Hair Relaxer Lawsuit: Guide & Latest Updates (October 2024)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- As of July 15, 2024, victims filed 8,192 hair relaxer lawsuits
- Research strongly suggests a link between cancer and hair relaxers
- If you suspect cancer from hair relaxers, seek legal advice today
Are you a long-time user of hair relaxers? Did you develop uterine or ovarian cancer after starting chemical hair straighteners? You may be eligible to join thousands of women in filing suit in a hair relaxer class action or file your own lawsuit.
Manufacturers market their hair relaxer products primarily to Black women, their most extensive consumer base. These products use potent chemicals to straighten curly or tightly coiled hair.
But new research suggests that the chemicals may also increase a consumer’s risk of developing cancer, a finding that has spurred thousands of hair relaxer lawsuits. A 2023 study involving 45,000 Black women showed a link between long-term hair relaxer use and an increased risk of uterine cancer in postmenopausal women. Other studies indicated hair relaxers may also increase a user’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Some hair relaxer lawsuits involve fibroids.
If you’re considering a hair relaxer lawsuit, you may wonder: How do you qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit? And when will the hair relaxer lawsuit be settled?
ConsumerShield can guide you to answers. As compassionate consumer rights experts, our team is here to help you explore the best type of lawsuit for your case: One that ends in a settlement. When big companies hurt you, you deserve a settlement. Contact ConsumerShield to explore your eligibility for a hair relaxer lawsuit today.
Lawsuit Updates
- MDL Case Count Drops
- Indianapolis Woman Sues Hair Relaxer Brands Over Cancer
- Settlement Prediction
Free Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Case Review!
By clicking “SUBMIT”, I consent to be contacted by, or on behalf of, ConsumerShield or its trusted legal partners, including for marketing purposes, via the contact information I have provided. I understand that my consent is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services, and that message and data rates may apply. I have the right to opt out of text messages at any time by texting STOP. Additionally, you will be contacted by an attorney.
TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS NATIONWIDE |
As seen on:
Evaluating the Link Between Hair Straighteners and Cancer
New research is still emerging on the possible effects of chemical hair straighteners. For now, the causal link between hair straighteners and uterine cancer seems to be the strongest, but it’s not the only type of cancer associated with chemical hair relaxers. Studies indicate that using hair straighteners may contribute to the development of the following:
Uterine cancer
A diagnosis of uterine cancer may result in the most significant hair relaxer lawsuit payouts. Studies show long-term chemical hair relaxer use increases the risk of developing uterine cancer in postmenopausal women.
Uterine cancer often leads to hysterectomy. Many class action lawsuits, hair relaxers included, involve claimants who underwent that procedure.
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer is a subtype of uterine cancer. Researchers in a 2022 study further divide endometrial cancer into type I and type II, according to the symptoms with which they present. The study indicates a more vital link between type I endometrial cancer and hair relaxers than type II.
Ovarian cancer
Research conducted in a 2021 study suggests that frequent use of hair relaxers is associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Breast cancer
In a 2020 study, researchers found that women who used hair straighteners or applied them to others in the 12 months before participating in the study had a much higher risk of breast cancer.
While distinct, these cancers have something in common: They may each arise from exposure to certain harmful chemicals, namely endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors, including formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, and more, can interfere with the body’s hormones and result in cancer.
Hair Relaxer Chemicals
Hair relaxer marketing claims these products are the ultimate solution for achieving sleek, straight hair, but the reality is far more complex and concerning. These products contain a cocktail of chemicals, some of which link to serious health issues.
Here are some of the main chemicals you should be aware of:
Phthalates
One of the most harmful chemicals found in hair relaxers is phthalates, specifically Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), phthalates can interfere with the body's hormonal system and lead to a range of health issues, including reproductive dysfunction, developmental abnormalities, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
Lye, or sodium hydroxide, is a strong alkali used in many hair relaxer products. It breaks down the hair's protein structure, allowing reshaping. However, lye is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns and scarring if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. It can also damage the hair shaft, leading to hair loss and breakage.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a preservative often found in hair relaxer products. It's a known carcinogen linked to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and cancer. Despite its dangers, manufacturers continue to use it in many cosmetic products due to its effectiveness as a preservative.
These harmful chemicals in hair relaxer products, often without clear warnings, are a vital issue driving hair relaxer injury legal cases. Learning about these chemicals and their potential risks is crucial to make an informed decision about your products.
Uterine Cancer & Hair Straighteners
Did you use chemical hair relaxers for an extended period? If you subsequently develop uterine cancer, hair straighteners may be the reason why. New research suggests that long-time use of chemical hair relaxers may increase the risk of developing uterine cancer, particularly among postmenopausal women.
This finding is a critical contribution to a significant body of work on the potential dangers of chemical-laden hair straightening products. Uterine cancer lawsuits, which already number in the thousands, must demonstrate the connection between uterine cancer and hair straighteners to prevail.
The study found that women who used hair relaxers were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer compared to non-users. Alarmingly, the incidence rate of uterine cancer increased even further among women who reported using hair relaxers more frequently.
The second study, conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2021, found a 50% increased risk of ovarian cancer among women who regularly used hair relaxers (more than four times per year). Given the relative rarity of ovarian cancer and its low five-year survival rate, this connection is particularly concerning.
These two studies have provided the first substantial epidemiological evidence of a clear connection between hair relaxers and the increased risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, highlighting the urgent need for further research and regulation of these products. The findings have paved the way for the burgeoning hair relaxer compensation case as victims seek justice and compensation.
What Is the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
As of July 15, 2024, there are 8,192 causes in the class action lawsuit involving hair relaxers. These lawsuits arose from the 2023 study referenced above.
To conduct the study, researchers used data from the Black Women’s Health Study to look at health outcomes for almost 45,000 self-identified Black women with intact uteruses from the years 1997 to 2019. They found that long-term use of chemical hair relaxers increased the risk for uterine cancer in postmenopausal women, giving plaintiffs the scientifically backed data they needed to pursue uterine cancer lawsuits for hair relaxers.
These lawsuits show similar impacts to the talcum powder actions, where women also report developing cancer in their reproductive systems. It is all part of greater awareness regarding chemical exposure and its effects on health and the environment.
Understanding the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
In light of recent findings, you may be able to file a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit if you used hair straightening products and subsequently developed uterine, breast or endometrial cancer. Regarding eligibility for a hair relaxer lawsuit, fibroids may also qualify you.
Hair Relaxer MDL
Many hair relaxer lawsuits are being filed into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The hair relaxer MDL is a consolidated lawsuit that includes thousands of victims who developed uterine cancer, breast cancer, fibroids, and other related conditions after using chemical hair relaxers.
An MDL is different from a traditional class action lawsuit. Hair relaxer settlements in MDLs distribute proceeds on a case-by-case basis, according to each plaintiff’s claim, and each case in an MDL remains separate. Essentially, plaintiffs in MDLs remain distinct plaintiffs rather than taking on the status of a group.
Class Action Lawsuits for Hair Relaxers
A class action lawsuit receives a settlement to the class, not the individuals. Class members receive proceeds from one large settlement based on their damages. Under this scenario, those facing the worst damages (like family members who lost loved ones due to hair relaxer cancers) receive the largest payouts. These payouts may not cover all damages as well as an individual lawsuit.
Is the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Legitimate?
There are more than 8,000 pending cases, making their MDL hair relaxer lawsuit on track to represent thousands of individual plaintiffs in their pursuit of justice. While the number of cases between June and July increased modestly (8,170 to 8,192), more victims will likely file suits.
The court scheduled the initial trial for November 3, 2025, and a second one for February 2, 2026. As they do for most defective product matters, a jury will decide these cases.
Filing Your Lawsuit for Hair Relaxer
If you used chemical hair relaxers for an extended period and then developed cancer, fibroids, or a related health condition, you may be eligible to participate in the MDL class action lawsuit. Hair relaxer companies need to be held accountable for the damage they’ve caused and the lives they’ve shattered. Legal action is the best way to bring them to justice and secure compensation for your suffering.
Need help figuring out how to get started? Don’t think you need to do it alone—ConsumerShield can guide you through the complexities of the legal process. Our compassionate consumer advocates will review your situation, explain your options, and connect you with legal resources.
Getting started is easy: Contact ConsumerShield online to ask questions, voice concerns, or schedule a consultation with a dedicated legal expert.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Knowledge Base
Read the latest information on Hair Relaxer Lawsuit and find answers to your questions. Currently there are 4 topics about Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Lawsuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Scientific studies have found a strong association between long-term use of hair relaxers and increased rates of uterine and ovarian cancer. The main concern lies with the chemical Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine-disrupting chemical found in hair relaxers, which can cause significant adverse health effects, including developmental abnormalities, reproductive dysfunction, and infertility.
-
Continuous research is going to find a potential relationship between respiratory problems or uterine fibroids and hair relaxers. However, no absolute causative link has come to light.Many consumers have reported developing these problems after hair relaxer usage, but several other factors can also contribute to such health effects. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have the expert opinion of medical professionals and legal representatives in this regard if you feel your health problems have a direct link to the use of hair relaxers.
-
Hair relaxers are usually applied on tightly coiled or curly hair textures to give them a straight and sleek look.However, most Afro-Caribbean, African, or similar people have the same type of hair relaxers. Besides hair type, the effect of using hair relaxers may also vary from individual to individual.
-
If you are experiencing adverse side effects after using hair straightening products, ensure that your safety and health are your top priority. However, if you suffer severe chemical reactions like respiratory problems, chemical burns, irritation on scalps, or other symptoms, then immediately seek medical help. Record your experience, which may include photos of visible scars, and collect all information regarding the product. Furthermore, consulting with expert attorneys in self-harm and product liability situations will help you with your potential legal rights and options.
-
In the hair relaxer MDL, discussions in February led to the appointment of retired Judge Paul Grimm as Special Master to assist with resolving technical disputes. While both parties agreed on Grimm, defendants are pushing for a monthly fee cap of $10,000, equating to about 13 hours at $750 per hour, to control costs—a move plaintiffs oppose. Additionally, the MDL grew by 117 cases in February, bringing the total to 8,334 federal lawsuits.
