Hair relaxer burned scalp, caused balding, woman claims

A woman has filed suit against a beauty supply store and the manufacturer of a hair relaxer, alleging the relaxer burned her scalp and caused balding.

Luerine Eldridge claims she visited Essien Discount Beauty Supply in East St. Louis on July 14, 2007, when she purchased Ultra Precise.

Eldridge brought the product home and used it on the same day she purchased it, according to the complaint filed June 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

After applying the relaxer to her hair, Eldridge says it severely burned her scalp, caused extreme itching, loss or thinning of hair and an infected and inflamed scalp.

In addition to the side effects, Eldridge says she has suffered severe emotional trauma, incurred medical expenses, lost wages and suffered disability, loss of a normal life and disfigurement, the complaint says.

Essien negligently sold a chemical that caused burns to Eldridge's head, failed to warn Eldridge about the dangers of the product and failed to inspect the chemicals it sold, the suit states.

Ultra Precise was manufactured by Carson Products.

Eldridge says Carson Products negligently manufactured a product that caused burns to her head, failed to inspect its chemicals and failed to warn the beauty store of potential hazards associated with its chemicals.

In the three-count suit, Eldridge is seeking a judgment in excess of $300,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems appropriate.
Michael J. Brunton and Mary M. Stewart of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-323.