Suave Keratin Infusion Settlement Reached in Hair Loss Lawsuits
Unilever has reportedly agreed to pay $10.2 million to settle a class action lawsuit filed by consumers over hair loss from Suave Keratin Infusion treatments.
The settlement was reached in a class action lawsuit that was filed in August 2012, which sought to cover all individuals who purchased Suave Professionals Keratin 30 Day Smooth Kit. The agreement was announced on Friday in U.S. District Court in Illinois.
A number of other Suave Keratin Infusion lawsuits have also been filed, all involving allegations that Unilever knew or should have known about the potential damage to hair and scalp that users may face.
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Learn MoreWomen report having their hair fall out in clumps, break off, become discolored and suffering burned scalps after using the Suave Keratin infusion treatments.
Some of the lawsuits also claim that the manufacturer has engaged in deceptive advertising by claiming that the Keratin Infusion hair product was formaldehyde free, alleging that it contained a chemical that released formaldehyde when used. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that is known to cause skin irritation and breathing problems.
The company removed the product from the market in March 2012, but some plaintiffs indicate that there should have been an official Suave smoothing kit recall, because many women suffered hair damage from products that were still on store shelves nationwide.
In a June 2012 enforcement report, the FDA determined that the company’s actions constituted a recall that affected more than 380,000 kits. The report notes that the recall came following “numerous consumer complaints.”
The settlement includes an agreement to use $10 million to create two separate settlement funds. One is a $250,000 reimbursement fund for those who purchased the kits and want their money back. The other is a $10 million injury fund for those who suffered hair loss and other damages.
Those who simply purchased a smoothing kit can receive a $10 refund from the reimbursement fund. The injury fund will pay $40 to those who had additional expenses for hair loss treatments after using the kit but do not have receipts. It will pay up to $800 for those who had medical or hair treatment expenses and still have their receipts, and up to $25,000 for those who suffered significant injury to their hair or scalp.
Up to 260,000 kits were sold, according to estimates.
8 Comments
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DeniseSeptember 9, 2022 at 10:02 am
I used the strawberry shampoo and my hair fell out clumps. I had to cut my long hair very short. I used on my dog he broke out in a bad hive. I took to the vet for treatment not knowing at the moment was due to the shampoo.
JeanneAugust 8, 2022 at 9:38 am
Chemical hair and scalp burn as a result of using Johnson and Johnson hair product
angelaJuly 21, 2022 at 10:38 pm
i filed, have proof, lots of proof ,yet heard from no one by email or phone.
DelettraJuly 7, 2022 at 2:17 am
Hello I am signed up since 2020 someone has called me and got me signed up and I am still waiting to hear from or to see where the case goes?
NatalieMarch 4, 2022 at 9:49 pm
I have had significant hair loss and itchy scalp for years. I just thought it was me getting older or allergies.
DebbieJuly 20, 2021 at 6:36 am
Oh My God. I have used every shampoo you can name from Johnson & Johnson products. I have a Big Ball Spot Right In The Top Of My Head Right Now. I knew something was bringing my hair out. But, i never could understand what it was. I still have this bald spot right at this very moment. I really needs to join this shampoo ( lawsuit) I have visit a doctor to get hair shots just recently. ☹
GlendaJuly 31, 2019 at 10:37 am
I used the suave smoothing system about 6 years ago and half of my hair fell out. The temple area is still very thin and my hair has not been the same to this day. I have pics right before I used it. It's so thin now and I hate it!
VICTORIAMarch 25, 2015 at 7:30 pm
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR, ARE GOING TO PAY OUT TO ALL RACES....BLACK AMERICAN WOMEN WILL BE DELECTED....WHY....THE WHITE PRODUCTS WERE SOLD IN BLACK COMMUNITYS.......BLACK WOMEN PAY SO MUCH MORE TO KEEP THERE HAIR TOGETHER......IF, A BLACK PARTICPATED WHITE SOCIETY WILL KICK THEM OUT