Suave Keratin Infusion Smoothing Kit Lawsuit Filed Over Hair Loss, Burns

Irvin Jackson

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A class action lawsuit has been filed against Unilever, the makers of Suave hair care products, alleging that hundreds of women experienced hair damage from Suave Keratin Infusion Smoothing Kits, including reports of hair loss and scalp burns.

The complaint (PDF) was filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeking class action status to include individuals nationwide who purchased Suave Professionals Keratin 30 Day Smooth Kit since 2011.

Unilever recalled the Suave product last year, and faces a number of similar product liability lawsuits brought by women who allege that they suffered hair loss or severe hair damage after using the smoothing kit.

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According to allegations raised in the Suave hair smoothing kit lawsuit, Unilever knew or should have known about the potential damage to hair and scalp, yet failed to adequately warn consumers about the risk of problems. Women report having their hair fall out in clumps, break off, become discolored and suffering burned scalps.

Some of the lawsuit 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 last year, 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 first lawsuits against the company were filed last year in Kentucky. Unilever tried to get the cases dismissed, but has failed.  The latest hair damage class action lawsuit seeks to represent any women who suffered problems linked to the use of the recalled kits.

Tags: California, Chemicals, Formaldehyde, Hair Loss, Suave, Unilever

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8 Comments

  1. Lynda

    I had a Keritan straightening treatment done at a Hair Cuttery in Port St. Lucie, Florida about 3 years ago; (at that time it did contain a small amount of Formaldehyde) I was assured that the Keritan was a safe product by the salon manager and the formaldehyde was such a small amount; it would not do any damage or harm to me; How wrong she was. when it was applied, starting at the crown of my head, My scalp was on fire; to the point where I had to have the hairdresser (who was specially trained to apply the straightener) rinse it off. My scalp was sore days after and even my hair “hurt”. A month later I went to another hair cuttery and she asked me if I had had a chemical applied to the crown of my head/hair because my hair looked burnt. she showed me where the texture of my hair was completely different: dry; brittle, breakage of hair, completely different texture then the rest of my hair. I knew what caused it so went back to the other salon and they were not very accomodating. MORE RECENTLY I purchased the Keritan infusion by Suave, leave in conditioner for dry brittle frizzy hair I have used it about 4-5 times; no hair loss but my hair seems even drier and brittle so I stopped using it I have been informed by my hairdresser that I have permanent hair damage as new hair growing the same way; I keep it very short now as I feel the weight of long hair my cause my hair to fall out too. I dont wish this on any one; but I am glad i am not alone and not crazy. thanks Lynda P.S. I have spent many $$$trying different treatments, purchased all dirferent kinds of hair treatments and sadly nothing works. Lynda J.

  2. Jenn

    I was also using suave with keritn and I had
    Hair loss I was at the dr twice and then to the
    Dermatitis twice! What can I do? It was the
    Worst year of my life. I lost so much hair I cried
    All the time.. My dermatologist said it was from
    Stress however I didn’t feel that I was
    Stressed at all! I can’t believe when my hair
    Dresser asked what I was using and I told her

  3. Coco H

    Suave naturals cherry blossom body wash, burnt my skin last Sunday..
    Had to go to a family dollar an buy their store brand rubbing alcohol and vaseline…..

  4. sherrie

    I had had beautiful hair, I thought by using this product I would be shortening my grooming time and also basically the appearance and managability of my hair would be a plus. Soft silky beautiful. Right noq my hair falls out I brush my hair and my floor in my bathroom is covered. Literally scary. Not only did the product burn when I used it now it has side effects. And not to mention the overall damage of breakage. My hair felt like straw. So much for my hair. Im a bartender in the public eye. Appearence is everything. I actually had someone ask me if I had lyme disease. Because of the haiir fall out. Confidence not.anymore constantly stressed out cause I know u can see the damaged hair and im very conscience. No esteem anymore utterally embarrassed. Not to mention the fact that why is my hair still falling out is this a long term effect does anyone knoq this will my hair be falling out till im old im in my 40s its hard enough to to compete with the younger prettier girls out there now but to loose your self confidence and esteem over a product that is suppose to enhance your hair quality and look and totally destroy you your appearence. Now thats just wrong this is awful. So sad upset and totally peeved off. Now if it was just me that this happened to id say ok allergic reaction but everyone on this site experienced such similar results is this a long care issue and how long do I have to look forward to these effects. Cause I really want to know.

  5. Sherri

    My hair has been falling out for a long time and I couldn’t figure out why. I had my thyroid checked too. Then someone asked what kind of shampoo I was using. I didn’t think anything of it. Then my daughters hair was falling out but I assumed it was because she straightened it everyday. I used to have gorgeous thick wavy hair and now it is thin and flat and strawlike. I am praying that my hair will grow back thick again. Does anyone know?

  6. Linda

    This lawsuit was filed October 18, 2013 so why hasn’t this product been removed from the public to purchase. I am a Barber and My daughter is a beautician and we are both still seeing cases of extreme hair loss and scalp conditions from the same Shampoo!!! My daughter experienced the extreme hair loss and scalp irritation is why we both recognize when we have clients come in after many Dr appointments trying to figure out what the condition is!!!

  7. Cara

    My daughter and I both used this shampoo and experienced tremendous hair loss which effected my work. I had to cut all my long hair off. How do we get onto this law suit?

  8. Melissa

    I used this and it burnt the ends of my hair, made my husband lose hair and my daughter!!!!!

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