If you or a loved one used chemical hair relaxers and developed cancer, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Lawsuits against major brands like L’Oréal and Revlon allege these products contain harmful chemicals linked to uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers. Learn about hair relaxers, the cancer connection, the latest news, and how direct2attorney can help you fight for justice.
Understanding Hair Relaxers
Hair relaxers are chemical-based creams or lotions designed to straighten curly or coily hair, primarily marketed to Black women. Introduced in the early 1900s, brands like Dark & Lovely, Just for Me, and ORS Olive Oil use highly alkaline solutions (pH 12-14) containing chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde-releasing agents. These products open hair cuticles to relax curls, allowing for straight hairstyles. While popular for their ease and styling versatility, long-term use—often starting in childhood—can lead to scalp burns, hair loss, and serious health risks due to repeated exposure to toxic ingredients.
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A 2022 National Institutes of Health (NIH) study found that women who frequently used chemical hair relaxers (more than four times a year) were over twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to non-users. Additional studies link these products to ovarian, endometrial, and breast cancers, as well as uterine fibroids, due to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates and parabens. These chemicals may disrupt hormone levels, increasing cancer risk, particularly among Black women who use relaxers more frequently and from younger ages. Lawsuits claim manufacturers knew of these risks but failed to warn consumers, prioritizing profits over safety.
If you’ve experienced health issues due to hair relaxer products, we are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact Us
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates
As of April 2025, over 12,000 hair relaxer lawsuits are consolidated in a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Illinois under Judge Mary Rowland. The litigation, MDL 3060, targets companies like L’Oréal, Revlon, and Namaste Laboratories, with 150 new cases added since March. A Georgia woman and a Louisiana family recently joined, alleging cancer and death linked to relaxer use. Settlement talks are underway, with potential payouts estimated at $120,000–$150,000 for severe cases. The MDL is preparing 40 bellwether cases for trials starting in 2025, which could shape future settlements. Direct2attorney is actively reviewing cases as the litigation grows.
Lawsuits allege that hair relaxer manufacturers failed to warn users about cancer risks (uterine, ovarian, breast) caused by harmful chemicals in their products.
Women diagnosed with uterine, ovarian, or breast cancer, or uterine fibroids, after using chemical hair relaxers may qualify, especially with proof of long-term use.
Risks include uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers, uterine fibroids, reproductive issues, scalp burns, and hair loss due to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages, with severe cases potentially yielding $120,000–$150,000.
Statutes of limitations vary by state, typically one to several years from diagnosis or learning of the cancer link. Consult an attorney to confirm deadlines.
Over 12,000 cases are in an Illinois MDL, with trials planned for 2025. Settlement talks are ongoing, and new cases are being filed nationwide.
Contact direct2attorney’s mass tort experts for a free consultation to evaluate your claim and guide you through the legal process.
