HAIR RELAXER CANCER LAWSUITS

Diagnosed with Uterine Cancer After Using Hair Relaxers?

Hair relaxers and chemical hair straightening products have been linked to a growing list of health concerns, including elevated risks of cancer. According to one NIH-backed study, women who use hair relaxer products multiple times a year are more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.

If you or someone you love used hair relaxers and were diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or another serious health condition, Levy Konigsberg wants to help.

Backed by a team of award-winning trial lawyers, we’ve helped victims across the country recover more than $3 billion in compensation after suffering harm due to negligence, defective products, and toxic exposure. Our hair relaxer cancer lawyers are reviewing claims from victims nationwide.

Can Hair Relaxers Cause Cancer?

Hair relaxers are chemical beauty products used to straighten curly or textured hair. They work by breaking down protein bonds in hair strands, and may be sold as creams, pastes, gels, sprays, or similar formulations.

Hair relaxer and hair straightening products are readily available at hair salons, beaty supply stores, and major retailers across the country and are widely used in black and African American communities, a consumer base heavily targeted by the companies that make and market these products.

But while hair relaxers are widely available, new research has revealed that they can be dangerous.

As products that typically contain phthalates and other harsh and hazardous chemicals, hair relaxers have been associated with various health conditions and increased risks of cancer – particularly with long-term and consistent use. That’s a problem for people who buy these products, as hair relaxer manufacturers typically direct consumers to apply products near the scalp and to reapply the chemical products every several weeks to maintain straightened hair.

Study Links Hair Relaxer Chemicals to Cancer

Scientists have long known that hair relaxers and other similar products contain hazardous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, with carcinogenic (cancer causing) and endocrine-disrupting properties.

Several studies have also found associations between the use of these hair products and higher risks of hormone-sensitive cancers.

It was not until October 2022, however, that a new study showed just how significant those risks are.

The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), found compelling links between chemicals found in hair relaxer products and uterine cancer. It included nearly 34,000 participants from diverse backgrounds between the ages of 35 and 74 who reported their use of hair products and agreed to be monitored over 10+ years.

The study’s findings were significant:

• Participants who used hair relaxers had an elevated risk of developing uterine cancer compared to those who did not; and
• Participants who used hair relaxers more frequently (over four times a year) were 2.5x more likely to develop uterine cancer.

Following the NIH study, a growing number of women have begun filing lawsuits against companies that make, market, and sell hair relaxer products. These lawsuits claim that the toxic chemicals in hair relaxer products caused their cancers and health conditions and that product manufacturers failed to uphold their duty to provide safe products and adequately warn consumers about potential risks.

Here are some of the latest updates in the hair relaxer cancer litigation:

• In February 2023, the U.S. Judicial Panel of Multidistrict Litigation issued an order consolidating hair relaxer cancer lawsuits into a new Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Illinois. The hair relaxer MDL will begin with nearly 60 pending lawsuits that have been filed by victims against L’Oréal and other beauty supply companies. MDLs are a special process that expedite the processing of complex cases in a single federal court.
• In August 2022, the EPA issued a proposed rule to add Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) and other phthalates to the list of toxic chemicals subject to greater regulatory reporting requirements. These are the same chemicals in hair relaxers responsible for increased cancer risks. The EPA announced that it will issue a final rule in May 2023.

Hair Relaxer Cancer Claims FAQ: What Cancers and Health Conditions Are Covered?

Studied have linked the hair relaxer products to several hormone-sensitive cancers and health conditions, including:

• Uterine cancer
• Endometrial cancer / endometriosis
• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer
• Uterine fibroids

Who’s at Risk?

Anyone who has used hair relaxer products faces risks associated with elevated health risks. However, people who have used hair relaxers for many years and people who use them frequently (more than 4 times per year) face the greatest risks of developing cancer, according to the latest research.

In addition, the NIH study noted that black and African American women are affected more than women who identify with other races or ethnicities. The study suggested that the cause of black women’s overrepresentation was likely due to:

• Higher prevalence and frequency of using hair relaxers
• Younger age of first use
• Harsher chemical formulations (higher concentrations of EDCs) in products marketed to black women
• Marketing efforts targeting black women

Many of the companies that manufacture and sell these products market heavily to black consumers, relying on societal pressures for people of color, and particularly black women, to straighten their hair and conform to historical European beauty standards. However, these companies also failed to advise consumers about the dangers associated with their products.

Which Hair Relaxer Products Are Included?

While companies like L’Oréal have been named in high-profile lawsuits, hair relaxer products from a variety of beauty companies and manufacturers may be part of these claims.

Levy Konigsberg is reviewing claims involving all types of hair relaxer products and manufacturers, including:

• L’Oréal Dark & Lovely and Soft & Beautiful Botanicals
• ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer
• TCB Naturals No Base Creme
• Just for Me Soft & Regular
• Cantu Beauty Shea Butter Relaxer
• Strength of Nature Motions
• Avlon Industries Affirm Relaxer
• Lusters Products S-Curl Texturizer No Base Creme Relaxer
• Ultra Glaze Professional Hair Strengthening Creme
• African Pride Positively Smooth

Do I Have a Hair Relaxer Cancer Case?

You may have a hair relaxer lawsuit if:

• You use or have used chemical hair relaxer or straightening products; and
• Were diagnosed with uterine cancer or another cancer / serious health condition; or
• Have a loved one who died from cancer or another health condition linked to the use of chemical hair relaxers.

Our hair relaxer lawsuit attorneys at Levy Konigsberg can review your situation to evaluate whether you have a case. We offer FREE and confidential consultations and serve clients nationwide.

Recoverable Damages in Cancer Claims

Victims in cancer-related claims are entitled to a financial recovery of their damages. While every case is different, these damages generally include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Costs associated with medications and therapies
• Lost income and lost future earnings
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional injuries
• Other economic and non-economic damages

In cases involving fatal cancers, qualifying family members who file wrongful death and survival actions can recover other types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost financial support
• Lost emotional support and lost consortium

In some cases, courts may also award plaintiffs punitive damages. Punitive damages are a class of damages meant to further punish defendants whose conduct rises to an unacceptable standard of negligence, wrongdoing, or impunity. Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but they are not uncommon in high-stakes and emotionally turbulent cases like those involving cancer diagnoses.

Resources for Victims & Families

• National Cancer Institute Mesothelioma Portal
• American Cancer Society Patient Programs
• CDC Cancer Resource Library