Hair Color Lawsuit Alleges Bladder Cancer Caused by Salon Dye

L’Oreal and other cosmetics companies failed to warn hairdressers about the health risks associated with professional salon dye products, according to bladder cancer lawsuit filed by New Jersey cosmetologist.

A New Jersey cosmetologist has filed a hair dye lawsuit, alleging her bladder cancer was caused by more than 50 years of regular exposure to chemical hair coloring products.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Patrice Colamesta on Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, naming L’Oreal, Wella Professionals, Coty, Inc., Clairol, Kohlberg Kravis Robert & Co., Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, LLC, Schwarzkopf, Henkel and John Paul Mitchell Systems as defendants.

Bladder cancer is the ninth most common form of cancer in the U.S., with research showing about 83,000 bladder cancer diagnoses and about 16,000 deaths per year. In addition, about five percent of all bladder cancer cases are believed to be caused by occupational exposures.

The bladder cancer risks from occupational exposure for hairdressers have recently been identified in a growing body of scientific literature, which links prolonged contact with certain aromatic amines and chemicals found in hair dyes to an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.

As a result of these findings, a growing number of hair color lawsuits like Colamesta’s have been filed against cosmetic manufacturers in recent months, as more cosmetologists learn of the potential health risks linked to long-term hair dye exposure.

According to the lawsuit, Colamesta began working as a licensed cosmetologist in 1972, during which time she was regularly exposed to hair color products at the salon where she was employed. In addition, Colamesta indicates she was further exposed to the hair dye chemicals through the process of mixing, applying, cleaning, inhaling, and removing hair color products.

The residue from these products were often left on bowls, brushes, towels, sinks and table tops on a daily basis, she states.

Colamesta was diagnosed with bladder cancer in January 2021, which the lawsuit argues was a direct and proximate result of her work with hair color products.

“The cosmetic industry is self-regulated by manufacturers of cosmetic products,” the lawsuit states. “Therefore, the manufacturers of cosmetics are solely and legally responsible for ensuring the safety of their products to the public and making sure they are properly labeled.”

Colamesta indicates that the cosmetics industry has failed to provide adequate warnings throughout her entire 52-year career.

She is presenting claims of failure to warn, design defect, negligent failure to warn, deceit by concealment and violations of California Unfair Competition Law.

Hair Color Lawsuits

Hair dye manufacturers are now facing a series of hair dye bladder cancer lawsuits being filed by salon professionals diagnosed with bladder cancer after years of repeated exposure to toxic chemicals found in coloring products. 

These lawsuits claim that companies like L’Oreal, Clairol, Wella and others failed to warn stylists and cosmetologists about the long-term health risks associated with ingredients in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes—particularly aromatic amines, PPD and other known carcinogens.

Unlike the occasional consumer, hair stylists face near-daily exposure to these chemicals over the course of years or decades, often applying dye to multiple clients per day. Even when using gloves, stylists remain at risk through inhalation of fumes, skin absorption, and contact with contaminated tools and surfaces. 

Each of these lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to disclose the presence of carcinogenic ingredients and ignored mounting scientific evidence that long-term, repeated exposure could be harmful. Stylists say they were never warned about the need for heightened ventilation or other safety precautions, leaving them unknowingly exposed throughout their careers.

Hair color cancer lawsuits are being investigated for cosmetologists, hair stylists, hairdressers, hair colorists or other licensed salon professionals who were routinely exposed to chemicals in permanent hair dye and later diagnosed with bladder cancer.

To help hairdressers and stylists determine if they may be eligible for financial compensation or settlement benefits, hair color lawyers are providing free consultations and claim evaluations for individuals throughout the U.S.