Mane ‘n Tail is a shampoo brand that has enjoyed decades of popularity, gaining particular fame because of its compatibility with both humans and horses. However, as the Mane and Tail lawsuit would attest, Mane ‘n Tail products’ compatibility with human hair may be overstated. After the presence of formaldehyde – a substance that could cause significant hair loss and cancer – was found in certain Mane ‘n Tail products, the long-standing goodwill fostered by the company was brought into question.
At Sparrow, we streamline the class action joining process for eligible class members, from discovery to claiming compensation. We’ve assisted class members in filing claims to class actions in various industries, from real estate cases like the MLS real estate seller lawsuit to data privacy cases like the Real Good Foods lawsuit. Our platform provides interested parties critical insights and other resources to understand their rights and options in such class actions.
Drawing from this experience, we have compiled this blog that delves into important details and implications surrounding the Mane ‘n Tail lawsuit. We’ll go over key facts, such as the allegations and the progression of the case, and we’ll also give you tips on how you can stay informed on future updates to this developing case.
Let’s jump in!
Mane and Tail Background
Mane ‘n Tail is a popular hair care brand produced by Straight Arrow. It is known for formulating shampoos and conditioners designed to strengthen hair against hair fall and breakage. Originally founded as a horse shampoo brand in 1970, Straight Arrow pivoted from equine to personal hair care products in the late 1980s after discovering that people were using horse shampoo on themselves with great satisfaction and success.
They’ve also made therapeutic products such as hand and nail therapy lotion since. Although Mane ‘n Tail has a dedicated “for people” line of shampoos and conditioners, the original formula intended for horses is still available for purchase, and the company has not discouraged its use for personal hair care. However, as Mane ‘n Tail’s popularity has increased, more and more people have discovered that the product can have varying effects depending on the person using it.
Case Details: What Is the Mane and Tail Lawsuit About?
The Mane and Tail lawsuit entitled Ryan v. Straight Arrow Products, Inc. centers on claims that the company’s specific products, Mane ‘n Tail haircare products Gentle Clarifying Shampoo, Gentle Replenishing Conditioner, New Look! Herbal Gro Conditioner, and Daily Control Anti-Dandruff Conditioner, contained unsafe levels of formaldehyde.
The plaintiff’s investigation found that Mane ‘n Tail’s products contained the ingredient DMDM hydantoin, a formaldehyde donor, as a preservative. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen, and applying it to one’s scalp can cause symptoms such as hair loss and scalp irritation.
Allegations
New York consumer Brenda Ryan accused Straight Arrow Products of selling shampoo and conditioner that can cause hair loss. The plaintiff further accused Straight Arrow of being aware of this alleged issue but chose not to disclose it to consumers. Here is a breakdown of the major allegations in the Mane ‘n Tail class action lawsuit:
- False Advertising and Deceptive Marketing Practices: Straight Arrow is accused of misleading customers through marketing and labeling that falsely represented Mane ‘n Tail products as safe for human use without disclosing potential risks.
- Failure to Disclose Risk: The plaintiff claims that Straight Arrow failed to inform consumers about the presence of potentially harmful chemicals, such as the formaldehyde-releasing preservatives that were allegedly found in the shampoo.
- Breach of Express Warranty: In selling a product that poses health risks, Straight Arrow is alleged to have failed to fulfill the terms of a promise or guarantee made regarding the quality or safety of a product.
- Unjust Enrichment: Because the products were sold under deceptive pretenses, Straight Arrow is accused of having been unjustly enriched by selling them.
- Violation of State Consumer Protection Laws: The defendant allegedly violated various state consumer protection laws by engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices concerning the marketing and sale of Mane ‘n Tail products, such as New York General Business Law § 349 and 350.
According to the Plaintiff’s testimony, she suffered severe scalp irritation and several large bald patches on her head. She says that this occurred over a two-month period of using Mane ‘n Tail products and that these issues started to disappear when she stopped. She claims that the substance was found to cause or contribute to hair loss and scalp irritation since at least 2012, meaning that Straight Arrow has knowingly used a hazardous substance in their products for almost a decade.
Company’s Stand on the Case
Straight Arrow Products, Inc. has denied all the allegations and filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint. According to Straight Arrow, the plaintiff failed to state a claim that could warrant relief. They also argued that the plaintiff did not sufficiently demonstrate that the products’ harmful effects were common, and thus, the company did not make any real misrepresentations.
Any combination of ingredients in shampoo and cosmetic products can be allergens for some people and cause contact dermatitis and hair damage. However, the companies making such products are not liable for such reactions since they are required by law to list all such ingredients on each unit.
Settlement Details
The Mane ‘n Tail lawsuit did not result in a settlement because the case was dismissed before it could progress further. The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed their own claim after the Court found insufficient evidence to pursue the case. However, the plaintiff dismissed the claim without prejudice, meaning they reserve the right to refile the case in the future, likely after collecting more evidence.
Timeline of Action
The Mane n’ Tail class action lawsuit was terminated less than a year after the first complaint was filed. Here are the major events that the class action complaint progressed through:
- Filing Date: The Mane ‘n Tail lawsuit entitled Ryan v. Straight Arrow Products, Inc. – 1:21-cv-04485 was originally filed on May 19, 2021, at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
- Amendment Date: The plaintiff’s claim was amended on September 15, 2021, following the defendant’s motion to dismiss.
- Date of Dismissal: The Notice of Voluntary Dismissal was submitted on February 3, 2022. The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed their claim without prejudice following the Court’s concerns about the strength of their case after giving their sur-reply to the defendant’s rebuttals.
As of February 2022, no new activity has been reported from the prosecution. However, since the claim was dismissed without prejudice, there is a possibility that the plaintiff may revive the claim in the future with additional evidence. Other plaintiffs with similar complaints may also decide to pursue a class action against Straight Arrow.
How to Stay Updated on Lawsuit Proceedings
Although the most recent class action against Mane n’ Tail and Straight Arrow has not progressed far enough for Straight Arrow to seek a settlement, there could still be another class action against the company you could join. You can follow the developments on such a case should one be filed in the future with the steps below:
Follow Official Legal and Commercial News Outlets
News outlets will quickly cover a recurrence of this case, particularly those concerned with legal and commercial news. Sparrow’s blog is one such outlet, constantly updated to contain important details on the latest class actions to facilitate better class action discovery.
Sign Up for Updates from Consumer Protection Organizations
For cases like this, where there are no currently active class actions but potentially could be in the future, it’s prudent to follow consumer protection organizations. They will be among the first to break the news should a class action you’d be eligible to join gain traction. Subscribing to these organizations’ newsletters will give you such updates as soon as they are published.
Monitor the Official Mane ‘n Tail Website
Keep an eye on the news section of the Mane ‘n Tail website for any announcements regarding settlements, which may include contact information for the settlement administrator.
Key Takeaway
The court dismissed the Mane and Tail lawsuit due to a severe lack of evidence, resulting from the plaintiff rushing to file the complaint. Similar to the Seresto Tick and Flea Collar lawsuit, the Mane and Tail lawsuit may need to collect more testimonies to gain further traction in court and compel Straight Arrow to seek a settlement.
Although Straight Arrow has successfully defended its product against the complaint filed by plaintiff Brenda Ryan, the fact that the claim was withdrawn without prejudice means that the plaintiff may refile the complaint in the future. This would likely happen after the prosecution addresses the Court’s concerns about the inadequacy of evidence.
Are you or anyone you know curious about your options in a class action that concerns you? Sparrow can assist you through the entire claim filing process and guide you through legal nuances to protect your rights. Get started with us today to understand how to get the compensation you deserve.