Hair Relaxer Endometriosis Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with endometriosis, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, or breast cancer after using hair relaxer or straightening products, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to harmful chemicals in these hair products.

Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Hair Relaxer Endometriosis Lawsuit Overview

The Hair Relaxer Endometriosis Lawsuit alleges that chemical hair relaxer and straightener products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can significantly increase the risk of developing endometriosis and related conditions like uterine cancer.

Following a groundbreaking 2022 study published by the National Cancer Institute, numerous women have filed lawsuits against manufacturers including L’Oreal and other cosmetic companies, claiming these companies knew or should have known about these risks but failed to warn consumers.

These lawsuits primarily assert failure to warn and defective design claims, seeking compensation for severe health complications that often require extensive medical treatment.

Latest Hair Relaxer Endometriosis Lawsuit Updates

October 2022

– A pivotal study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who used chemical hair relaxers at least four times per year had more than double the risk of developing uterine cancer compared to non-users. This study of nearly 34,000 women aged 35-74 established a significant scientific basis for litigation [1].

October 2022 – Just four days after the NCI study was published, Jenny Mitchell filed the first hair straightener lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Chicago (Mitchell v. L’Oreal, et al. – 1:22-cv-5815). Mitchell, a 32-year-old woman who began using hair relaxers in third grade, was diagnosed with uterine cancer at age 28 and subsequently underwent a complete hysterectomy despite having no family history of cancer.

Early 2023 – Following the Mitchell lawsuit, numerous additional complaints were filed in federal courts across the United States against manufacturers of various hair relaxer and straightener products, alleging similar claims related to endometriosis, uterine cancer, and other reproductive health issues.

Scientific Research on Hair Relaxers and Endometriosis

The 2022 National Cancer Institute study provides compelling evidence linking hair relaxer use to reproductive health issues.

Key findings include:

• 4% of women who used chemical hair relaxers or straighteners at least 4 times over the previous year developed uterine cancer
• 1.6% of women who never used a hair relaxer developed uterine cancer
• Hair relaxer users had more than twice the risk compared to non-users

Researchers identified that these products contain endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals that can interfere with hormone receptors and potentially trigger abnormal tissue growth similar to what occurs in endometriosis.

The study focused on nearly 34,000 women ages 35 to 74, with a 10-year follow-up period to track the occurrence of uterine cancer and related conditions.

The consistent pattern of increased risk specifically associated with hair relaxer use (compared to other hair products) has raised significant medical and legal concerns about these widely-used products.

Related Article: Hair Relaxer Uterine Cancer Lawsuit

Hair Relaxer Chemicals and Their Dangers

Hair relaxer products contain several concerning chemicals that have been linked to endometriosis and other reproductive health issues:

• Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): These substances can mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones, potentially leading to increased growth of endometrial stromal cells, a known risk factor for developing endometriosis.
• Phthalates: Often used in fragrances and as plasticizers in hair products, these chemicals can disrupt hormone function and have been associated with reproductive issues.
• Parabens: Used as preservatives, parabens can mimic estrogen and potentially contribute to hormone-dependent conditions.
• Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: These chemicals are classified as carcinogens and may contribute to cellular damage.

The consistent and long-term exposure to these chemicals through regular hair relaxer use appears to create a cumulative risk for developing endometriosis and related conditions, particularly for women who begin using these products at a young age.

Endometriosis Symptoms & Health Risks

Endometriosis is a painful disorder that affects millions of women and can significantly impact quality of life. When associated with hair relaxer use, these symptoms may result from chemical exposure rather than natural causes.

• Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): Extreme pain during menstruation that may interfere with daily activities.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region, often intensifying during menstrual periods.
• Pain During Intercourse: Discomfort or severe pain during or after sexual activity.
• Pain with Bowel Movements or Urination: Especially during menstrual periods.
• Excessive Bleeding: Heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods.
• Infertility: Difficulty becoming pregnant, which may be permanent in severe cases.
• Related Conditions: Increased risk of developing other reproductive health issues, including uterine fibroids and potentially uterine cancer.

While endometriosis is not typically considered fatal, it can cause debilitating pain and lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Over time, endometrial tissue can lead to cysts, adhesions, and scar tissue formation, resulting in chronic pain and potentially permanent reproductive damage.

Do You Qualify for a Hair Relaxer Endometriosis Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a hair relaxer endometriosis lawsuit if:

• You regularly used chemical hair relaxers or straighteners, particularly those containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals
• You were diagnosed with endometriosis, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, or breast cancer after using these products
• You have medical documentation confirming your diagnosis
• There is a reasonable connection between your product use and subsequent health issues

Women who began using hair relaxers at a young age and continued regular use over many years may have stronger cases due to their extended exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Evidence Required for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

Building a strong case requires gathering specific evidence:

• Medical Records: Documentation of your endometriosis or related condition diagnosis, including when symptoms began and treatment history
• Product Usage History: Evidence of which hair relaxer products you used, how frequently, and for how long
• Product Packaging/Receipts: If available, keep any product containers, packaging, or receipts as evidence
• Medical Testing: Results from diagnostic procedures such as pelvic exams, ultrasounds, MRIs, or laparoscopies that confirm your condition

Damages You Can Recover

Plaintiffs in hair relaxer endometriosis lawsuits may be eligible for various types of compensation:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for diagnosis, treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care related to endometriosis
• Lost Wages: Compensation for work missed due to endometriosis symptoms or treatments
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress
• Loss of Fertility: Compensation for permanent infertility issues, which may be particularly significant for younger plaintiffs
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation in cases where manufacturers showed gross negligence

Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlement Information

While it is still early in the litigation process, legal experts have begun to estimate potential settlement values for hair relaxer endometriosis cases.

Based on the strength of the scientific evidence and the severity of the injuries involved, strong cases could potentially have settlement values ranging from $400,000 to $1,750,000.

Cases involving younger plaintiffs who have suffered permanent infertility may be valued significantly higher, as the long-term impact on their lives is more substantial.

The Jenny Mitchell case will likely serve as an important benchmark for future settlements, as it represents one of the first major lawsuits in this emerging litigation.

As more cases are filed and the litigation progresses, clearer patterns in settlement values will likely emerge. However, each case will ultimately be evaluated based on its unique circumstances, including the plaintiff’s age, severity of condition, medical expenses, and long-term prognosis.

Hair Products Named in Endometriosis Lawsuits

Following the publication of the October 2022 NIH study, lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of numerous hair relaxer products, including:

• Ultra Precise Hair Relaxer
• Dark & Lovely
• Bantu Knots
• Optimum No-Lye Relaxer
• Motions Hair Care
• Just for Me Hair Natural Hair Products
• ORS Olive Oil Hair Care
• African Pride Natural Hair Care Products
• TCB Naturals
• Luster’s Hair Products
• Africa’s Best Hair
• Creme of Nature Beauty Products
• TCB Hair Care
• Mizani Rhelaxer
• Soft & Beautiful Hair Care
• Ultra Sheen Supreme No-Lye Relaxer

Diagnosis and Testing for Endometriosis

Understanding how endometriosis is diagnosed can be important for potential plaintiffs. Medical tests used to diagnose endometriosis include:

• Pelvic Exam: A physical examination to feel for abnormalities such as cysts or scars behind the uterus
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of internal organs, which may show cysts associated with endometriosis
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of the body’s organs and tissues
• Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to look inside the abdomen for endometrial tissue
• CA125 Blood Test: While primarily a tumor marker for certain gynecological cancers, elevated CA125 levels can also indicate endometriosis

Proper medical documentation of these diagnostic procedures is essential for supporting your lawsuit claim.

Related Articles:

• ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
• Ultra Sheen Hair Relaxer Lawyer
• Just For Me Hair Relaxer Attorney

FAQs

1. How do endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in hair relaxers contribute to endometriosis?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones. This disruption can lead to increased growth of endometrial stromal cells, which is a known risk factor for developing endometriosis. Regular exposure through hair relaxer use may create a cumulative effect, increasing risk over time.

2. Who is at risk for developing endometriosis from hair relaxers?

Women who use hair relaxers frequently, especially those containing phthalates and other EDCs, are at a higher risk for developing endometriosis. This risk is particularly elevated for women who use these products regularly over a long period and those who began use at a young age.

3. What should I do if I have used hair relaxers and have endometriosis?

If you have used hair relaxers and have been diagnosed with endometriosis, consult with a doctor about your condition and contact a lawyer specializing in product liability cases. Preserve evidence such as product packaging and medical records, as these will be crucial for your case.

4. How long do I have to file a hair relaxer endometriosis lawsuit?

Statutes of limitations vary by state but typically range from 1-6 years from diagnosis or discovery of the connection between hair relaxers and your condition. Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

5. What if I used multiple brands of hair relaxers?

Using multiple brands does not disqualify you from filing a claim. Document all products used, how frequently, and for how long. This comprehensive usage history will help establish the extent of your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

6. Can I join a class action lawsuit for hair relaxer-related endometriosis?

While some cases may be consolidated into multi-district litigation (MDL) for efficiency, each claim typically remains individual due to the unique nature of medical histories and damages. Your attorney can advise on the best legal approach for your specific situation.

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys have taken on.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue compensation for endometriosis and other health issues linked to hair relaxer use. Each state has specific statutes of limitations that restrict how long you have to file a claim after your diagnosis or after you reasonably should have connected your condition to hair relaxer use.

With the scientific evidence continuing to evolve and more cases being filed, it’s crucial to evaluate your legal options promptly. Waiting too long could permanently forfeit your right to seek compensation for your suffering and expenses.

The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees to begin your case
• Contingency-based representation – you only pay if we secure compensation for you
• Nationwide representation with cases currently being accepted in all 50 states

Don’t delay – contact our experienced legal team today to learn about your rights and options.

References

1. https://academic.oup.com/jnci/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jnci/djac165/6759686?login=false