Hair Relaxers and Ovarian Cancer

Chemical hair relaxers are products designed to straighten textured hair by breaking down the natural structure of hair. Unlike temporary heat styling, relaxers change the hair more permanently. But, they do still require repeated applications to maintain the desired look.

These products are commonly applied close to the scalp. As a result, scalp irritation, burns and repeated exposure may increase physical contact with product ingredients. Many users apply relaxers every six to eight weeks, often for years or decades. This practice can create a pattern of exposure to harmful chemicals that can accumulate in the body over time.

Common concerns about relaxer use include:

• Scalp irritation and burns: Products are often applied at the roots of the hair, where they may irritate or damage skin.
• Repeat exposure: Many users undergo routine applications of hair relaxer products over prolonged time.
• Early initiation: Use may begin in childhood or adolescence, increasing total lifetime exposure.

For many Black and Brown women, hair relaxer use begins in childhood and continues through adolescence and adulthood. This means they receive substantially greater lifetime exposure than occasional users. Social expectations, workplace grooming standards and targeted advertising have all contributed to patterns of frequent, long-term use. Over time, repeated treatments may increase total chemical contact and the likelihood of scalp irritation or injury.

Research on hair relaxers and cancer has looked at whether frequent use of chemical hair straighteners may increase the risk of certain cancers. Studies have found an association between frequent use and higher rates of certain hormone-related cancers, like uterine, endometrial and ovarian cancers.

Studies have also noted that repeated treatments, especially beginning at a young age, may increase cumulative exposure to potentially harmful ingredients.

A National Institutes of Health Sister Study showed higher rates of certain reproductive cancers among women who frequently used chemical hair straighteners compared with non-users. This includes ovarian cancer.

These findings have contributed to a growing number of hair relaxer lawsuits filed across the United States.

Other health conditions linked to chemical hair relaxers

Chemical hair relaxer side effects extend beyond ovarian cancer. Research has examined links between chemical hair products and several reproductive health conditions, including:

• Endometrial cancer
• Hormone-related disorders
• Uterine cancer

Non-cancer effects have also been reported. These may include chemical burns, scalp injuries, hair loss, chronic irritation and allergic reactions.

Many of the hair relaxer ovarian cancer lawsuits claim that frequent use of chemical hair relaxers contributed to ovarian cancer and other serious health conditions. Plaintiffs allege that manufacturers failed to adequately warn consumers about potential risks associated with repeated use.

These cases are being handled through product liability litigation, which focuses on whether companies provided sufficient safety information and whether products were reasonably safe for consumers when used as directed.

Individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer or other reproductive conditions after years of relaxer use are filing lawsuits to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Allegations include:

• Failure to warn about potential cancer risks
• Misleading or incomplete safety information
• Long-term exposure to harmful ingredients
• Marketing practices that encouraged frequent use

Affected individuals should consult a hair relaxer cancer lawyer or hair relaxer cancer lawsuit attorney to understand their options.

Who are the defendants in hair relaxer lawsuits?

Questions about which hair relaxers cause cancer currently focus on several manufacturers and products, which include, but are not limited to:

• Dark & Lovely (L’Oréal USA, Inc./ SoftSheen-Carson)
• Mizani (L’Oréal USA, Inc.)
• Just for Me (Strength of Nature Global LLC)
• ORS Olive Oil Relaxer (Namaste Laboratories LLC / Dabur International Ltd.)

Plaintiffs typically bring claims against the companies connected to the products they used. Additional manufacturers may be named as cases move forward, and not every lawsuit involves the same defendants.

These cases have been consolidated in 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 Fidelma Fitzpatrick is co-lead counsel and attorney Tope Leyimu serves on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for the MDL.

Who may qualify to file a hair relaxer lawsuit?

Eligibility varies but claims generally involve people who used chemical relaxers regularly for many years and later developed ovarian cancer or another related condition. Factors that may be considered include:

• Duration of product use
• Frequency of treatments
• Age at first exposure
• Type and timing of diagnosis
• Available medical records

Someone may still have a claim even if they stopped using relaxers years ago or cannot recall every product used.

Do hair relaxers cause ovarian cancer?

Studies have found an association between frequent use of chemical hair straighteners and higher rates of certain hormone-related cancers. Risk may increase with long-term use, especially when treatments begin at a young age.

Are hair relaxers approved by the FDA?

Hair relaxers are regulated as cosmetics, which do not require FDA approval before being sold. Manufacturers are responsible for product safety and labeling and ensuring they have substantiated the safety of these products before reaching the market.

Can I file a claim if I stopped using relaxers years ago?

Possibly. Some cancers develop many years after exposure to harmful substances. Even if you stopped using relaxers long ago, your history of use and timing of diagnosis may still be relevant.

What compensation may be available in hair relaxer lawsuits?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other losses related to diagnosis and treatment. If recovered, the amount may depend on individual circumstances, including the severity of illness and impact on daily life.

If you believe you've suffered negative health outcomes because you used hair relaxers, taking steps toward recovery can feel overwhelming. Motley Rice supports women and families facing life-altering health problems. Our team can help you weigh your legal options. We lead litigation brought by thousands of women harmed by defective products.

Read more about our toxic exposure litigation experience.