relaxers lawsuit Archives

Hair Relaxer Litigation: What You Need to Know

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Loni Liss

The national hair relaxer litigation is making waves across the country, shining a spotlight on the potential health risks associated with over-the-counter hair straightening products.

As more women come forward with cancer diagnoses, lawsuits are mounting against major manufacturers.

If you or a loved one has used over-the-counter chemical hair relaxers and been diagnosed with uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, or non-serous ovarian cancer, call The Yost Legal Group.

You may have questions about your rights, eligibility to file a claim, and what to expect from this ongoing legal battle.

Here is a detailed update on the hair straightener litigation, including:

– Who can file a hair relaxer claim

– Which hair relaxer products are involved

– The types of cancers linked

– The latest on the legal process.

What Is the National Hair Relaxer Litigation All About?

The litigation centers around allegations that long-term use of chemical hair relaxers and straighteners, commonly marketed to women of color, can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Plaintiffs claim that manufacturers failed to warn consumers about these risks, despite mounting scientific evidence.

As a result, many women who relied on these products for years are now facing serious health diagnoses and are seeking justice through the courts.

Who Can File a Hair Relaxer Claim?

If you have used chemical hair relaxers or straighteners and have been diagnosed with specific cancers, you may be eligible to file a claim. Generally, you may qualify if:

– You regularly used over-the-counter hair relaxers or straightening products for at least two years.

– You were diagnosed with uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, or other hormone-related cancers after using these products.

– You are within the applicable statute of limitations for your state (this varies, so it’s important to consult with a legal professional as soon as possible).

– You can provide medical records and proof of product use, such as receipts, product packaging, or testimony.

Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, reaching out to a legal team for a free evaluation can help clarify your options.

Many law firms, like The Yost Legal Group, offer confidential consultations at no cost to you. Call us at 1-800-967-8529 to speak with a specialist about a hair relaxer lawsuit.

What Types of Cancer Are Linked to Hair Relaxers?

Recent scientific research has drawn a connection between frequent use of chemical hair relaxers and an increased risk of certain cancers. The most commonly reported types include:

1. Uterine Cancer:

A groundbreaking 2022 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who frequently used hair straightening products were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use them.

This risk was especially pronounced among Black women, who are more likely to use these products at an earlier age and with greater frequency.

2. Endometrial Cancer:

Endometrial cancer, which affects the lining of the uterus, has also been linked to the use of chemical hair relaxers. The chemicals in these products can disrupt hormone function, potentially leading to the development of hormone-driven cancers.

3. Ovarian Cancer:

Some studies suggest a possible link between hair relaxer use and ovarian cancer, though more research is ongoing. The concern is that certain chemicals in relaxers may be absorbed through the scalp and affect the reproductive system.

Which Hair Relaxer Products Are Involved?

A wide range of over-the-counter and salon hair straightening products is under scrutiny in the litigation. Some of the most commonly named brands and products include:

Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer (L’Oréal)

Just for Me (Strength of Nature)

Optimum Care (SoftSheen-Carson)

Motions

ORS Olive Oil

Soft & Beautiful

African Pride

TCB Naturals

Revlon Realistic

Namaste

Silken Child

Ultra Sheen Supreme

Precise

Pink Oil Moisturizer

Beautiful Beginnings

These products often contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and diethanolamine (DEA), which have been linked to hormone disruption and cancer in scientific studies.

It’s important to note that the list of potentially harmful products continues to grow as more information becomes available and as lawsuits are filed.

Who Qualifies to File a Hair Relaxer Claim?

You may qualify to file a hair relaxer claim if you:

– Used chemical hair relaxers or straighteners (including the brands listed above) for at least two years.

– Diagnosed with uterine, endometrial, or ovarian cancer after using these products.

– Are within the legal time frame to file a claim in your state.

– You can provide documentation of your diagnosis and product use.

It’s also possible for family members of women who have passed away from these cancers to file claims on their behalf.

If you have questions about your eligibility, it’s best to consult with an experienced product liability law firm.

The Yost Legal Group works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless your case is successful.

How Soon Will the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Litigation Be Over?

National product liability litigation, especially cases involving thousands of plaintiffs and major corporations, can take several years to resolve.

The hair relaxer litigation is still in its early to middle stages, with lawsuits being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court. Here’s what to expect:

Case Consolidation:

Most hair relaxer lawsuits have been consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois under MDL 3060. This means pretrial proceedings, discovery, and bellwether trials will be coordinated to streamline the process.

Discovery Phase:

Both sides are currently exchanging evidence, including internal company documents, scientific studies, and expert testimony. This phase can take months or even years, depending on the complexity and number of cases.

Bellwether Trials:

A few representative cases (bellwether trials) will be selected to go to trial first. The outcomes of these cases often influence settlement discussions for the remaining plaintiffs.

Potential Settlements:

If the bellwether trials result in verdicts favoring plaintiffs, manufacturers may be more likely to offer settlements. However, if the companies win these early trials, litigation may continue for years to come.

Timeline:

As of mid-2025, there is no definitive end date for the litigation. Plaintiffs should be prepared for a lengthy process, but ongoing legal pressure and media attention may encourage companies to settle sooner rather than later.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Claim?

If you believe you qualify for a hair relaxer claim, it’s essential to act quickly:

Gather Documentation:

Collect any receipts, product packaging, or photos showing your use of hair relaxers. Obtain your medical records related to your cancer diagnosis.

Contact a Law Firm:

Contact a reputable law firm with experience in product liability and toxic exposure cases. Firms like The Yost Legal Group offer free consultations and can help you navigate the process.

File Your Hair Relaxer Cancer Claim:

Your attorney will handle the filing process, gather evidence, and represent your interests in court or settlement negotiations.

Contact The Yost Legal Group for help today.

The national hair relaxer litigation is a significant step toward holding manufacturers accountable for the health and safety of consumers, particularly women of color who have been disproportionately affected.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with uterine cancer or endometrial cancer after using these products, you have legal options and support available.

For more information on cancer hair relaxer claims or a free case evaluation, contact The Yost Legal Group at 800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529).

Your health and your rights matter—don’t wait to seek the justice you deserve.

Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Update – Hair Straightener Lawsuit – Dark and Lovely Relaxer Lawsuit

Dangerous Hair Care Products – Hair Relaxer MDL – File a Lawsuit

New York Times Finally Covers Hair Relaxer Litigation

Posted on June 26, 2024October 11, 2024 by Loni Liss

After 8,000 Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Filed, Mainstream Media Pay Attention to Cancer Risk

Earlier this month, on June 13, 2024, New York Times Magazine contributing writer Linda Villarosa published “The Disturbing Truth About Hair Relaxers.” Her expansive 6,300-word article was the ripe fruit born from over a year of research about hair relaxer lawsuits.

She interviewed dozens of scientists, government officials, legal experts, and, most importantly, hair relaxer users. Her findings, while shocking to some, were no surprise to us here at The Yost Legal Group.

We have been covering the hair relaxer litigation for two years. Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the dangers, cancers, and deaths caused by chemical hair straighteners.

The sub-head continues: “They’ve been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers. Why are they still being marketed so aggressively to Black women?”

The easy answer is “Money.” Cosmetics companies like Avlon, L’Oréal, and Revlon have made hundreds of billions of dollars on the heads of Black women without any regard for the effects upon people’s lives.

Hair Straighteners Linked to Uterine Cancer in Black Women

Women who used hair straighteners (mostly Black) were 2.5 times more likely to develop uterine cancer. Black women are more than twice as likely to die from uterine cancer than other racial and ethnic groups studied in 2022 by The Journal of the American Medical Association Oncology.

All peer-reviewed studies we have seen show that chemical hair relaxers and straighteners are carcinogenic, yet cosmetics companies continue to market and sell them. It is time to hold them accountable.

Have you been diagnosed with endometrial cancer (not to be confused with endometriosis), non-serous ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer? Have you used chemical hair relaxers or chemical hair straighteners regularly for years? Contact The Yost Legal Group today at 410-659-6800.

Our lawyers for personal injury will help you understand your rights to file a hair relaxer lawsuit. If you used a dark and lovely relaxer and were diagnosed with any of these cancers, we can file a dark and lovely lawsuit on your behalf.

There is a direct connection between hair relaxers and cancer. Click here for hair relaxer lawsuit update information.

Urgent Warning for Black Women Using Hair Straighteners

If you have never used chemical hair relaxers or lived with someone who did, it might be easy to underestimate how prevalent they are among Black women.

According to a 2019 study published by the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology (and cited in Villarosa’s New York Times Magazine article), 89% of Black women studied reported having used chemical hair relaxers/straighteners at least once.

In 2011, the United States hair-relaxer market generated $71 million just from sales to salons and other professionals. That revenue dropped to $30 million by 2021. However, those figures do not account for the many products sold off-the-shelf directly to consumers.

If you have been diagnosed with uterine cancer and have used hair relaxers regularly, you should consider filing a product liability lawsuit. The toxic chemicals in chemical hair straightening products increase your risk of cancer.

Although the harmful chemicals in these products were known to be carcinogenic, manufacturers continued to use them in their hair products. Multiple studies show the risk of developing uterine cancer with prolonged use of hair straighteners or relaxer products.

Hold Cosmetics Companies Accountable for Carcinogenic Hair Products

Hair Relaxer Brands Linked to Reproductive-Organ Cancers:

· African Pride

· Avlon

· Bantu

· Carson

· Dark and Lovely

· Just for Me

· L’Oréal

· ORS Olive Oil

· Revlon

· Strength of Nature

Hair-straightening products have been on the market since the 1950s. In many families, brand loyalty has become a tradition. Mothers passed their products onto their daughters, who would eventually pass the products onto their own daughters, and so on and so forth.

Some women have decades of chemical hair relaxer use. The blatant disregard for the health and well-being of women of color by these manufacturers is evident. Now, a light is shining on the truth.

Higher Uterine Cancer Risk Linked to Hair Straightening Chemicals, NIH Study Reveals

A recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that women who use chemical hair straightening products face a higher risk of developing uterine cancer than those who do not use these products.

The research, which drew data from 33,497 U.S. women aged 35-74 participating in the Sister Study, highlighted an increased risk, particularly among Black women, who reportedly use these products more frequently.

According to the findings, women who used hair straighteners more than four times in the previous year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use the products.

Notably, the study did not find any associations between uterine cancer and other hair products such as dyes, bleach, highlights, or perms.

Key Findings from the Study:

Women who never used hair straighteners had a 1.64% chance of developing uterine cancer by age 70.
Frequent users (more than four times a year) faced a risk that increased to 4.05%.
During nearly 11 years of follow-up, 378 uterine cancer cases were diagnosed among the participants.

Dr. Alexandra White, head of the NIEHS Environment and Cancer Epidemiology group and the study’s lead author, emphasized the significance of these findings. “This doubling rate is concerning. However, it is important to put this information into context—uterine cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer.”

Despite accounting for about 3% of all new cancer cases, uterine cancer remains the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, with an estimated 65,950 new cases in 2022.

Alarmingly, studies indicate that the incidence rates of uterine cancer have been rising in the United States, especially among Black women.

This study underscores the importance of further research and awareness about the potential risks associated with chemical hair straightening products, particularly within communities that use these products more frequently.

Holding Cosmetics Companies Accountable for Product Safety

As the awareness of the potential risks associated with chemical hair relaxers continues to grow, it is crucial for individuals, especially Black women, to educate themselves about the products they use.

Seeking alternative hair straightening methods that do not contain harmful chemicals can help reduce the risk of developing serious health issues. Additionally, holding cosmetics companies accountable for the safety of their products is essential in ensuring the well-being of consumers.

By staying informed and advocating for safer hair care options, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers linked to chemical hair relaxers.

This prevalence over many decades greatly explains the 8,000+ cases that people have filed so far. In the Hair Relaxers Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation (MDL-3060) in the United States Judicial Panel of Multidistrict Litigation docket.

The Hidden Dangers of Hair Relaxers for Black Women Exposed

It is nice to see a mainstream media organization like The New York Times finally give this cause the attention it deserves. Hair products that cause cancer should be removed from the market.

Black women have been suffering from preventable endometrial, non-serous ovarian, and uterine cancers likely caused by their chemical hair relaxers for far too long without proper recognition.

If you used chemical hair relaxers or chemical hair straighteners regularly and were diagnosed with endometrial cancer (not to be confused with endometriosis), non-serous ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer, call The Yost Legal Group.

We will file a hair relaxer lawsuit to seek financial compensation for you and your family. Our attorneys for personal injury will fight to seek a hair relaxer settlement.

Our experienced hair relaxer lawyers will work to help you get the justice you deserve. Call or text us at 410-659-6800 for a free consultation.

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