ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one experienced uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids after using ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

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

ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Overview

ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer lawsuits allege that these products contain harmful chemicals linked to serious health conditions, including uterine cancer, breast cancer, and reproductive disorders.

Plaintiffs claim manufacturers failed to warn consumers about the risks associated with toxic substances in their products.

Research shows women who use hair relaxers are three times more likely to develop uterine cancer by age 70, and Black women, who make up the majority of users, face a 60% higher risk of serious health issues.

These legal actions seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by these dangerous products.

Quick Facts: Risks Linked to ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer

• 3x Higher Uterine Cancer Risk: Women using hair relaxers are three times more likely to develop uterine cancer by age 70.
• 30% Increased Breast Cancer Risk: Frequent usage has been associated with a significant rise in breast cancer risk.
• 60% Higher Risk for Black Women: Black women, who are the primary users of relaxers, face disproportionately higher health risks.
• 5,000+ Toxic Chemicals Identified: Hair relaxers contain thousands of harmful chemicals, many linked to serious health issues.
• 8+ Years of Usage Linked to Risk: Extended use of relaxers (8 or more years) significantly heightens the likelihood of developing cancer and other health problems.

Latest ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates

March 2025 – A significant breakthrough in ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer litigation as a federal judge denied manufacturers’ motion to dismiss based on compelling scientific evidence linking these products to cancer. The ruling allows thousands of cases to proceed toward trial or settlement negotiations.

January 2025 – The multidistrict litigation (MDL) for hair relaxer lawsuits now includes over 5,000 plaintiffs nationwide, with ORS Olive Oil products specifically named in approximately 30% of cases. The first bellwether trials are scheduled for late 2025.

October 2024 – New scientific research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology revealed that phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in hair relaxers like ORS Olive Oil products can remain active in body tissues for up to 15 years, further strengthening the causation argument in pending lawsuits.

FDA Reports and Statistics

Recent FDA MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience) database reports have highlighted concerning safety issues with chemical hair relaxers like ORS Olive Oil products.

Key findings include:

• Over 2,500 adverse event reports involving chemical hair relaxers were submitted to the FDA in the past five years
• Approximately 35% of these reports cited severe scalp burns, which increase chemical absorption into the bloodstream
• The FDA has issued warnings about the potential for endocrine-disrupting chemicals in relaxers to cause long-term health effects
• Health authorities are now investigating more stringent labeling requirements for these products
• Reports of reproductive health issues following relaxer use have increased by 47% since 2020

These statistics underscore the growing concerns about the safety of chemical hair relaxers and their potential connection to serious health conditions.

ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Injuries & Side Effects

ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer products have been linked to severe health conditions due to their chemical composition and potential for systemic absorption.

• Uterine Cancer: Studies show a threefold increase in uterine cancer risk among frequent users of chemical hair relaxers
• Breast Cancer: Regular use associated with a 30% higher risk of developing breast cancer, with even greater risk for Black women
• Endometriosis: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in relaxers may contribute to this painful condition affecting the uterine lining
• Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause severe pain, bleeding, and reproductive issues
• Hormonal Disruption: Chemicals in relaxers can interfere with normal hormone function, leading to reproductive disorders
• Scalp Burns and Irritation: Direct damage that increases absorption of harmful chemicals into the bloodstream
• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of fumes during application can cause breathing difficulties and long-term respiratory problems

Do You Qualify for an ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer lawsuit if:

• You used ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer or similar chemical relaxers at least four times per year for more than two years
• Your use of these products occurred before your diagnosis of a related health condition
• You have been diagnosed with uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids
• Your diagnosis came after regular and prolonged use of chemical hair relaxers
• You are within the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in your state (typically 2-3 years from diagnosis or discovery of the connection between the product and your condition)

Related Article: Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Update

Required Documentation for Filing

To support your claim, you should gather the following evidence:

• Proof of Product Use: Receipts, product packaging, photographs, or salon records confirming your use of ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer
• Medical Records: Documentation of your diagnosis, including dates, test results, pathology reports, and treatment plans
• Timeline of Usage: Details about when you began using the product, frequency of use, and when you stopped
• Physician Statements: Opinions from healthcare providers about the potential connection between your condition and hair relaxer use

Damages You Can Recover

If your ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer lawsuit is successful, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for past, current, and future medical costs related to your condition
• Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost during recovery periods and potential future income losses
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by your illness
• Lifestyle Changes: Compensation for how your condition has impacted your quality of life
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation aimed at punishing manufacturers for egregious misconduct

What is ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer?

ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection No-Lye Relaxer contains fatty acids that impart moisture directly to the hair and scalp. The application kit is infused with olive oil to aid in hydration and moisture.

While marketed as a gentler alternative to traditional lye relaxers, these products still contain numerous chemicals that may pose serious health risks with long-term use.

The olive oil component is primarily used as a marketing strategy to suggest a more natural product, but it does not eliminate the dangers associated with the other chemical ingredients.

What are Lawsuits Alleging?

Allegations raised in hair relaxer lawsuits include:

• Failure to adequately research the link between hair relaxer chemicals and cancer
• Failure to warn about the increased risk of uterine cancer, breast cancer and other serious side effects
• Providing false and misleading information about the safety of hair relaxers on the product labeling
• Failure to recall hair relaxers to ensure consumers were aware of the cancer risk

Can Hair Relaxer Cause Cancer?

Multiple studies in recent years have linked chemical hair relaxers to an increased risk of uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.

Hair relaxers often contain up to 5,000 harmful chemicals, many of which have been linked to severe health risks. Prolonged use of these products, particularly for 8+ years, significantly increases the dangers.

These risks are especially pronounced for Black women, who represent a majority of users and face disproportionate health impacts.

Below are the most concerning chemicals found in relaxers:

• Formaldehyde: A recognized carcinogen strongly linked to cancer and respiratory issues. Its presence in hair relaxers poses long-term health risks, particularly with frequent use.
• Phthalates: Hormone-disrupting chemicals that elevate the risk of reproductive cancers. Black women, who are disproportionately affected, face compounded risks due to repeated exposure.
• Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP): A specific phthalate that interferes with hormonal functions, increasing the likelihood of developing conditions like uterine fibroids and reproductive cancers.
• Bisphenol A (BPA): Associated with hormone disruption and various cancers. Prolonged exposure to this chemical through relaxers can exacerbate health vulnerabilities, especially in women using these products for years.
• Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): While effective for straightening hair, it can cause severe chemical burns and irritation. Combined with the other toxic substances in relaxers, lye contributes to the cumulative harm posed by these products.

How Toxic Chemicals Enter the Body

These hazardous substances can enter the body through various routes, including:

• Skin Absorption: Chemicals penetrate the scalp during application and enter the bloodstream.
• Inhalation: Fumes from relaxers are inhaled during application, leading to respiratory exposure.
• Accidental Ingestion: Touching the mouth or eating without washing hands after using relaxers can introduce harmful substances into the body.

Cumulative Health Effects

Prolonged use of hair relaxers can result in the accumulation of toxic substances, leading to:

• Bioaccumulation: Repeated exposure allows these chemicals to build up in the body, heightening health risks over time.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Continuous exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can cause long-term hormonal disruptions, increasing the likelihood of developing fibroids, cancers, and other conditions.

Alarming Studies Link Between Hair Relaxers and Cancer

Recent scientific studies have shed light on the connection between hair relaxers, straighteners, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the potential dangers associated with chemical hair products, particularly for frequent users.

Hair Relaxer Uterine Cancer Study

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute examined data from nearly 34,000 women aged 35 to 74, focusing on their use of hair products like dyes, straighteners, and relaxers [1].

This 10-year follow-up revealed alarming findings:

• Women who used hair straighteners even once had a higher risk of developing uterine cancer.
• The risk of developing uterine cancer by age 70 was:
  • 1.64% for women who never used hair straighteners.
  • 4.05% for frequent users (4+ times per year).

These findings indicate that women who regularly used hair relaxers were nearly three times more likely to develop uterine cancer by age 70 compared to non-users.

Additionally, Black women, who make up 60% of hair relaxer users in the study, face greater health disparities, with nearly twice the mortality rate from uterine cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women.

Hair Dye Breast Cancer Study

A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Cancer investigated the relationship between hair dyes, straighteners, and breast cancer [2].

The research was part of the Sister Study, involving over 50,000 participants, which explored how environmental and genetic factors influence cancer risk [3].

The study’s findings include:

• Women who used hair dyes or relaxers every 5 to 8 weeks experienced a 30% increased risk of developing breast cancer.
• Black women who used permanent hair dyes regularly faced a 60% increased risk of breast cancer, compared to just an 8% increase for white women.

Recognizing Health Risks from Hair Relaxers: Symptoms to Watch For

As the dangers of chemical hair relaxers, such as ORS Olive Oil, become more evident, it is vital for users to understand potential warning signs that may signal adverse health effects. Monitoring your health closely can help identify problems early and guide timely medical intervention.

Early Symptoms to Look Out For

• Persistent Pelvic Pain: Ongoing discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area could point to underlying issues like uterine fibroids or other reproductive health conditions.
• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Sudden changes in menstrual patterns, such as heavier bleeding or prolonged periods, may indicate hormonal imbalances caused by chemical exposure.
• Abdominal Bloating: Frequent bloating or a sense of fullness in the abdomen might signal serious reproductive health concerns, including endometriosis.
• Unexplained Fatigue: Chronic tiredness that does not improve with rest could be a symptom of anemia, often linked to heavy menstrual bleeding or other underlying issues.
• Scalp or Skin Reactions: Irritation, rashes, or burns after using hair relaxers can indicate allergic reactions or chemical burns. These symptoms may also increase the risk of harmful chemicals being absorbed into the body.

Why Early Detection Matters

Understanding and identifying these symptoms is critical for frequent users of chemical hair relaxers, especially products like ORS Olive Oil. If you notice any of these warning signs, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and testing to address potential risks.

First Lawsuit Filed Over Hair Straightener Products Linked to Uterine Cancer

A Missouri woman has filed a lawsuit against L’Oréal, Revlon, and other cosmetic manufacturers alleging that their hair straightening products caused her to develop uterine cancer [4].

Mitchell claims that she began using hair relaxer products at 8 years old and continued through March 2022. She was diagnosed with uterine cancer in August 2018, and underwent a full hysterectomy a month later, according to the lawsuit.

Mitchell claims that her cancer “was directly and proximately caused by her regular and prolonged exposure to phthalates and other endocrine disrupting chemicals found in Defendants’ hair care products.”

Related Article: Hair Straighteners Cancer Lawsuit Update

What Compensation Can You Expect from an ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

Individuals harmed by the use of ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer may qualify for substantial compensation through ongoing lawsuits.

This compensation is designed to address the financial, physical, and emotional toll caused by health conditions linked to chemical hair relaxers. Here’s a breakdown of the potential damages you could recover:

Reimbursement for Medical Costs

Victims can claim compensation for all medical expenses related to diagnosing and treating health issues tied to hair relaxer use, such as:

• Hospitalization
• Surgeries and related procedures
• Radiation or chemotherapy treatments
• Prescription medications
• Diagnostic tests like MRIs or lab work

Recovery of Lost Income

If your health condition has affected your ability to work, you may be eligible for:

• Wages lost during recovery periods
• Future income losses if your illness prevents you from returning to work or limits your earning potential

Coverage for Future Healthcare Needs

For ongoing medical needs, plaintiffs may secure compensation for anticipated future costs, including:

• Regular cancer screenings
• Long-term therapies or treatments
• Monitoring for recurring health issues

Pain and Emotional Suffering

The lawsuits also account for the non-economic impact of these health challenges, including:

• Chronic physical pain caused by treatments or surgeries
• Emotional distress from battling serious illnesses like cancer
• Anxiety or depression related to changes in health and quality of life

Estimated Settlement Ranges

Legal experts estimate that successful claims involving uterine cancer could result in settlements ranging from $300,000 to $1.75 million, depending on factors like the plaintiff’s age, the severity of the condition, and its impact on their life.

Cases involving non-cancerous conditions, such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis, may result in lower settlement amounts.

Statute of Limitations for ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

The time window for filing an ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer lawsuit varies by state but generally ranges from 1-6 years. Most states apply the “discovery rule,” meaning the statute of limitations begins when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the connection between your health condition and hair relaxer use.

In product liability cases involving latent diseases like cancer, many courts recognize that the statute begins when:

• You received a formal diagnosis of a qualifying condition
• You became aware of the potential link between hair relaxers and your condition
• You had sufficient information to suspect that the product may have caused your illness

Some states have specific statutes for product liability or toxic exposure cases that differ from general personal injury timeframes. Consulting with an attorney promptly after diagnosis is crucial to ensure your legal rights are protected.

FAQs

How strong is the scientific evidence linking ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer to cancer?

Multiple peer-reviewed studies, including research from the National Institutes of Health and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, have found significant associations between chemical hair relaxer use and increased cancer risk. These studies show that frequent users face up to three times higher risk of uterine cancer and 30% increased risk of breast cancer compared to non-users.

How long do I need to have used ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer to qualify for a lawsuit?

Most cases require regular use (at least 4 times per year) for a minimum of two years, though each case is evaluated individually. The stronger cases typically involve consistent use over several years before diagnosis of a related health condition.

What types of cancer are linked to hair relaxer use?

The strongest scientific evidence connects hair relaxers to uterine (endometrial) cancer and breast cancer. Some evidence also suggests possible links to ovarian cancer, though research is ongoing. Non-cancerous conditions like uterine fibroids and endometriosis are also associated with chemical hair relaxer use.

What if I used multiple brands of hair relaxers, not just ORS Olive Oil?

You may still qualify for a lawsuit if ORS Olive Oil was among the products you used. Many plaintiffs used multiple brands over time, and lawsuits often name several manufacturers. Your attorney can help determine which companies to include in your legal action.

How much does it cost to file an ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer lawsuit?

Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. If your case succeeds, your attorney typically receives a percentage of your settlement or verdict (usually 33-40%). If your case is unsuccessful, you generally owe no legal fees.

Will my case go to trial or settle out of court?

The majority of product liability cases settle before trial, but each situation is unique. Early cases in multidistrict litigation often proceed to bellwether trials, which help establish precedent for settlement values. Your attorney will advise on whether to accept settlement offers or proceed to trial based on your specific circumstances.

What evidence is needed for an ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer lawsuit?

Necessary evidence includes medical records, proof of product use, and expert testimony linking the product to adverse effects. An attorney can help gather and present this evidence.

How can an attorney help with my ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer lawsuit?

An attorney can help gather evidence, navigate legal procedures, negotiate with the defendant, and represent you in court if necessary. They ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Can I receive compensation if I stopped using the product before experiencing health issues?

Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation if you used ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer and subsequently experienced health issues, even if you stopped using it before symptoms appeared. Consulting with an attorney can help determine your eligibility.

How long do these lawsuits typically take to resolve?

Hair relaxer lawsuits are relatively new, but similar mass tort cases typically take 2-5 years to resolve. Early cases may take longer as key legal and scientific questions are addressed, while later cases often resolve more quickly once settlement frameworks are established.

Related Articles:

• Soft & Beautiful Hair Relaxer Suit
• Ultra Sheen Hair Relaxer Suit

See the other product liability litigations our attorneys have taken on.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries related to ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer. Statutes of limitations vary by state but typically range from 1-3 years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the connection between the product and your health condition.

Delaying action could permanently forfeit your right to seek compensation for serious health conditions linked to these products. The sooner you begin the legal process, the better positioned you’ll be to preserve crucial evidence and strengthen your claim.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your potential case
• No upfront costs or attorney fees unless we win your case
• Experienced product liability attorneys who understand the complexity of hair relaxer cases
• Nationwide representation for plaintiffs in all 50 states

Don’t risk losing your opportunity for justice. Contact our legal team today to understand your rights and begin building your case.

References

1. https://academic.oup.com/jnci/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jnci/djac165/6759686?login=false
2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.32738
3. https://sisterstudy.niehs.nih.gov/English/index1.htmEnglish/index1.htmEnglish/index1.htm
4. https://www.schmidtandclark.com/wp-content/uploads/DEHP-Complaint-J.-Mitchell-Illinois-FINAL-00848754xE6B76-1.docx