Can You Sue for Health Issues from Synthetic Hair?

The Hidden Dangers of Synthetic Hair: What Consumers Need to Know

At Drazin & Warshaw, we are committed to protecting consumers from harmful and defective products. If you or a loved one have experienced health issues due to synthetic hair, you may have legal options. Our experienced product liability attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and hold negligent manufacturers accountable.

Synthetic hair is widely used in wigs, braids, and extensions, but recent studies have revealed serious concerns about its safety. According to a 2025 Consumer Reports investigation, some synthetic hair products contain hazardous chemicals, including lead and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances have been linked to severe health risks, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even cancer. Despite these dangers, many manufacturers fail to warn consumers or conduct adequate safety testing, leaving individuals unknowingly exposed to harmful toxins.

For those who frequently wear synthetic hair, prolonged exposure to these toxins can lead to significant long-term health issues, making it critical for affected individuals to seek legal counsel. The risks are especially concerning for individuals who wear synthetic hair daily or in close contact with their scalp, as absorption of toxic chemicals can have compounding effects over time. If you believe your health has been compromised due to exposure to synthetic hair products, you may be entitled to legal recourse. Drazin & Warshaw has a proven track record of advocating for individuals harmed by dangerous products, and we are prepared to fight for your rights.

Do You Have a Case Against Synthetic Hair Manufacturers?

Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a legal duty to ensure that their products are safe for consumer use. If they fail to meet these obligations, New Jersey law allows those affected to pursue legal action under product liability statutes. You may have a claim under one or more of the following legal pathways:

Defective Product Liability Claims

Under New Jersey’s Product Liability Act (NJPLA) (N.J.S.A. 2A:58C-1), a manufacturer or seller can be held responsible for injuries caused by a defective product. Synthetic hair products may be considered defective if they contain hazardous chemicals without proper warnings. Defects can fall into three categories:

Design Defects: The product’s chemical composition is inherently unsafe.
Manufacturing Defects: Contamination or improper production processes introduce harmful substances.
Failure to Warn: The manufacturer does not provide adequate warnings about known health risks associated with prolonged exposure.

If a synthetic hair product has caused harm due to one of these defects, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Negligence Claims Against Manufacturers and Retailers

Companies can be held liable for negligence if they fail to exercise reasonable care in designing, producing, or selling products. If manufacturers knew or should have known that their synthetic hair contained harmful chemicals but failed to act, they could be legally responsible for resulting injuries. Similarly, retailers that continue to sell toxic products despite knowing the risks may also be held accountable. Those harmed by negligence can seek compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Breach of Warranty Claims

New Jersey law recognizes both express and implied warranties, which guarantee that consumer products are safe when used as intended. If a synthetic hair product is marketed as safe but leads to health complications, the company may have violated these consumer protections, giving you legal grounds for compensation. Consumers rely on accurate product descriptions, and misleading claims about safety can be legally challenged.

How to Prove a Synthetic Hair Lawsuit

To successfully hold manufacturers and distributors accountable, you must establish the following:

Causation: Medical evidence linking your health condition to chemicals found in the synthetic hair product.
Damages: Documentation of medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic or non-economic harm suffered.
Liability: Proof that the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.
Expert Testimony: In many cases, expert witnesses such as toxicologists or medical professionals may be needed to establish the connection between product exposure and health effects.

Potential Compensation for Those Harmed by Synthetic Hair Products

If you have suffered health issues due to the chemicals in synthetic hair, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses (past and future treatment costs)
Lost income due to an inability to work
Pain and suffering from ongoing health complications
Emotional distress caused by the impact on daily life
Punitive damages, if the manufacturer acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct

By holding manufacturers accountable, you can help drive industry-wide changes and improve product safety standards.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

Understanding New Jersey’s Statute of Limitations New Jersey law sets strict deadlines for filing injury claims related to defective products, including synthetic hair. Individuals who develop health complications from synthetic hair exposure typically have two years from their injury date to take legal action. Toxic exposure symptoms may take time to appear, making it harder to immediately link them to synthetic hair products. Under New Jersey’s discovery rule, the deadline may be extended if health issues were diagnosed later, rather than at the time of exposure.

Waiting too long can make it harder to build a strong case, secure expert testimony, and hold manufacturers accountable for unsafe products. Protect your legal rights by consulting with Drazin & Warshaw as soon as possible.

Why Choose Drazin & Warshaw for Your Case?

At Drazin & Warshaw, we understand the complexities of product liability cases and are ready to fight for you. Our firm has helped countless clients across Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Paterson, Plainfield, and throughout New Jersey secure justice against negligent corporations. We have decades of experience holding manufacturers accountable and have successfully recovered compensation for victims who suffered harm due to unsafe consumer products.

Our team provides personalized legal support tailored to your case, ensuring that every client receives the representation they deserve. Whether you have suffered medical complications, financial strain, or emotional distress due to toxic exposure from synthetic hair products, we are here to help.

Your Health Matters – Seek Justice with Drazin & Warshaw

Don’t wait – reach out today to schedule a free consultation with Drazin & Warshaw today. Let us review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward financial recovery and justice. Call us now to get started.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Drazin & Warshaw or any of its attorneys. If you have suffered health issues related to synthetic hair products, we encourage you to seek legal counsel to discuss your specific situation. Legal outcomes vary based on individual circumstances and applicable laws. Contact Drazin & Warshaw for a consultation to explore your legal options.