A recent study has revealed that women who use chemical hair straightening or relaxing products could be at more than twice the risk of developing uterine cancer than others. If you used hair straighteners and were later diagnosed with certain hormone-sensitive cancers, you could be owed compensation from a chemical hair relaxer lawsuit.
Why Are Chemical Hair Straighteners Dangerous?
In October 2022, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the results of a 10-year study examining the effects of chemical hair relaxers, dyes, permanents, and pressing products. The study supported recent claims that hair product use could lead to a higher risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including:
- Uterine cancer. Women who used chemical hair-straightening products at least once showed an increased risk of uterine cancer or fibroids, with 378 cases identified during the study. Frequent use increased chances even further, with women who used the products four or more times a year suffering 2.5 times the risk of developing uterine or endometrial cancer than others.
- Ovarian cancer. In the September 2021 issue of Carcinogenesis, researchers found that frequent use of hair straighteners and relaxers could be associated with higher ovarian cancers.
- Breast cancer. Previous research has discovered that women who use chemical hair straighteners six to twelve times per year are nearly 30% more likely to develop breast cancer.
Who Has Been Affected by Chemical Hair Straighteners?
Black women are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of chemical straighteners. While African American women made up only 7.4% percent of participants in the NIH study, they accounted for 60% of those who reported using straighteners in the previous year.
Hair straighteners, texturizers, and relaxer products have long been marketed toward communities of color. Manufacturers that continue to sell products after discovering they might increase the risk of cancer are facing scrutiny for specifically marketing dangerous products toward marginalized communities.
One plaintiff, a 32-year-old Mississippi woman, has filed a federal lawsuit against numerous beauty product companies after a hysterectomy following a diagnosis of uterine cancer in 2018. The lawsuit alleges that L’Oreal, SoftSheen Carson, Dabur, Strength of Nature, and Namaste Laboratories knew of the increased risk of uterine cancer but continued to promote their products without providing any warning to consumers. Other major cosmetic companies such as Revlon and popular brands including Dark & Lovely, Optimum Care, Just for Me, and Motions have been named in additional lawsuits.
What Chemicals Are Used in Hair Relaxers?
Hair-relaxing products contain several compounds shown to disrupt endocrine function and cause hormonal imbalance. This results in dangerous increases in estrogen production and the mutation of specific hormone-responsive cells. Applying hair-straightening products might be a critical factor in toxicity since the thin skin of the scalp absorbs chemicals quickly.
Hair relaxer and straightener products contain a variety of hazardous chemicals, including:
- Bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial compound used to make bottles, containers, and other polycarbonate plastics
- Formaldehyde, an ingredient used in glues and adhesives and as a preservative in funeral homes and medical labs
- Metals such as arsenic, cobalt, lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and nickel
- Parabens, preservatives to prevent bacteria and mold growth in cosmetic products
- Lye, a caustic agent used in soap that can break down chemical bonds in hair in high quantities
Are Some Products Safer Than Others?
According to a 2016 Environmental Working Group (EWG) analysis, one in twelve personal care products marketed to Black women contain “highly hazardous” ingredients. Relaxers and texturizers—the two most common hair straightening merchandise sold to Black women and girls—were some of the most dangerous of these beauty products. Some of the most hazardous relaxers claimed to be “no-lye,” unfairly positioning them as a safer alternative.
So far, researchers have found no connection between increased uterine cancer risk and other hair care products such as bleach, highlights, perms, hair dyes, or body waves.
Do I Qualify for a Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit?
A chemical hair straightener lawsuit can provide compensation for a victim’s medical treatment and pain and suffering, but it also sends a powerful message to wealthy corporations who disregard their duty of care.
You might be able to file a chemical hair straightener lawsuit if you have used chemical hair straightening products or relaxers in the past and:
- Have been diagnosed with breast cancer
- Have a history of uterine cancer or fibroids
- Show medical evidence of endometrial cancer
- Are suffering from uterine cancer symptoms such as cramping or pain in the lower abdomen, prolonged vaginal bleeding over the age of 40, or clear vaginal discharge after menopause
Do I Need a Lawyer If I’ve Been Diagnosed Uterine Cancer Related to Hair Relaxers?
The only way to get compensation for your suffering is by filing a chemical hair straightener lawsuit against the manufacturers of these dangerous products. While you may be able to file your lawsuit without an attorney, the likelihood of receiving adequate payment for your losses without legal guidance is extremely low. Cosmetic companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests and years of experience fighting claims of misconduct.
Our personal injury attorney protects you and bears the burden of the legal action on your behalf by:
- Reviewing the details of your case to see if you qualify for compensation
- Collecting medical records, documentation, expert testimony, and other evidence to prove your case
- Ensuring you meet all filing and response deadlines to keep your case on track
- Negotiating an appropriate settlement with the hair straightener manufacturer
- Pursuing damages in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Contact Our Kentucky Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation
Consumers put their trust in companies every day and rely on manufacturers to create safe products. Unfortunately, that trust is often misplaced in corporations that care more about profit than public health.
At Gray and White Law, we fight for your legal rights and keep you informed every step of the way—and we don’t charge anything unless your case is won. Contact us today or call 1-888-450-4456 to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation.
At this time, we are only handling uterine cancer related chemical hair straightener lawsuits in the state of Kentucky.