Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

People are filing hair relaxer cancer lawsuits because they or their loved ones developed cancer after being exposed to dangerous chemicals contained in these products. Many women use hair relaxers as a part of their normal self-care regimen. However, research and diagnoses have shown an increased risk of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and endometrial cancer in frequent users of hair-relaxer products.

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 was published. 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. If you believe you may have developed cancer from these chemicals, consider reaching out to the hair relaxer lawyers at Motley Rice.

What is the hair relaxer MDL?

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) for hair relaxer claims is 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 2, 2025, 10,317 actions were pending in the hair relaxer MDL.

Motley Rice attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick was appointed co-lead counsel for In re: Hair Relaxer Marketing Sales Practices And Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3060 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Motley Rice attorney Tope Leyimu is on the Leadership Development Committee and is co-chair of the L’Oréal Liability Committee.

Motley Rice attorneys Carmen Scott and Chelsea Monroe both serve on the Leadership Development Committee for the MDL, with Carmen serving as the Committee’s co-chair. 

Who is eligible to file a hair relaxer lawsuit?

Individuals may qualify to file a hair relaxer lawsuit if they meet the following criteria:

• They regularly used chemical hair relaxers for several years
• They were diagnosed with uterine, ovarian or endometrial cancer
• Medical documentation linking exposure to the condition

A hair relaxer lawyer at Motley Rice can review specific case details and determine eligibility based on medical records and product history.

What is the average payout for a hair relaxer lawsuit?

There is no average payout for hair relaxer lawsuits, as none have settled or received court verdicts yet. Future settlements and verdicts will depend on multiple factors, including:

• Severity of illness: More serious diagnoses, such as late-stage cancers, may result in higher compensation.
• Medical expenses and treatment costs: Plaintiffs with extensive medical bills may receive larger settlements.
• Length and frequency of hair relaxer use: Long-term use strengthens the case for causation.
• Manufacturer liability and case strength: Stronger evidence linking a product to harm may increase settlement potential.

Since the hair relaxer MDL is ongoing, no payouts have been finalized. While past toxic exposure cases suggest settlements could range from thousands to millions of dollars, individual results will vary. No specific compensation amount or favorable outcome is guaranteed.

The hair relaxer product market alone is worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually. In late 2024, this was expected to come out to around $719.88 million. That number is expected to grow to $889.83 million annually by 2029. 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 haven't 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, 1960s and 1970s. 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" hair relaxer 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 International
• Godrej SON Holdings
• Beauty Bell Enterprises, LLC f/k/a House of Cheatham Inc.
• House of Cheatham
• AFAM Concept Inc. d/b/a JF Labs, Inc.
• JF Labs
• L’Oréal
• Luster
• McBride
• Namaste Laboratories
• PDC Brands
• 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.

Potentially 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?

Hair relaxers may cause cancer because they include several potentially toxic chemicals. These potentially carcinogenic ingredients include but aren’t limited to:

• Cyclosiloxanes
• Di-(2-ethylhexyl)
• Formaldehyde
• Lye
• Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane
• Parabens
• Phthalates

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. 

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 December 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The evaluation determined that formaldehyde presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health. The agency noted the risk may be higher for people who use products with formaldehyde. Repeated inhalation is linked to serious health issues, such as cancer and reduced lung function.

In addition, the FDA proposed a ban on formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair relaxers in 2024, with regulatory action expected later in the year. However, the agency delayed the rule’s release several times and ultimately took no action last year.

Community forum discusses chemical hair relaxer impact on health

Tope Leyimu participated in a community forum discussing the possible health risks chemical hair relaxers may have on women’s health. The panel discussed recent scientific studies and the alleged link between the increased risk of developing certain cancers after using these products. Watch more from CBS News.

In 2024, 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.  The study linked endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in hair relaxers to higher rates of aggressive uterine fibroids and ovarian cancer. Black women were affected more than other groups

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. Women who require this procedure may be eligible for a hair relaxer hysterectomy lawsuit.

Hormonal change is one of the biggest risk factors for endometrial cancer and uterine cancer. Changes in hormones 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.

The same study also found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in chemical hair relaxers are associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Researchers noted that Black women are disproportionately exposed to these harmful chemicals. They have historically been the primary consumers of these products because of societal beauty norms about hair. 

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 include:

• 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 – known as bellwether trials – have not yet begun.

With over 10,000 pending actions as of June 2, 2025, many parties are eager for trial dates to be set. Plaintiffs and defendants are currently involved in preparation, discovery and procedural motions. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a reproductive cancer, we understand how challenging this time can be. Motley Rice is committed to helping those who have suffered life-altering health problems after using dangerous products. Our attorneys have led litigation brought by thousands of women harmed by defective products.

In the past, we’ve worked with people who have suffered major health issues as a result of defective products, such as:

• Developed ovarian cancer after using talc-based baby powder
• 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
• Women who had children with birth defects as a result of prescription drugs and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with uterine, endometrial or ovarian cancer after using chemical hair straighteners, consider discussing your options with an attorney who has experience with multidistrict litigation and toxic exposure matters. Litigation with multiple defendants and thousands of plaintiffs is very complex.

Read more on our women's health litigation experience.