment he used it immediate itching and things. The blisters were all the way to his left breast area including his shoulder and neck and his face as well. He is afrais to shave off the hair on his face because it may have scarring like his body. He finally got the message but there were many scars and with shea butter and creams some have disappeared but the fallout during and after was something to behold.
C. Allen. Patch tested fine. Followed instructions was ok for a short while but then I felt something going on with my face where I applied the color so I left the get together some friends were having and hurried home and washed my face, chin and neck. My eyes started to burn when I got home. After that it started getting worst. Then the irritation started fading. I wasn’t aware there was a problem I thought I was just allergic. That was about a year ago and my face still feels like my skin is still a little tight or something.? I used a different color before and never had a problem. Note to self: if you need to do a patch test don’t buy or use. ?Who knows what other side affects are yet to manifest?
I put just for men black hair dye on my husbands head in april 2019. I put it on about 8pm. We went to bed and my husband woke me up about 4am saying his head was sore, i turned on bedroom light and my husband looked like a monster. One of his eyes were almost swollen shut, his forehead was swollen double its size and his head was full of puss and scabs. We went to hospital and was told it was from the hair dye. He is a truck driver and because of his eyes swollen shut he lost several days from work. What a scare that a product could do this.
I’ve been using this for about 12 years with no problem. All of a sudden a big itchy rash and scalp soreness has occurred. My scalp is sore as we speak. Why haven’t they removed it from the shelves?
I to was damaged by this ….! And I still have scars on my neck unbelievable! Yes I did file a lawsuit about three years ago I will be calling my attorney…. thanks God bless my brother ‘s.
Blistered my face it was horrible smh puss came out my face for days n took almost a month for the sores to heal it was agonizing I barely could eat nor function at work n it took my breath away to the point I couldn’t sleep my name is CLINT SPELLER I DID THE PATCH TEST FOLLOWED ALL INSTRUCTIONS YET IN STILL THIS PRODUCT DID THIS TO MY FACE SO Y SUPPLY INSTRUCTIONS DOESNT MAKE SINCE AT ALL N I BELIEVE AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN ARE THE ONES TARGETED KNOWINGLY FOR SOME FINANCIAL SICK GAIN AND ITS HORRIBLE N SOMEONE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE HARM CAUSED TO THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS WHO TRUSTED THIS PRODUCT
I HAVE A COMPLAINTS FROM JUST FOR MEN, FOR CAUSING CHEMICAL BUERN ON MY HEAD.