Straight Arrow Products, Inc. makes a line on Mane ’n Tail brand products for hair care, including shampoo and conditioners. But the complaint for this class action alleges that the products contain a formaldehyde donor that can leach formaldehyde when it comes into contact with water and therefore cause hair loss and scalp irritation.
The complaint defines two classes and a subclass:
- The National Class is all persons or entities in the US who bought the products during the applicable statute of limitations period.
- The Consumer Fraud Multi-State Class is all persons or entities in California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin who bought the products during the applicable statutes of limitations periods.
- The New York Subclass is all persons or entities in New York who bought the products during the applicable statute of limitations period.
The products at issue include the following Mane ’n Tail-branded products:
- Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
- Gentle Replenishing Conditioner
- New Look! Herbal Gro Conditioner
- Daily Control Anti-Dandruff Conditioner
The Mane ’n Tail products were originally created for show horses, which tended to have long, flowing manes and tails. Straight Arrow claims that the products “can be used safely on humans as well as animals.”
According to the complaint, the company represents that the products can “restore, revitalize, recondition, … nourish, fortify, moisturize, strengthen, and/or clean” consumers’ hair.
The complaint shows images of the four product bottles which show claims like, “For a Renewed, Silkier Feel,” “Natural,” “Nourishes and Strengthens,” “Gentle Replenishing,” “Relieves Itching & Flaking,” among other things.
The complaint quotes other representations of the products from Straight Arrow’s website and online ads, such as a “gentle cleansing and purifying formula designed to remove excess buildup without drying or stripping hair for a renewed, healthier look and feel” or “[a]n advanced, nourishing and fortifying formula that helps prevent flakes while improving hair and scalp health.”
However, the complaint alleges that the products’ back labels show that they contain DMDM hydantoin, which the complaint calls “a formaldehyde donor known to slowly leach formaldehyde when coming into contact with water.” According to the complaint, “[f]ormaldehyde is a well-known human carcinogen that can cause cancer and other harmful reactions when absorbed into the skin.”
The DMDM hydantoin is used as a preservative in the products, the complaint says, even though safer alternatives could be used.
Brenda Ryan, the plaintiff in this action, used the products for approximately two months and, the complaint claims, she suffered “intense scalp irritation, scalp burns, constant itching, and hair loss, which resulted in massive bald spots on her head.”
The company does not tell customers of the risks. “By downplaying, concealing and misrepresenting the Products and the safety risks of their use,” the complaint contends, “Straight Arrow failed in its duty to provide consumers with adequate information.”
Article Type: LawsuitTopic: Consumer
Most Recent Case Event
Mane ’n Tail Products Scalp Irritation and Hair Loss Complaint
May 19, 2021
Straight Arrow Products, Inc. makes a line on Mane ’n Tail brand products for hair care, including shampoo and conditioners. But the complaint for this class action alleges that the products contain a formaldehyde donor that can leach formaldehyde when it comes into contact with water and therefore cause hair loss and scalp irritation.
Mane ’n Tail Products Scalp Irritation and Hair Loss ComplaintCase Event History
Mane ’n Tail Products Scalp Irritation and Hair Loss Complaint
May 19, 2021
Straight Arrow Products, Inc. makes a line on Mane ’n Tail brand products for hair care, including shampoo and conditioners. But the complaint for this class action alleges that the products contain a formaldehyde donor that can leach formaldehyde when it comes into contact with water and therefore cause hair loss and scalp irritation.
Mane ’n Tail Products Scalp Irritation and Hair Loss Complaint