Use of hair relaxers containing Formaldehyde or Phthalate chemicals have been linked to increased risk of developing various types of cancer. If you have been diagnosed with breast, ovarian, endometrial, or uterine cancer a year or more after regular use of a chemical hair relaxer listed below, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other losses. There is no cost or fee unless you obtain a settlement or award. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll-free number at (401) 200-3036 or fill out an online contact form.
Have You or a Loved One Suffered Injuries Due to a Hair Relaxer Product?
You May Have a Claim.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit: What You Need to Know
Which Hair Relaxer Products Are Considered Dangerous?
Why Are Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Being Filed?
What Do We Know About Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
What Cancers/Conditions Are Linked to Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
How Do I Know if I Have a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
Contact an Experienced Hair Relaxer Lawyer
What Are Hair Relaxers?
Hair relaxers, also called hair straighteners, are a lotion or cream that makes hair easier to manage and straighten. These products are mainly used by women who have curly hair, as the chemicals within hair relaxers reduce these curls by breaking down the hair strand. While results may vary, most hair relaxers leave hair straight for six (6) to eight (8) weeks. This method can be applied by a professional or purchased for use at home.
The issue arises with certain hair relaxer products containing dangerous chemicals known as Formaldehyde or Phthalate chemicals. Products containing these chemicals have caused serious, long-term harm to some users.
What Is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas used in various chemical products. It is classified by the EPA as a probable carcinogen and is classified as a known carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Some hair relaxer products contain high amounts of Formaldehyde and increase users’ risk of developing certain types of cancer, leading to the current lawsuits against these products.
Which Hair Relaxer Products Are Considered Dangerous?
Hair relaxer products containing Formaldehyde or Phthalate chemicals can be dangerous, and these chemicals have been linked to various cancers. Companies/products that are currently named in lawsuits are:
- Dark & Lovely
- Just for Me Hair Relaxer
- L’Oréal USA
- Motions Hair Relaxer
- Optimum Care Relaxer
- Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil
- Soft and Beautiful
- Soft Sheen-Carson, Inc.
- TCB Naturals Relaxer Crème
Why Are Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Being Filed?
As early as 2017, studies linked the use of hair relaxers to various forms of cancer.
In June 2017, a study was conducted by researchers at Rutgers Cancer Institute and published in the medical journal Carcinogenesis. This study suggests that the use of hair relaxers among African American and White women increased their risk of developing breast cancer by 74%. While not a direct cause of cancer, the study suggested that regular contact with the chemicals found in hair relaxers increases one’s risk of developing certain cancers.
A similar study in December 2019, published in the International Journal of Cancer, involved 50,000 participants and provided evidence of a 30% increased risk of breast cancer associated with the chemicals in some hair relaxers.
In October of 2022, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute warned that ingredients in hair relaxers may cause uterine cancer. These ingredients were found to have endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals. This study involved 34,000 women between the ages of 35 -74. The results of the study suggested that women who used hair relaxers 4 or more times in the year prior “were about 2 ½ times more likely to develop uterine cancer.”
Following the study in October 2022, the first hair relaxer cancer lawsuits began to be filed in the federal court system.
What Do We Know About Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
One of the first lawsuits was filed by a woman in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 21, 2022. The lawsuit alleges that the woman’s regular use of hair relaxers, namely Dark and Lovely, Motions, and Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Olive Oil, caused her to develop uterine cancer at age 28. Due to this diagnosis, she underwent a full hysterectomy and is unable to have children.
Another lawsuit was filed by a woman in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia on October 27, 2022. The lawsuit alleges the chemicals in the hair relaxers she used caused her to develop uterine fibrosis at age 29. Just like the previous woman in the above lawsuit, she too had to undergo a full hysterectomy and is unable to have children.
Additionally, a lawsuit was filed on November 2, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This lawsuit was filed against L’Oreal USA, Inc. and Soft Sheen-Carson. This individual used hair relaxer products since the age of 10 and was diagnosed with uterine cancer and endometriosis at age 39. There are also expected to be suits filed against chemical hair relaxer companies for marketing their products, particularly toward African American women, “without adequately disclosing the potential health risks.” Many hair relaxers have been advertised as safe products for decades. Advertising for many hair relaxers have been represented as being safe products for salon and at-home use.
What Cancers/Conditions Are the Basis for Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
- Breast Cancer
- Endometrial Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Fibrosis
How Do I Know if I Have a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
As with any personal injury claim, each case is unique and depends on the specific situation. Furthermore, each personal injury lawyer has specific criteria before they agree to take on a case. You may have a Hair Relaxer lawsuit if:
- You used hair relaxer products that contained Formaldehyde or Phthalates chemicals (either commercial or personal use) AND
- You used these products a minimum of four (4) times in a 12-month span AND
- You were diagnosed with breast, endometrial, or uterine cancer OR
- You were diagnosed with uterine fibrosis requiring surgical intervention AND
- You were diagnosed with either of these cancers or conditions one (1) or more years between your first use of these products and diagnosis
If your situation fits into the above criteria, you may be eligible to file a hair relaxer lawsuit. To learn more about hair relaxer lawsuits and to determine whether you could have a claim, contact us or call us anytime at (401) 200-3036.
Contact an Experienced Hair Relaxer Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered injury from using a hair relaxer product that contained Formaldehyde or Phthalates chemicals, you may be able to receive compensation for your lost earnings, medical bills, and pain and suffering, among other related losses. Our firm works with experienced hair relaxer lawyers across the nation, who are ready to talk to you about your case. Call us toll-free at (401) 200-3036 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.