Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

People are filing hair relaxer cancer lawsuits because they or their loved ones developed cancer after being exposed to dangerous chemicals. Many women use hair relaxers as a part of their normal self-care regimen. However, research and diagnoses have shown a possible link between hair-relaxing chemicals and ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and endometrial cancer.

Hair relaxer lawsuits claim defendants: 

1. Knew or should have known about the risks of hair-relaxing chemicals
2. Marketed dangerous products without warning consumers
3. Misrepresented the products as “safe” and “natural”
4. Reinforced discriminatory standards of beauty and negative stereotypes about afro-textured hair

These lawsuits began after a 2022 study linked chemical hair relaxers to an increased risk of uterine cancer.  The 2022 study used data from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The NIEHS is part of the National Institute of Health (NIH). 

Researchers found women who frequently used chemical hair straighteners were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer over those who did not.  This study used data from a larger body of research called the Sister Study. The Sister Study followed 50,000 women for 10 years to study cancer and what might cause it.  Earlier research had linked using these products to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. 

People began to file hair relaxer cancer lawsuits shortly after the 2022 NIEHS study. Motley Rice lawyers are currently evaluating potential cases involving these types of cancer:

• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Endometrial cancer

These cancers have been connected with various chemicals present in hair relaxer products.

Is there a hair relaxer class action lawsuit?

A class action and multidistrict litigation (MDL) are currently proceeding in federal court. The MDL consolidates multiple chemical hair straightener lawsuits across the country. The MDL is against hair relaxer manufacturers over the alleged link between the use of hair relaxers and cancer diagnoses. 

As of June 3, 2024, 8,270 actions were pending in the hair relaxer MDL. 

In 2023, Fidelma Fitzpatrick was appointed co-lead counsel for MDL 3060 In re: Hair Relaxer Marketing Sales Practices And Products Liability Litigation in the Northern District of Illinois. Carmen Scott is co-chair of the Leadership Development Committee for the MDL. Tope Leyimu is on the Leadership Development Committee and is co-chair of the L’Oréal Liability Committee.

The hair relaxer product market alone is worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually. In 2023, its worth was $690 million  and is expected to grow to $854 million annually by 2028.  Millions of dollars are at stake over one product category. For this reason, manufacturers have also poured millions of dollars into marketing.

Historically, Black and Brown hair textures have been discriminated against and devalued. Cosmetic companies have used branding and slogans to reinforce Eurocentric standards of beauty. But they have not disclosed the full health effects of these products. 

Many defendants named in today’s lawsuits have been marketing their hair-relaxing products since the 1950s, 60s and 70s. As a result, brand loyalty has been passed down for decades. This has led to generations of Black and Brown women using these products long-term. 

Marketing to children misled consumers

In 1990, Godrej (a large multinational company) developed and began marketing Just For Me products. These products targeted children and young women with catchy commercials and colorful packaging. They used depictions of children and language about the “gentle” formula.  Many defendants introduced similar product lines aimed at children.

Misleading language deceived consumers about safety

Hair relaxer manufacturers allegedly used misleading language on hair relaxer packages and advertisements. Below are a few examples. This is not an exhaustive list of allegedly misleading language on hair relaxer products.  

• Strength of Nature (owned by Godrej) labeled products such as Soft & Beautiful, with language like “Botanicals,” “Natural,” “Gentle” and “Ultra Nourishing.” It also marketed its Beautiful Textures hair relaxer product with the slogan “go from curly to straight and back again without using harsh chemicals!” 
• Soft Sheen (owned by L’Oréal) labeled its Dark & Lovely brand hair relaxer products as providing a “healthy” gloss and containing “nourishing” shea butter with jojoba and avocado oils. 
• Namaste (owned by Dabur) marketed its ORS Olive Oil relaxer as a way to “safely elongate tight coils.” 

Plaintiffs allege hair relaxer cancer lawsuit defendants have used misleading labeling and marketing. Whether they called their ingredients “safe,” “natural” or “nourishing,” they all failed to disclose the serious health risks posed to consumers.

Several cosmetic companies have been named in the lawsuits for hair relaxers. Some are standalone companies, and others are owned by larger parent companies. Companies involved in hair relaxer claims include: 

• Avlon
• Dabur
• Godrej SON Holdings
• House of Cheatham
• JF Labs
• L’Oréal
• Luster
• McBride
• Namaste Laboratories
• PDC Brands
• Revlon Inc.
• Sally Beauty
• SoftSheen-Carson
• Strength of Nature

These companies allegedly manufacture, market and sell dangerous chemical hair relaxer products. More defendants may be added as people continue to file lawsuits.

Harmful hair relaxer products

These companies are responsible for using product ingredients that may increase cancer risk. Many hair relaxer brands and products are involved in these lawsuits. Some examples include: 

• Affirm®
• African Pride®
• Africa’s Best®
• Cantu
• Crème of Nature®
• Dark & Lovely®
• Design Essentials®
• Dr. Miracle’s®
• Dream Kids
• Hawaiian Silky®
• Just for Me®
• Mizani®
• Motions®    
• Optimum Care®
• Organic Root Stimulator™
• ORS Olive Oil™
• Pink Conditioning No-Lye Relaxer®
• Profectiv Mega Growth®
• Revlon Realistic®
• Roots of Nature®
• Silk Elements®
• Smooth Touch No-Lye Relaxer®
• Soft & Beautiful®
• TCB®
• TCB Naturals®

Some companies, like L’Oréal, are responsible for multiple products. You may not be sure what company is responsible for a product you believe may have caused your cancer. A hair relaxer lawyer may be able to determine the responsible company.

Read about the alleged link between these hair relaxer products and cancer below. 

A growing body of scientific evidence has allegedly linked chemical hair relaxers to some reproductive cancers. Although many people use these chemical hair relaxer products, Black women are more likely to use them and may be at greater risk.

The NIEHS Sister Study provided data for several other studies. The studies illustrated the link between hair-relaxing chemicals and reproductive cancers. The NIEHS Sister Study was a decade-long study that followed 50,000 women aged 35 – 74.  Some analyses of Sister Study data do not use the entire population of the study.

• 2021 Sister Study analysis: This analysis looked at data from 40,559 Sister Study participants. It showed that women who used hair-relaxing products four or more times per year were more likely to develop ovarian cancer. 
• 2022 Sister Study analysis: This analysis looked at data from 33,497 Sister Study participants. It showed that women who used hair-relaxing products four or more times per year were twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.  

About 60% of the study participants who reported using chemical hair relaxers were Black women. This study confirmed that these risks affect Black women more than others. 

How do hair relaxers cause cancer?

Many of the ingredients in hair relaxers are known endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruption is linked to reproductive cancers, including ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and endometrial cancer. 

Important terms

• Endocrine system: A bodily system that creates and releases hormones. It regulates physical growth and development. It also regulates other systems, including the nervous system, reproductive system and metabolism. 
• Endocrine disruption: Interference with the endocrine system’s natural function. This includes stopping or increasing hormone production and producing hormones when they are not needed. 
• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs): Chemicals and mixtures that hinder the normal activity of the endocrine system. They can block hormone signals by modifying DNA and cell structure. 
• Reproductive cancers: Cancers affecting the reproductive organs. For women, this includes cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer and breast cancer.  Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer.

Several EDCs and carcinogens have been found in hair relaxers. Consistent exposure can lead to endocrine disruption and the development of cancer over time. For example, one chemical alleged to cause damage is formaldehyde. 

In 2023, the FDA proposed a ban on formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing chemicals in hair relaxers. The administration was scheduled to unveil a proposal for the ban in April 2024. No further news about regulatory action had been published by April 30, 2024.  

In 2022, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a study that found an increased risk of uterine cancer in women who use chemical hair relaxers and straighteners.  Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer.  In the study, 94.7% of reported uterine cancer cases were classified as endometrial cancer.

Endometrial cancer begins in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. Endometrial cancer often causes symptoms early on. This can, thankfully, lead to early diagnosis and treatment. However, the primary treatment for endometrial cancer is a hysterectomy.  A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus and cervix.

One of the biggest risk factors for endometrial cancer and uterine cancer is changes in hormones. Hormone changes affect the reproductive organs drastically. 

Endometrial cancer symptoms 

• Bleeding between periods
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause

Contact your healthcare provider for a screening if you experience any of these symptoms.

In 2021, a study in the journal Carcinogenesis linked the use of hair relaxers with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.  Ovarian cancers occur in the ovaries, part of the female reproductive system. The study found that women who used hair relaxers four or more times per year were approximately twice as likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer can be hard to diagnose early because symptoms are often downplayed. Many symptoms may present similarly to other common conditions. However, cancer cells can grow quickly. It is important to contact your doctor if you experience ovarian cancer symptoms.

Ovarian cancer symptoms 

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Back pain
• Changes in bowel habits, including constipation
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Pelvic discomfort
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Weight loss

A change in hormones is a risk factor for ovarian cancer. 

When will the hair relaxer lawsuit be settled?

No hair relaxer lawsuit settlements have happened yet. The first hair relaxer lawsuit trials in the hair relaxer MDL will not likely begin until 2025.

With over 8,000 pending actions as of June 3, 2024, many parties are eager for trial dates to be set. Plaintiffs and defendants are currently involved in preparation, discovery and procedural motions. 

Has anyone received a settlement from the hair relaxer lawsuit?

As of June 1, 2024, no one has received a settlement from this hair relaxer lawsuit. Settlement offers generally depend on factors like the strength of the evidence and the risks of going to trial. Both parties must be willing to negotiate. Settlement offers can happen during pre-trial proceedings, close to the trial date or after the trial has begun.

How do you qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit?

To qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit, you must be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or endometrial cancer. If you or someone you love has developed one of these medical issues after long-term use of a hair relaxer, you may have a claim. Contact one of our hair relaxer attorneys to discuss your potential case.

Many people have been impacted by ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or endometrial cancer allegedly caused by using chemical hair relaxers. If you believe you have been similarly impacted, consider discussing your options with an attorney with experience in multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Our attorneys have a depth of experience supporting women and families facing life-altering health problems. We have knowledge that can help you weigh your legal options.

Motley Rice leads litigation brought by thousands of women harmed by defective products. Our law firm has extensive experience litigating product liability lawsuits for women who:

• Developed ovarian cancer after using talc-based baby powder for feminine hygiene 
• Suffered breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) allegedly caused by Allergan implants
• Endured severe complications allegedly caused by birth control devices such as Essure® and Paragard® and complications arising from the use of transvaginal mesh

We’ve also helped mothers who have filed lawsuits for birth defects caused by prescription drugs and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) linked to baby formula. 

We invite you to reach out to our attorneys at any time to discuss a potential case.