TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — A man alleges he suffered permanent injuries and scarring after using a beard dye he purchased from a Dollar Store in Florida.
Loronza Smith filed a complaint Aug. 7 in the Hillsborough Circuit Court against Fourstar Group USA Inc., and Dollar Tree Stores Inc., alleging negligence, breach of implied warranty and other claims.
Smith, according to his complaint, purchased Color For Him beard dye sold at Dollar Tree in Tampa. He claims that he had been dying his beard once a week using the Color For Him for about two months and followed the package instructions "to the letter."
Smith alleges that after the two-month period, his exposure to the chemicals in the dye, PPD and resorcinol, caused a serious reaction. He further claims the defendants failed to warn of the potential risk of harm to African American men due to repeated exposure because they are at greater risk of reactions to PPD hair dyes.
Smith also claims that by following the package directions and doing a "test patch" directly to his skin, it increased the risk of an adverse reaction. He alleges he suffered itching, burning, swelling and rash, developed open wounds and sustained injuries to his internal organs. He claims the reaction has left him with permanent skin discoloration, scarring and cellulitis.
Smith seeks monetary relief of more than $50,000, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Nicholas Chiappetta of Marten Chiappetta in Lake Worth.