Hair Relaxer

Hair Relaxer Lawsuits: Seeking Justice for Cancer & Other Harmful Side Effects

For decades, chemical hair relaxers and straighteners have been widely used, particularly by Black women, as a common beauty practice. However, recent scientific research and a surge in lawsuits now allege a disturbing link between the prolonged use of these products and an increased risk of severe health conditions, including various forms of cancer.

If you or a loved one used chemical hair relaxers or straighteners and were later diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis, your family may be eligible to pursue significant compensation. Tort Portal is dedicated to connecting you with specialized attorneys who are actively fighting for justice on behalf of those harmed by these products.

The Alarming Link: Hair Relaxers and Serious Health Conditions

Mounting scientific evidence, including landmark studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), indicates that certain chemicals found in hair relaxers can disrupt the body’s endocrine system, mimicking or interfering with natural hormones like estrogen. This disruption is believed to contribute to the development of hormone-sensitive cancers and other reproductive health issues.

Key Chemicals Under Scrutiny: Hair relaxers often contain a cocktail of concerning chemicals, including:

  • Phthalates (e.g., DEHP): Known endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
  • Parabens: Preservatives that can mimic estrogen.
  • Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing chemicals: Classified as carcinogens.
  • Bisphenol A (BPA): Another endocrine disruptor.
  • Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): A highly caustic chemical that can cause scalp burns, potentially allowing easier absorption of other harmful substances.

Severe Injuries Alleged in Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

Lawsuits against hair relaxer manufacturers allege a direct link to several devastating health conditions:

  1. Uterine Cancer (Endometrial Cancer):
    • Description: Cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
    • Link: The most strongly linked cancer, with studies showing women who frequently use chemical hair straighteners (more than four times a year) may more than double their risk of developing uterine cancer.
    • Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, unusual discharge.
  2. Ovarian Cancer:
    • Description: Cancer that forms in the ovaries.
    • Link: Research suggests an increased risk of ovarian cancer among those exposed to chemicals in hair relaxers, particularly with long-term and frequent use.
    • Symptoms: Abdominal bloating or swelling, pelvic discomfort, changes in bowel habits, quickly feeling full.
  3. Uterine Fibroids:
    • Description: Non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the wall of the uterus. While often benign, they can cause severe symptoms.
    • Link: Studies have shown an association between hair relaxer use and an increased risk of uterine fibroids, especially with longer duration and higher frequency of use, and with scalp burns.
    • Symptoms: Heavy and painful periods, pelvic pain and pressure, frequent urination, difficulty conceiving.
  4. Endometriosis:
    • Description: A painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
    • Link: Emerging research suggests chemicals in hair relaxers may interfere with estrogen production and contribute to endometriosis.
    • Symptoms: Severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, painful bowel movements or urination (especially during menstruation), pain during intercourse, infertility.

Who Are the Defendants?

Lawsuits name numerous manufacturers and their associated brands, including but not limited to:

  • L’Oréal / SoftSheen-Carson (e.g., Dark & Lovely, Optimum Relaxer, Just For Me)
  • Revlon
  • Dabur International (e.g., Dabur Amla)
  • Namaste Laboratories, LLC (e.g., ORS Olive Oil)
  • Strength of Nature (e.g., Motions, African Pride, Crème of Nature)

Hair Relaxer Lawsuits: Current Litigation Status (June 2025)

Thousands of women across the United States have filed lawsuits against hair relaxer manufacturers, alleging that these companies knew about the dangers of their products but failed to warn consumers.

Key Developments:

  • Federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL No. 3060): The vast majority of federal hair relaxer lawsuits have been consolidated into an MDL in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. As of June 2025, over 10,300 cases are pending in this MDL, and the number continues to grow.
  • “Failure to Warn” & Product Liability: Plaintiffs allege product liability, claiming the relaxers were defectively designed and that manufacturers were negligent in failing to warn consumers about the known or knowable health risks associated with the toxic chemicals in their products.
  • Discovery Underway: The litigation is actively in the discovery phase, with parties exchanging information and preparing for potential bellwether (test) trials. A settlement special master has been appointed to facilitate negotiations, though a settlement is not imminent.
  • L’Oréal S.A. Dismissal: L’Oréal S.A. (the French parent company) has been dismissed from the MDL. However, L’Oréal USA and its subsidiaries remain key defendants in the vast majority of ongoing lawsuits.
  • FDA Scrutiny: In October 2023, the FDA announced plans to propose a ban on hair relaxers and straightening products containing formaldehyde, citing health concerns. While this proposed ban has faced delays, it underscores the regulatory concern over these products.

Plaintiffs in these lawsuits are seeking compensation for:

  • Past and future medical expenses related to their injuries (surgeries, treatments, medications).
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity due to illness.
  • Significant pain and suffering.
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones due due to relaxer-related complications.

Do You Qualify for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a hair relaxer lawsuit if:

  • You have a history of using chemical hair relaxers or straighteners (e.g., frequently, for a prolonged period, or starting at a young age).
  • You were diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
    • Uterine Cancer (Endometrial Cancer)
    • Ovarian Cancer
    • Uterine Fibroids (requiring medical intervention/surgery)
    • Endometriosis (requiring medical intervention/surgery)
  • Your diagnosis occurred after you began using these products.

It is crucial to act swiftly. Strict statutes of limitations (legal deadlines) apply to filing these types of lawsuits, and these deadlines vary by state. Consulting with a specialized attorney as soon as possible is essential to protect your legal rights.

Let Tort Portal Connect You with Leading Hair Relaxer Attorneys

The hair relaxer litigation is complex, involving intricate scientific evidence and powerful corporate defendants. Pursuing a claim requires a legal team with significant experience in product liability and mass torts.

Tort Portal understands the sensitive nature of these cases and the profound impact these injuries can have on women’s lives. We are dedicated to connecting you with highly qualified law firms that possess the expertise and resources necessary to take on major cosmetic manufacturers. Our partner attorneys are actively engaged in the hair relaxer MDL and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one developed cancer, fibroids, or endometriosis after using chemical hair relaxers, don’t delay. Take the first step toward understanding your legal options and holding negligent manufacturers accountable.

Free Case Review

Scroll to Top