Hair Relaxer Lawyer | Lawsuit
Hair Relaxer lawsuits state the company’s producing certain hair relaxers have caused users serious injuries. 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 1-800-992-6878 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
What are Hair Relaxers?
Hair relaxers, also called hair straighteners, are a lotion or a 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 some users extreme harm.
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 have been shown to contain high amounts of Formaldehyde, leading to the current batch of lawsuits against these products.
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 Carcinogensis. This study stated the use of hair relaxers among African American and White women increased the risk of developing breast cancer by 74%. They did state that this was an added risk and not a full link to breast cancer.
A similar study in December 2019, published in the International Journal of Cancer, involved 50,000 participants. This study involved the breast cancer risk to these participants. The study found that women who used hair relaxers faced a 30% added risk of breast cancer.
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. It was found there was an increased risk of uterine cancer among hair relaxer users.
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 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 ever 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 states 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.
A different 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., Softsheen-Carson and other companies. This individual used hair relaxer products since the age of 10 and was diagnosed with uterine cancer and endometriosis at age 39.
Which Hair Relaxer Products are Considered Dangerous?
Any hair relaxer product that contains Formaldehyde or Phthalates chemicals has been linked to various cancers. Some of the companies/products that are currently named in current lawsuits are:
- Cantu Shea Butter Relaxer
- Dark & Lovely
- Just for Me Hair Relaxer
- L’Oreal USA
- Motions Hair Relaxer
- Optimum Care Relaxer
- Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil
- Soft and Beautiful
- Soft sheen-Carson, Inc
- TCB Naturals Relaxer Creme
What Cancers/Conditions are Being Investigated for Possible Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
- 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 are dependent on the facts of the case. 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 you answered yes to these statements, you may have a Hair Relaxer lawsuit and should contact our law firm to discuss your case.
Contact an Experienced Hair Relaxer Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered injury as a result of 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 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.