Hair Relaxers and Cancer

A 2020 analysis found that 10.5 million Americans used home hair permanents and relaxers, and clients are still having their hair relaxed at salons. An estimated 89 percent of Black women in the United States have used hair relaxers at least once, according to a 2020 study.

As of December 2, 2024: there are almost 10,000 cases filed across the United States.

Uterine/Endometrial Cancer

In October 2022, the National Institute of Environmental Health (NIEH) published a groundbreaking study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute that sent shockwaves through the beauty industry. Researchers found that women who frequently used hair straightening products had a significantly higher risk of developing uterine cancer. In fact, the study revealed that 4% of women who used these products regularly developed uterine cancer, compared to just 1.6% of women who never used them.  

This shocking difference in risk is attributed to the presence of endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals found in many popular hair relaxers. These chemicals can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance, potentially triggering the development of cancerous cells in the uterus. This discovery has raised major red flags, particularly for African American women, who are more likely to use these products.

Ovarian Cancer

• In a study published in Carcinogenesis in 2021, adult participants who self-reported use of hair straighteners had a higher ovarian cancer risk. Please note, researchers stated more data is needed to determine how these chemicals impact certain racial and ethnic groups.
• The long-term Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS) at Boston University published findings that suggest using hair relaxers may increase the risk of certain hormone-related cancers. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates and parabens, may cause hormonal imbalances that may lead to cancer.
• A study published in 2023 in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology looked at several substances, including parabens, to examine the correlation between these chemicals and women who had been previously diagnosed with cancer. Researchers found a relationship between the chemicals and individuals who had received an ovarian cancer diagnosis. This is significant because parabens are common ingredients in hair-relaxer products and are linked to ovarian cancer. 

What You Need to Know

Where is the litigation pending?

Multi-District Litigation (MDL), which is a consolidation of hundreds/thousands of civil lawsuit into one federal district court to efficiently move the litigation forward for individuals who have similarly filed claims against the same defendants.

The Hair-Relaxer MDL is consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois in Judge Mary M. Rowland’s court.  

Simultaneously, there are litigations pending in New York, Illinois, and Georgia state courts.

Who are the defendants in hair relaxer lawsuits?

Hair-relaxer manufacturers named in the lawsuit include but aren’t limited to:

• AFAM Concept, Inc. d/ba/ JF Labs, Inc.
• Avlon Industries
• Beauty Bell Enterprises LLC f/k/a House of Cheatham, Inc.
• Godrej SON Holdings, Inc.
• House of Cheatham, LLC
• L’Oreal USA Inc.,/ SoftSheen-Caron LLC
• Luster Products, Inc.
• McBride Research Laboratories, Inc.
• Namaste Laboratories, LLC
• Revlon, Inc.
• Sally Beauty Inc.
• Strength of Nature, LLC

While more research is needed to fully understand the link between hair relaxers and cancer, the existing studies raise significant concerns. Hair relaxers contain a range of potentially harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates, which can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance and may increase the risk of cancer. These findings are particularly important for African American and other minority women, who historically are the most frequent users of these products.

For those concerned about these risks, it may be worth exploring alternative hair care options that don’t rely on harmful chemicals. Whether through natural hair styling methods or gentler hair products, protecting your health should always come first.

Get Legal Support

The research connecting hair relaxers to cancer risk is still evolving, but the existing scientific data cannot be ignored. If you use hair relaxers regularly, it might be time to rethink your beauty routine and consider alternatives. With health and wellness at the forefront of the conversation, prioritizing safer products may be significant in the long run. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional if you have concerns about your exposure to these chemicals.

Contact us for more information about your rights and options.