FREE Case Review (866) 588-0600

Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

A new lawsuit alleges that chemicals in Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer and similar hair straighteners caused a Missouri woman to develop uterine cancer, citing a recent study that confirmed a link between the products and cancer.
Awards & recognition
C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
Free Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids after using Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit and our product liability lawyers can help.

Please click the button below for a Free Confidential Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Evaluation or call our lawyers toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.

Start My Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

Quick Summary:

  • In 2022, there were 65,950 new cases of uterine cancer reported.
  • Black women using hair products face a 60% higher risk of developing uterine cancer.
  • Hair products linked to increased cancer risk include Dark & Lovely, Just for Me, and Cantu Shea Butter.
  • Legal deadlines apply, so act now if you have been affected since May 2017.

Update: Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Class Action Lawsuit Filed in Illinois

A group of women from Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, and Texas has filed a class action lawsuit against the Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer manufacturers in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

The plaintiffs allege that the defendants failed to disclose that toxic chemicals in Dark & Lovely may increase the risk of uterine cancer, fibroids, and endometriosis.

Each of the women claims that they purchased Dark & Lovely hair relaxer without the knowledge that it may contain endocrine disrupting chemicals, and maintain that they never would have bought the product if they had known the risks.

None of the plaintiffs have been diagnosed with a specific injury; however, they allege that the manufacturers should pay for their medical monitoring and other damages.

“Hair products such as relaxers contain hormonally active and carcinogenic compounds, such as phthalates, known to cause endocrine disruption, are not listed separately as ingredients but, instead, are often broadly lumped into the ‘fragrance’ or ‘perfume’ categories,” the complaint states. “Relaxer habits usually begin in formative childhood years, and adolescence is likely a period of enhanced susceptibility to debilitating conditions resulting from exposure to these chemicals.”

The plaintiffs seek to establish a multi-state class action lawsuit for any consumer who purchased Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer in the United States from May 25, 2017, to the present.

In addition to medical monitoring, the lawsuit seeks a full refund for the hair relaxer, as well as an injunction that would prevent the defendants from continuing to sell the products.

Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Filed Over “Dark & Lovely” Chemicals

Recent studies have revealed alarming health risks associated with chemical hair straighteners and relaxers, particularly for Black women.

These findings have led to legal actions against major cosmetic manufacturers, including L’Oréal, for marketing these products without adequately warning consumers of their dangers.

NIH Study Results (2019)

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) conducted the Sister Study, following 46,709 women aged 35-74:

  • Found a link between chemical hair straighteners and increased uterine cancer risk.
  • Results highlight higher risks for frequent users of these products.

Journal of National Cancer Institute Findings (2022)

Just days after this study was published, the first lawsuit was filed against L’Oréal and other manufacturers [1].

Plaintiff Jennifer Mitchell alleged that decades of exposure to toxic chemicals in hair relaxers caused her to develop uterine cancer at the age of 28, leading to a total hysterectomy [2].

Key findings from the study include:

  • Women using hair straightening products faced a 2.5 times higher risk of developing uterine cancer.
  • Risk increased with frequency of use.
  • No significant associations were found for other hair products, such as dye, bleach, or perms.

Specific Risk Percentages

  • Uterine Cancer:
    • 1.64% risk for women who never used straighteners.
    • Frequent users (more than 4 times/year) faced a 4.05% risk by age 70.
  • Breast Cancer:
    • 9% increased risk for women using hair dye.
    • 45% higher risk for African American women using chemical relaxers.
  • Black Women:
    • 60% higher breast cancer risk for women using relaxers 7+ times/year.
    • 2-3 times higher incidence of uterine fibroids compared to other populations.

Additional Health Concerns

  • Long-term relaxer use is linked to a 30% increase in breast cancer risk.
  • Potential connections to ovarian cancer, though further research is ongoing.

Legal Context

The lawsuit Mitchell v. L’Oréal et al. (1:22-cv-5815) filed in 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois represents the growing number of legal claims against manufacturers like L’Oréal.

These companies are accused of knowingly exposing consumers—primarily Black women—to toxic chemicals without proper warnings.

These findings emphasize the disproportionate health risks faced by Black women due to the targeted marketing of these products. Further research and legal accountability are critical to addressing these injustices.

“Defendants’ products failed to contain, and continue to this day not to contain, adequate warnings and/or instructions regarding the increased risk of cancer, including, but not limited to, breast cancer, with the use of their products by women,” the lawsuit states. “Defendants continue to market, advertise, and expressly represent to the general public that it is safe for women to use their product.

Chemical Risks in Hair Relaxers

Hair relaxers, including popular products like Dark & Lovely, contain harmful chemicals that pose significant health risks, especially to Black women who use these products frequently.

Below are the primary chemicals of concern, their effects, and their scientific links to health issues.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde, a common chemical in hair relaxers, is classified as a human carcinogen and has been linked to serious health risks.

Effects:

  • Classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program.
  • It can cause breathing problems and other short-term adverse health effects.
  • Linked to an increased risk of hormone-related cancers, such as uterine and breast cancer.

Scientific Link: The FDA officially labeled formaldehyde as a human carcinogen in 2016.

Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP)

DEHP, a harmful endocrine disruptor, is often concealed in hair relaxer ingredients under vague terms like “fragrance” or “perfume.”

Effects:

  • Known to interfere with the endocrine system, mimicking estrogen and disrupting hormonal balance.
  • Linked to abnormal cell growth in reproductive organs, increasing the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers.

Scientific Link: DEHP has been identified as a hidden ingredient in many hair relaxers, raising significant concerns about its long-term health impact.

Phthalates

Phthalates are another group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals commonly found in hair relaxers.

Effects:

  • Disrupt hormone levels, leading to hormonal imbalances.
  • Associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
  • May contribute to reduced fertility and lower fecundability.

Scientific Link: A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a correlation between phthalates in hair relaxers and decreased fertility rates.

Ongoing Concerns and Legal Actions

The presence of these chemicals in hair relaxers is at the heart of ongoing lawsuits, particularly targeting brands like Dark & Lovely.

These products have been disproportionately marketed to Black women, who are more likely to use them and face prolonged exposure.

  • The FDA has proposed banning hair relaxers containing formaldehyde, but implementation has been delayed.
  • Users of these products are at heightened risk for uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer, as well as reproductive health issues.
  • Awareness of these chemical risks is essential for making informed decisions about hair care products and advocating for stricter regulations.

Do You Qualify?

You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve used hair products like Dark & Lovely and are experiencing serious health conditions.

Use the checklist below to see if you qualify:

  • Did you use Dark & Lovely or similar hair products between 2017 and now?
  • Have you been diagnosed with any of the following:
    • Uterine cancer
    • Breast cancer
    • Endometriosis
    • Uterine fibroids
  • Are you currently under treatment for any of these conditions?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, acting quickly as legal deadlines apply is important. Contact an experienced attorney today to evaluate your case and protect your rights.

Chemical hair relaxers are popular among black women who want to straighten their hair by using high heat and chemicals to break down disulfide bonds, which are the permanent hair bonds responsible for an individual’s natural hair type.

However, these products often use undisclosed toxic chemicals including formaldehyde, Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), and phthalates — all of which are known for their ability to either cause cancer or disrupt normal hormone function, resulting in developmental and reproductive complications, among other adverse health effects.

Related Article: Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Update

Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Filed Against Makers of Dark & Lovely

A woman from Illinois who claims she developed endometriosis and uterine cancer after using Dark & Lovely, Just for Me, and Cantu Shea Butter Relaxer for nearly 30 years has filed a products liability lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Plaintiff Timika Smith claims she used the products until 2017 when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer and endometriosis.

The complaint names as defendants L’Oreal USA, Inc., Soft Sheen-Carson LLC., Strength of Nature, LLC, Godrej Son Holdings, Inc. PDC Brands, and Parfums De Coeur, Ltd. Smith alleges that these companies failed to warn women about toxic chemicals in their hair straightener and home perm products.

Uterine Cancer Statistics

Uterine cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States. Overall, incidence and mortality rates have increased in the U.S. over the past 20 years, with more than 65 950 new cases and 12,550 deaths expected in 2022, according to the study noted above.

Exposure to excess estrogen and a hormonal imbalance of estrogen and progesterone are key risk factors for the development of uterine cancer.

Thus, the researchers hypothesized that synthetic estrogenic compounds such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) could contribute to an increased risk for uterine cancer risk because of their potential to affect hormonal actions.

Related Health Conditions

While the Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit primarily focuses on cancer risks, the use of chemical hair relaxers has been associated with several other health conditions:

Uterine Fibroids

  • Women who used hair relaxers had a 1.4 times higher risk of developing uterine fibroids.
  • Risk increased with frequency of use:
    • Every 2-4 weeks: 1.23 times higher risk
    • Every 1-2 weeks: 1.52 times higher risk

Endometriosis

  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in relaxers may contribute to hormonal imbalances linked to endometriosis.
  • Specific risk percentages for endometriosis were not provided in the search results.

Reproductive Issues

  • Exposure to chemicals in relaxers can lead to hormonal imbalances, contributing to infertility.
  • It may affect menstrual cycles and ovulation.

Hormonal Disruptions

  • Chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and cyclosiloxanes act as hormone disruptors.
  • It can mimic or block hormones such as estrogen.
  • May artificially increase estrogen levels, leading to reproductive health issues.

These health conditions, along with the increased cancer risks, are central to the ongoing Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit.

Users of these products, particularly Black women who use them more frequently, may be at higher risk for developing these conditions due to prolonged exposure to the chemicals in hair relaxers.

Can Coloring Your Hair Cause Cancer?

A study published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) in December 2019 linked the use of hair dyes and chemical hair straighteners to an increased risk for breast cancer [3].

The results were derived from the Sister Study, which was conducted over 8 years and involved more than 46,000 women [4].

The researchers found that overall, women who used permanent hair dye regularly (every 5 to 6 weeks) were 9% more likely to develop breast cancer compared to women who didn’t use the products.

The biggest surprise gleaned from the study was the difference between black women and white women. While white women saw an 8% increased risk, routine coloring with permanent dye was linked to a 60% higher risk for breast cancer among black women.

How Common is Hair Relaxer Use?

Hair relaxers and hair dye use are common among women in the U.S. and Europe, with more than 50% reporting ever using the products.

In the Sister Study cited above, a higher breast cancer incidence was observed among adolescent and adult use of hair products, and a higher ovarian cancer incidence was associated with adult use of straighteners.

What is a Dark & Lovely Hair Straightener?

Dark and Lovely is a no-lye hair relaxer that features a moisture-replenishing system. The product is specifically designed to straighten hair permanently.

According to L’Oreal, Dark, and Lovely helps protect against heat damage, locks in moisture, strengthens hair, and stops reversion in its tracks even in high humidity.

Related ArticleHair Straightener Cancer Lawsuits

How Long Do You Leave Dark & Lovely In?

The Dark & Lovely packaging instructs users to leave the product on their hair for 5 minutes. You should then rinse thoroughly and proceed with shampooing your hair. You must shampoo and rinse thoroughly at least twice to eliminate all traces of the relaxer mixture.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

If you’ve been affected by health complications related to Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer, understanding the legal process can help you navigate your case with confidence. Below is a breakdown of the legal timeline and important steps involved in filing your claim.

Legal Process Timeline

1. Initial Consultation

The first step is to consult with an experienced attorney. During this meeting, your attorney will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and discuss the potential outcomes.

2. Evidence Gathering

Building a strong case requires comprehensive evidence, such as:

  • Medical records, receipts, and usage history.
  • Expert opinions and scientific studies linking the product to specific health risks.

Your attorney will guide you on how to organize and present this information effectively.

3. Filing Deadlines

Each state has its own statute of limitations, typically requiring claims to be filed within 2-3 years of diagnosis or discovery of the injury. Acting quickly ensures you meet these deadlines.

4. Class Action vs. Individual Claims

Hair relaxer lawsuits are consolidated under a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) rather than a class action.

  • Individual claims are filed and grouped into the MDL for streamlined pretrial proceedings.
  • This approach allows for personalized compensation while benefiting from shared evidence and resources.

5. Settlement Process

  • Bellwether trials (test cases) are scheduled for November 2025 and will help shape settlement negotiations.
  • These trials offer insight into how future cases might be resolved.

6. Compensation Timeline

As of October 2023, no settlements have been finalized. Compensation is expected to be determined after the bellwether trials, with the timeline likely extending into 2025 or beyond.

Document Checklist for a Strong Case

To strengthen your lawsuit, ensure you gather the following documentation:

  • Product purchase receipts for Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer.
  • Medical records confirming your diagnosed condition (e.g., uterine cancer, ovarian cancer).
  • Official diagnosis documentation from your healthcare provider.
  • Detailed treatment history related to your condition.
  • Product usage history, including frequency and duration of use.
  • Correspondence with L’Oréal or other manufacturers regarding the product.
  • Photographs showing hair or scalp damage, if applicable.
  • Insurance claims related to your diagnosed condition.

Why Acting Quickly Matters?

Legal deadlines are strict, and gathering the necessary evidence takes time. Consulting with an experienced attorney ensures that you meet all filing requirements and maximize your chances of receiving compensation.

With bellwether trials approaching, now is the time to take action and secure your place in the lawsuit.

Related Articles:

See all related product liability cases our attorneys have covered.

FAQs

1. What Is the Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit About?

The Dark & Lovely hair relaxer lawsuit concerns allegations that these products cause severe health issues, including cancer, due to harmful chemicals used in their formulation.

2. Who Is Eligible to File a Claim in the Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

Individuals who used Dark & Lovely hair relaxers and suffered health problems, such as cancer or other serious conditions, due to these products may be eligible to file a claim.

3. What Are the Common Health Issues Associated With Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Products?

Common health issues linked to Dark & Lovely hair relaxer products include cancer, reproductive problems, and severe skin irritation, attributed to harmful chemicals in the relaxers.

Choose our lawyers

Have you or a loved one been unreasonably injured by a dangerous or defective consumer product?

Get a Free Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Review With Our Attorneys

The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you or a loved one was diagnosed with uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids after using Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit and our product liability lawyers can help.

Free Confidential Case Evaluation

Verified 100% Secure SiteTo contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 588-0600.