anyone remember RIO hair relaxer?

miggy1081

Hi Everyone... I've lurked on this site off and on for a few years. I forgot my old username, so I had to make a new one. Anyway, I was hoping to get some advice on my hair

I was wondering if anyone here remembers the infomercial for a hair straighter called RIO. It was out in the late 90s I believe and they later had a lawsuit because it caused people's hair to fall out and turn green.

I was one of the people that used it back then. It did turn my hair green and ever since I used the product, and I used it a few times because it came with a few packets, my hair has never really returned to the thickness it was before. It became thin around my hair line and temples, the curls I had never really grew back quite the way they were before.

I've tried alot of vitamins and products to try and help it grow back, but nothing has really helped so far. I'm currently using Indian herbs, like Maka that's said to cure alopecia, and my scalp seems to be less visible, but my hair is still quite thin.

I still don't really know what was in the RIO that could effect the scalp to make hair fall out and thin.. but it's made me leery of infomercial products and unknown products. I also really regret fighting my curls, I wish I would of embraced them. Now my hair is just wavy, thin and dry.

I was wondering if anyone here happened to use this product, or maybe even a different product, that permanently damaged their hair/scalp and also had problems with their hair never growing back to the way it was, hair loss and thinning and if they found any solutions to help it grow back from this type of hair loss?

curlycookie

When I just saw the word "Rio" on your post, I had to read it~yikes!! Yes, I do remember it and yes I did buy it from the infomercial. I remember all these lovely black women who came in with natural hair and poof, half an hour later had gorgeous silky straight hair. I swallowed it whole and i remember making my hubby watch the info as well cuz it seemed too good to be true! I did buy it and had my hubby put it in the first time (yep, I actually got him to do my relaxers for many years, lol, what a team player :love3:). I had been relaxing for several years but something about putting Rio in every week for 3 weeks just didn't sit right with me and so THANKFULLY, I couldn't bring myself to do it more than that one treatment.
I'm so sorry it did a number on your hair and your scalp but I can't imagine that it would affect your new growth or is it because your scalp was damaged because of it? I would think that once your new growth came in, the Rio should not be affecting that. If I were you I would maybe go see a dermatologist to see if they can recommend anything to help your scalp and get it back to being healthy.
I feel bad that that RIO even got out to the public and I hope you'll be able to get your healthy hair back!

Greatcurls

I know this may sound horrible, but I knew someone who actually liked Rio, and then COPA! Those chemicals were obviously taken off the market before her hair was damaged.

Suburbanbushbabe

If you used it in the 90's at least seven years ago, the Rio hair should be long gone because your hair would have expeienced a complete cycle of growing. I doubt that the Rio is impacting it. What is your current routine? Have you been checked out by health professionals - a dermatologist, nutritionist/holistic health counselor and your PCP? Lifestyle and diet have a lot to do with hair health.

Naturalista

miggy1081 wrote: »

Hi Everyone... I've lurked on this site off and on for a few years. I forgot my old username, so I had to make a new one. Anyway, I was hoping to get some advice on my hair

I was wondering if anyone here remembers the infomercial for a hair straighter called RIO. It was out in the late 90s I believe and they later had a lawsuit because it caused people's hair to fall out and turn green.

I was one of the people that used it back then. It did turn my hair green and ever since I used the product, and I used it a few times because it came with a few packets, my hair has never really returned to the thickness it was before. It became thin around my hair line and temples, the curls I had never really grew back quite the way they were before.

I've tried alot of vitamins and products to try and help it grow back, but nothing has really helped so far. I'm currently using Indian herbs, like Maka that's said to cure alopecia, and my scalp seems to be less visible, but my hair is still quite thin.

I still don't really know what was in the RIO that could effect the scalp to make hair fall out and thin.. but it's made me leery of infomercial products and unknown products. I also really regret fighting my curls, I wish I would of embraced them. Now my hair is just wavy, thin and dry.

I was wondering if anyone here happened to use this product, or maybe even a different product, that permanently damaged their hair/scalp and also had problems with their hair never growing back to the way it was, hair loss and thinning and if they found any solutions to help it grow back from this type of hair loss?

A family friend of mine used it and her hair never really recovered as it did quite a number on her. She sued the company and got a decent payout.

Granted, when she tried it she was in her 50's, so age can affect the hair's ability to grow... there's always hope.

adthomas

Suburbanbushbabe wrote: »

If you used it in the 90's at least seven years ago, the Rio hair should be long gone because your hair would have expeienced a complete cycle of growing. I doubt that the Rio is impacting it. What is your current routine? Have you been checked out by health professionals - a dermatologist, nutritionist/holistic health counselor and your PCP? Lifestyle and diet have a lot to do with hair health.

I don't think it's unreasonable that the Rio is still affecting her hair growth. I've done a lot of research since experiencing hair loss myself and I've learned that some chemical alopecia can be permanent because the follicle has been destroyed. My doctor says my hair loss was from an autoimmune disorder. My mom says it was from a relaxer I got two weeks before my hair abruptly fell out. Anyhow, in some areas I didn't get any growth for a year. My advice is go to the derm and get a biopsy and also try daily massages with essential oils.

1mks

I am desperately looking/hoping I would find any of the products. I used/appreciated it greatly. My hair was beautifully manageable. And grew very nicely.

The only troubles I did experience were due my action/inaction. My hair color is salt/pepper. My first Rio order was not for my hair color and yes it
turn green. Duh..I ordered incorrectly. Second problem again was due to my action/inaction with all the hoopla being made by "people" caused the product to be discontinued and I no longer had access to "Rio" any longer. Third, I wished I had order cases and cases before it was all destroyed. My action was that after a period of time (about 3 months) I needed a perm/touch up and Rio was no longer available and I got a Dark/Lovely Perm Kit which took out 90% of my hair with the 1st application. As I rinsed my hair it came out in globs. I had no choice but get it all cut to about 1/2" the next day.

I haven't had a perm since that time and my hair length has grown to the middle of my back.

The only reason I'm even on this site is because "I"
am looking to see if the product and be found anywhere in the world. Especially since every perm I've ever gotten previously "burned" me terribly. And that wasn't the case for me with "Rio".

I said then and continue to say truly there may have been some legitimate problems (as with "all" perm) but more that likely it was improper use/application/required time constraints when attempting to use the products as well as some others just looking to be added to the "law suit" (warranted or not).

I truly believe if the instructions were followed properly many many others would have been as satisfied as I was i.e. choose correct type perm depending on color or your hair and do not use product if your previous perm was less that 3 or 4 months.

I'm sure there were/are a great numbers of others who "did" have great success with "The Rio Neutralizer Systems".

Renegade

I had thick very long hair. Friends asked me to try RIO thinking it would not harm my hair as much as they had thinner hair. I used the product and it did not work. I was sent four boxes free from them because I was told I needed more because of how much hair I had. It was mid back and very, very , very thick. I used the product. I now have bald spots and my hair is very thin. Yes, it did take the curly texture out of my hair. I am at a hair place now. Imay try laser treatments next. I am miserable. I will let you know if it works. Thank you.

artemis513

My grandmother used Rio on my hair when I was a kid, not too long before the lawsuits started popping up. So she used it on my hair for maybe the spring/summer time and then stopped and we grew my hair out (I guess my very first transition lol). So once the Rio hair was maybe the last inch or two on the ends, she had the stylist put Hawaiian Silky in my hair. Of course the Rio'd ends melted off :sad3: But I had a enough hair left after they trimmed the damage, and that was that.

I can't really say that Rio damaged my hair. I do have really thin sides but honestly my relaxers before Rio could have done that since she was always putting Dark n Lovely or Just For Me on my hair and leaving that ish on for 30-45 min. :crybaby:So yeah, like I said, I can't blame Rio for all that. Needless to say once I got old enough I started doing my own hair, but by then the damage was done. And had to learn how to style to cover it up.

A few years ago I really got into vitamin supplements to try to fill in the spots and to a certain extent, biotin and B5 helped with thickness. It wasn't until I went to this Korean chick to cut my hair in a wedge bob that I found something to help just a little bit more. She recommended the Nioxin products, particularly the Follicle Booster, and they helped a lot! It took me a few months to see results, and it's still not 100% but it's dramatically better than when I was a kid. So you may want to try that. I agree with checking with the Derm, too.

Jydal

I remember rio and i agree with some of the others who are on this thread. A few years ago my hair started falling after using design products. Turns out there was a batch that was not chemically balanced properly so a bunch of ladies had chemical damage though it was applied correctly. A hairdresser told me b/c she had a settlement with them for burns she received using the product. It left bald patches in the front of my head . I went to a dermatologist and they gave me Luxiq. It helped reduce the scalp inflammation and some the hair grew back. However now five years later some patches still have not grown because the follicle was damaged. I strongly recommend going to a dermatologist. I had to go to 3 before i found a lady that was kind and helpful.

Lady_Creole

Suburbanbushbabe wrote: »

If you used it in the 90's at least seven years ago, the Rio hair should be long gone because your hair would have expeienced a complete cycle of growing. I doubt that the Rio is impacting it. What is your current routine? Have you been checked out by health professionals - a dermatologist, nutritionist/holistic health counselor and your PCP? Lifestyle and diet have a lot to do with hair health.

Something in Rio damaged hair follicles. Many women who used it became bald as an egg and their hair didn't grow back, [prayerfully that may have changed because I haven't kept up with it].

There was a million dollar class action lawsuit against the company.

FEDERAL COURT GRANTS PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF RIO HAIR NATURALIZER CLASS ACTION PREDOMINANTLY AFFECTING AFRICAN-AMERICANS - Free Online Library

Also...

http://www.definemycurls.com/relaxers-and-hair-loss/#sthash.Ugr1M0PM.dpbs

Blessings!

Lady_Creole

miggy1081 wrote: »

Hi Everyone... I've lurked on this site off and on for a few years. I forgot my old username, so I had to make a new one. Anyway, I was hoping to get some advice on my hair

I was wondering if anyone here remembers the infomercial for a hair straighter called RIO. It was out in the late 90s I believe and they later had a lawsuit because it caused people's hair to fall out and turn green.

I was one of the people that used it back then. It did turn my hair green and ever since I used the product, and I used it a few times because it came with a few packets, my hair has never really returned to the thickness it was before. It became thin around my hair line and temples, the curls I had never really grew back quite the way they were before.

I've tried alot of vitamins and products to try and help it grow back, but nothing has really helped so far. I'm currently using Indian herbs, like Maka that's said to cure alopecia, and my scalp seems to be less visible, but my hair is still quite thin.

I still don't really know what was in the RIO that could effect the scalp to make hair fall out and thin.. but it's made me leery of infomercial products and unknown products. I also really regret fighting my curls, I wish I would of embraced them. Now my hair is just wavy, thin and dry.

I was wondering if anyone here happened to use this product, or maybe even a different product, that permanently damaged their hair/scalp and also had problems with their hair never growing back to the way it was, hair loss and thinning and if they found any solutions to help it grow back from this type of hair loss?

Sis...

I did a search and found a few sites that may help-be sure to investigate thoroughly, [let me know if you need more sites...I am usually a very good resource person :hello2:]:

Natural Herbal Hair Rinse for Hair Loss Remedy,Vinegar Hair Loss

Natural Remedies for the Treatment of Alopecia

ALOPECIA -RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WOMEN WITH HAIR LOSS - YouTube

Hair Loss and Regrowth: Recovering from Alopecia (with before and afer pics) - YouTube [this one is really good]!!!

You also may consider supplements:

Biotin
MSM
Hair, Nails and Skin Vitamins
Prenatal Vitamins [worked for me].

Hope this helps...

Lady_Creole

1mks wrote: »

I am desperately looking/hoping I would find any of the products. I used/appreciated it greatly. My hair was beautifully manageable. And grew very nicely.

The only troubles I did experience were due my action/inaction. My hair color is salt/pepper. My first Rio order was not for my hair color and yes it
turn green. Duh..I ordered incorrectly. Second problem again was due to my action/inaction with all the hoopla being made by "people" caused the product to be discontinued and I no longer had access to "Rio" any longer. Third, I wished I had order cases and cases before it was all destroyed. My action was that after a period of time (about 3 months) I needed a perm/touch up and Rio was no longer available and I got a Dark/Lovely Perm Kit which took out 90% of my hair with the 1st application. As I rinsed my hair it came out in globs. I had no choice but get it all cut to about 1/2" the next day.

I haven't had a perm since that time and my hair length has grown to the middle of my back.

The only reason I'm even on this site is because "I"
am looking to see if the product and be found anywhere in the world. Especially since every perm I've ever gotten previously "burned" me terribly. And that wasn't the case for me with "Rio".

I said then and continue to say truly there may have been some legitimate problems (as with "all" perm) but more that likely it was improper use/application/required time constraints when attempting to use the products as well as some others just looking to be added to the "law suit" (warranted or not).

I truly believe if the instructions were followed properly many many others would have been as satisfied as I was i.e. choose correct type perm depending on color or your hair and do not use product if your previous perm was less that 3 or 4 months.

I'm sure there were/are a great numbers of others who "did" have great success with "The Rio Neutralizer Systems".

There was a several million dollar class action lawsuit against the company.

FEDERAL COURT GRANTS PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF RIO HAIR NATURALIZER CLASS ACTION PREDOMINANTLY AFFECTING AFRICAN-AMERICANS - Free Online Library

Also...

http://www.definemycurls.com/relaxer....Ugr1M0PM.dpbs

Lady_Creole

Thank you, Jesus, that I stopped using perms!!!

naturalhaircare

Yeah is it still for sale?

Nocurls183

I have the same problem from the Rio perm. Thin hair, hair loss, can't grow back my curls. And I can't find a product that can help. I wish I had got in on the lawsuit. If I knew my hair would never grow back. Thank you for this message. Nocurls183

Ld.Stephens

There's never been a better infomercial. Real black women talking about real scenarios that have happened in their life with their hair. I brought the product for gray hair. It look like dirt. The direction was to use your blender. I had to throw the blender away. When the class action lawsuit came out. My boyfriend a (public defender) at the time told me I had more hair than anyone he's ever known and realtor would use me as their witness. Also in class action lawsuits only lawyer get paid. My girlfriend was in the Denny's lawsuit she got a two dollar check. But I love the informational.

Yuvonne.Bank

I used Rio Hair back in the early 90's and my hair did not break it was beautiful , I could sleep on my hair and in the morning it would not even need to be styled, and when I moved my head my hair just flowed. I had read that the reason it was taking out peoples hair was because they use to leave it in all day. From what I understand it was a natural products, the gut on infomercial even ate some I use to leave mine in for about 30 minutes and wow my hair looked better than ever. I did have a perm before that that cause my hair to break off and it was suppose to be no lye then I used this product called alpha gee it smelt like vomit ,but it stopped my hair from breaking. How ever the Rio hair did wonders for my hair.