Just for Men Class Action Alleges Jet Black Hair Dye Harmful

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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.