Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Overview

The Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit alleges that chemical hair relaxer products manufactured by L’Oréal and other companies contain harmful chemicals that significantly increase the risk of uterine cancer, breast cancer endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.

According to a National Institute of Environmental Health study, women who use hair relaxers more than four times per year are twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who don’t use these products.

The lawsuits claim that manufacturers failed to warn consumers about these serious health risks despite having knowledge of the dangers associated with their products.

Related Article: Hair Straighteners Cancer Lawsuit Update

Latest Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates

February 2023 – The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated several hair relaxer lawsuits into a single case (MDL number 3060) in the Northern District of Illinois, overseen by U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland in Chicago [1].

The consolidation includes claims against L’Oréal USA, Godrej SON Holdings Inc., and Dabur International Ltd. for health issues including uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers [2].

March 2023 – New allegations surfaced in ongoing lawsuits regarding the safety of hair relaxer products, particularly focusing on L’Oréal’s products and their potential link to increased cancer risks.

June 2023 – The Jenny Mitchell v. L’Oréal case continued to gain attention, with presented evidence highlighting the dangers of frequent hair relaxer use. Mitchell’s case has become pivotal in the broader litigation context.

September 2023 – Critical hearings were scheduled to address motions to dismiss and include depositions from expert witnesses, providing further insights into claims and defenses within the MDL.

December 2023 – Final deadline was established for filing new claims related to hair relaxer injuries, ensuring potential plaintiffs had the chance to join the litigation before trials commenced.

March 2024 – The first trials within the MDL were set to begin, establishing precedents and influencing settlement strategies for future cases.

Hair Relaxer Cancer Statistics and Research

According to a groundbreaking 2022 study from the National Institute of Environmental Health, women who use hair relaxers and straighteners more than four times per year are twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who do not use these products [3].

Additional research findings include:

• African American women use hair relaxers more frequently and begin use at younger ages than women of other ethnicities, potentially placing them at higher risk.
• Between 2010 and 2017, deaths from uterine cancer overall increased by 1.8% per year, with deaths from aggressive non-endometrioid subtypes increasing by 2.7% annually.
• Black women had more than twice the rate of deaths from uterine cancer overall compared with other racial and ethnic groups [4].
• Previous studies have linked chemical hair straighteners and hair dyes to increased risks of breast and ovarian cancers as well.

Timeline of Exposure to Diagnosis

• Initial Use: Often begins in adolescence or early adulthood.
• Cumulative Exposure: Risk increases with prolonged use over the years.
• Diagnosis Timeline: Uterine cancer may not be diagnosed until decades after initial exposure, often in the 40s or 50s.

Because Black women use hair straightening or relaxer products more frequently and tend to initiate use at earlier ages than other races and ethnicities, these findings may be even more relevant for them.-Che-Jung Chang, lead author of the study and a research fellow in the NIEHS Epidemiology Branch.

Harmful Chemicals in Hair Relaxers

Several chemicals commonly found in hair relaxer products have been linked to serious health concerns including cancer:

• Parabens: According to the CDC, these chemicals can disrupt hormones in the body, harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase cancer risk [5].
• Bisphenol A (BPA): National Institute of Health 2023 research indicates BPA can potentially affect the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and influence children’s behavior [6].
• Metals: Science Direct 2020 research shows metallic substances induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell death processes, increasing cancer risk [7].
• Formaldehyde: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 2019 study found high levels of formaldehyde exposure can cause myeloid leukemia and rare cancers [8].

Hair Relaxer Health Risks & Side Effects

Women who use chemical hair relaxers face increased risks of developing several serious health conditions, with cancer being the most severe potential outcome.

• Uterine Cancer: Studies show twice the risk for women using hair relaxers frequently, with symptoms including unusual vaginal bleeding, abnormal Pap test results, and pelvic pain.
• Breast Cancer: Research has linked chemical hair straighteners to increased breast cancer risk, particularly among frequent users.
• Endometriosis: A painful disorder where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, potentially linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in hair relaxers.
• Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reproductive complications.
• Reproductive Harm: Some cases, like Jenny Mitchell’s, have resulted in the need for hysterectomies, eliminating the possibility of natural childbirth.

Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

According to the 2023 report of Cleveland Clinic, women with uterine cancer may experience the following signs and symptoms [9]:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge
• Abnormal results from a Pap test
• Pain in the pelvic area

Is Uterine Cancer Treatable?

In the opinion of Yale Medicine School, a diagnosis of uterine cancer can be scary, but it is important to know that the disease is curable, especially if it is caught at an early stage.

Surgery is the most common treatment, but radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and several other therapies may also be used to treat uterine cancer [10].

Do You Qualify for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit if:

• You used chemical hair relaxer or straightening products regularly (especially if used four or more times per year).
• You were subsequently diagnosed with uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
• There is a reasonable time connection between your use of these products and your diagnosis.
• You have medical documentation of your diagnosis and treatment.

Evidence Required for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you will need to provide:

• Medical records confirming your diagnosis of uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
• Documentation of your hair relaxer use (receipts, salon records, product packaging, photographs).
• Timeline of product use (frequency, duration, specific brands used).
• Medical history showing no genetic predisposition to the diagnosed condition.

Damages You Can Recover

When determining compensation, several factors are considered:

• Medical Expenses: Past, current, and anticipated future costs related to your diagnosis and treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work during treatment.
• Pain and Suffering: For physical pain and emotional distress caused by your condition.
• Loss of Quality of Life: Compensation for permanent changes to your lifestyle and capabilities.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation in cases where manufacturers showed gross negligence.

Real Case Example: Jenny Mitchell v. L’Oréal

According to NBC Chicago, Jenny Mitchell filed a lawsuit against five companies, including L’Oréal, after being diagnosed with uterine cancer at age 28.

Mitchell began using chemical hair relaxer products in 2000 when she was in the third grade and continued regular applications approximately every two months [11].

In August 2018, Mitchell was diagnosed with uterine cancer despite having no family history of the disease. She underwent a full hysterectomy a month after her diagnosis and continues to receive regular treatment and care. The lawsuit, Mitchell v. L’Oréal, et al. – 1:22-cv-5815, was filed in the U.S. District Court in Chicago [12].

I am the first voice of many voices to come that will stand up to these companies and say no more, Mitchell said. I’m 32 years old right now, and I am still feeling that void of not being able to bear my own child.- Jenny Mitchell, Plaintiff.

The lawsuit names five different cosmetic companies as defendants, including L’Oréal and manufacturers of Dark & Lovely, Motions, Organic Root Stimulator, and Olive Oil Relaxer products.

Statute of Limitations for Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a hair relaxer lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-5 years from either the date of diagnosis or the date you reasonably should have known that your condition was linked to hair relaxer use.

Some states have “discovery rules” that extend the filing deadline from when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the connection between your illness and hair relaxer use.

Because of these variations and the ongoing nature of the MDL, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable time limits.

Related Articles:

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

FAQs

1. What Is the Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit About?

The Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit alleges that certain hair relaxers contain carcinogenic chemicals that can disrupt hormones and lead to serious health conditions, including uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. The lawsuits claim manufacturers failed to warn consumers of these risks despite allegedly knowing about the dangers.

2. Who Can Join the Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit?

Individuals who have developed uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids after using chemical hair relaxer products may be eligible to join the lawsuit. There must be a reasonable connection between your product use and subsequent diagnosis.

3. What Evidence Is Needed To Support My Claim?

Evidence needed includes medical records confirming your diagnosis, documentation of hair relaxer use (receipts, product packaging, photographs), a timeline of product use (frequency, duration, brands), and medical history showing no genetic predisposition to the diagnosed condition.

4. What If I Used Multiple Brands?

Using multiple brands does not disqualify you from filing a claim. Provide your attorney with as much information as possible about the brands and products you used, as it helps build a comprehensive case.

5. How Far Back Can I Trace Product Use?

You should trace your product use as far back as possible, focusing on brands, frequency, and any adverse effects you may have experienced. Even older use can be relevant, depending on the specifics of your case.

6. What Medical Records Do I Need?

You will need medical records that confirm your diagnosis and treatment. These include pathology reports, doctor’s notes, and any tests that indicate the presence of cancer or other health issues linked to the product.

7. How Does the MDL Consolidation Affect My Case?

MDL consolidation streamlines the legal process by grouping similar cases. While your case remains individual, the process allows for shared evidence, reducing redundancy and potentially speeding up resolutions.

8. What Compensation Is Available for Different Cancer Types?

Compensation varies depending on the severity and type of cancer. More aggressive or chronic cancers may result in higher compensation due to increased medical costs, loss of income, and emotional distress. Your attorney can provide specific estimates based on your case.

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

Get Your Free Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Evaluation From Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action in hair relaxer cancer cases. State statutes of limitations typically give you between 1-5 years from diagnosis or discovery to file a claim, depending on your state’s laws.

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

• Free, confidential case evaluations to determine if you qualify
• No upfront costs or fees to begin your case
• Payment only if we win your case (contingency fee basis)
• Nationwide representation with extensive experience in complex product liability cases

With the MDL proceedings moving forward and trial dates being set, it’s crucial to act quickly to ensure your claim is properly filed and your rights preserved.

References

1. https://www.reuters.com/legal/nearly-60-hair-relaxer-lawsuits-against-loreal-others-consolidated-illinois-2023-02-06/
2. https://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/sites/jpml/files/MDL-3060-Transfer_Order-1-23.pdf
3. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hair-straightening-chemicals-associated-higher-uterine-cancer-risk
4. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/press-releases/2022/uterine-cancer-deaths-black-women#:~:text=Black%20women%20had%20more%20than,other%20racial%20and%20ethnic%20groups.
5. https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Parabens_FactSheet.html
6. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa
7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468202020300413
8. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/formaldehyde/default.html
9. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/uterine-cancer#:~:text=Overview,develop%20inside%20a%20woman’s%20uterus.
10. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16409-uterine-cancer
11. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/woman-claims-hair-straightener-caused-uterine-cancer-files-lawsuit-in-chicago/2976104/
12. https://dockets.justia.com/docket/multi-district/jpml/MDL%20NO.%203060/1549781