Rio Hair Naturalizer System
Encyclopedia
The Rio Hair Naturalizer System was a hair relaxer distributed by The World Rio Corporation Inc. It was available in two types; "Neutral" as well as another one that claimed to have a "Color Enhancement Formula" that contained a black hair dye. As a product designed for home use, it was promoted through infomercials in the early to mid-1990s.
Despite the claims of the relaxer being safe and natural, the product contained copper, ammonium, and chloride salts and a pH
of less than the listed level of 3. Due to these factors, people using the product suffered from hair loss, scalp burns, and (in some cases) green hair color. By 1995, there were over 3,000 complaints lodged with the Food and Drug Administration
. Eventually, the product was barred from being imported into the U.S., and all remaining company stocks were destroyed. Several victims (about 53,000) filed a Class Action Lawsuit against World Rio Corporation, resulting in a judgment of US$4.5 million. The incident also raised questions about the issue of relaxing afro textured hair in general.
Despite the claims of the relaxer being safe and natural, the product contained copper, ammonium, and chloride salts and a pH
PH
In chemistry, pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. Pure water is said to be neutral, with a pH close to 7.0 at . Solutions with a pH less than 7 are said to be acidic and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline...
of less than the listed level of 3. Due to these factors, people using the product suffered from hair loss, scalp burns, and (in some cases) green hair color. By 1995, there were over 3,000 complaints lodged with the Food and Drug Administration
Food and Drug Administration
The Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executive departments...
. Eventually, the product was barred from being imported into the U.S., and all remaining company stocks were destroyed. Several victims (about 53,000) filed a Class Action Lawsuit against World Rio Corporation, resulting in a judgment of US$4.5 million. The incident also raised questions about the issue of relaxing afro textured hair in general.