Clairol Hair Dye Lawsuit Claims Missing Patch Test Warning Led to Severe Burns and Swelling

Research has also raised concerns about whether years of frequent occupational exposure to chemicals in permanent hair dyes may increase the risk of bladder cancer among hairstylists and other salon professionals.

A Maryland woman has filed a product liability lawsuit alleging she suffered severe scalp burns and swelling after using a Clairol Professional hair dye that failed to provide adequate English-language warnings about the need to perform a skin patch test before application.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Taishika Clayton in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland on August 7, naming Clairol Professional and Wella Operations as defendants.

Clayton alleges the Clairol Professional BC Beautiful Collection hair dye she purchased contained application instructions in Spanish, but failed to provide an English warning directing consumers to perform a preliminary skin test to determine whether they may experience an allergic reaction.

Hair Dye Cancer Risks

Hair dyes are used by millions of consumers each year and are generally applied directly to the scalp, where ingredients can come into prolonged contact with the skin.

Some products can cause immediate allergic reactions, irritation, swelling or chemical burns. However, research has also raised concerns about longer-term health risks from repeated occupational exposure to permanent hair dyes, particularly among hairstylists, cosmetologists and other salon workers who handle the products on a regular basis.

Epidemiological studies have reported higher rates of bladder cancer among hairdressers and other salon professionals compared with the general population. One large meta-analysis of occupational studies found the risk was about 30% higher among hairdressers overall and approximately 70% higher among those who worked in the profession for at least 10 years.

Researchers have suggested the association may involve repeated exposure to aromatic amines and other chemicals historically used in permanent hair dyes. Over years of salon work, those substances may be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, potentially resulting in substantial cumulative exposure.

The findings have contributed to a number of hair dye bladder cancer lawsuits being pursued by cosmetologists and professional hairstylists who allege years of occupational exposure to hair coloring chemicals caused them to develop the disease.

Clairol Hair Dye Scalp Burn Allegations

According to the complaint, Clayton walked to Superior Hair Depot on Reisterstown Road in Baltimore on May 20 to purchase a package of hair dye. She indicates that she selected BC Beautiful Collection Advance Gray Solution 1-A Midnight Black by Clairol Professional, which is owned by Wella Operations.

After returning home, Clayton alleges that she looked for instructions explaining how to properly use the product. However, she says the only instructions available were in Spanish, and she proceeded to apply the hair dye.

Approximately four to five hours later, Clayton says her scalp began to itch and then started burning. The alleged allergic reaction ultimately resulted in a trip to the emergency room, swelling that caused her right eye to completely close, and significant pain and discomfort that continued for several days.

The complaint alleges the product failed to provide adequate warning instructions informing Clayton that she should perform a preliminary skin or patch test before applying the hair dye. Clayton maintains that, if she had been properly warned about the need for a patch test and the potential for an allergic reaction, she may have avoided using the product or otherwise prevented the injuries that caused her burns and swelling.

“Here plaintiff was not properly warned of the potential Allergic risk of the product. Defendants had a duty to explicitly state that the product contains ingredients which may cause skin irritation on certain individuals and that a test should be made.”

— Taishika Clayton v. Clairol Professional et al.

The lawsuit raises allegations of product liability and failure to warn. It seeks damages in the amount of $500,000.

Hair Dye Bladder Cancer Lawsuits

Beyond claims involving immediate skin injuries, attorneys are also investigating potential lawsuits over other serious health problems linked to years of exposure to chemicals in hair dye products.

Hair dye bladder cancer lawyers are reviewing potential claims for individuals who regularly handled permanent hair dyes in salons and other professional settings, including:

• Hairdressers
• Cosmetologists
• Hairstylists
• Hair colorists
• Hair technicians
• Other salon workers

Individuals who developed bladder cancer following years of occupational exposure to permanent hair dye chemicals may be entitled to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income and other damages.

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