Recent research has indicated that chemical hair straighteners (relaxers) might be associated with an increased risk of reproductive issues, including pre-term birth and other health problems. This has sparked growing concern among consumers as thousands of women use these products regularly and may be at risk. Hair relaxer lawsuits are being filed, and Riddle & Brantley is representing clients in these claims.
IMPORTANT: If you regularly use hair relaxers and are pregnant, consult your physician on whether they believe these products are safe during your pregnancy.
You may qualify for a hair relaxer pre-term birth lawsuit if you experienced a pre-term birth after using one of these chemical hair straightener products. Call our expert lawyers at Riddle & Brantley at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE case review to see if you may be entitled to compensation.
Does Using a Hair Relaxer Cause Pre-Term Birth?
Several studies have shown early links between chemical hair straighteners and hair oils with known endocrine disruptors with pre-term births, but much of this evidence needs additional verification to establish a definite link between hair relaxers and pre-term birth.
What is known is that these products contain chemicals called phthalates that can disrupt hormone balances and the reproductive system, which could, in turn, lead to a higher risk of pre-term birth in women who are regularly exposed to phthalate-containing chemical hair straighteners.
What are Phthalates?
Phthalates are chemicals commonly used to make plastics softer and more flexible. Still, they can be found in many consumer products that you wouldn't expect, from food packaging to toys, cosmetics, and even medical supplies. Phthalates are also found in many hair relaxer and chemical straightener products.
Recently, studies have linked phthalate exposure to serious health issues, including cancer. In addition, because phthalates can act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormones, they can lead to developmental, reproductive, and neurological problems in women and unborn children.
Many phthalates are banned in Europe due to these risks, but they remain largely free to use in the U.S., which is why so many products now contain them.
Phthalates and Pre-Term Birth
Several studies have tied phthalate exposure with a higher risk for pre-term birth.
Most notably, a Rutgers & NIH study collaboration confirmed a much higher risk of pre-term birth in women exposed to phthalates.
According to the study, "researchers found that women with higher concentrations of several phthalate metabolites in their urine were more likely to deliver their babies pre-term (delivered three or more weeks before a mother's due date)."
Additional research has continued to suggest a significant link between phthalate exposure (such as with the use of phthalate-containing hair relaxers) and pre-term birth. For example, another study published in 2015 found that pregnant people exposed to phthalates in the environment also had an elevated risk of pre-term birth compared to those who were not.
Hair Relaxer Pre-Term Birth Lawsuits
Earlier this year, four women filed lawsuits against L'Oréal, Namaste Laboratories LLC, Dabur International Ltd., and Godrej Consumer Products. These women all allege that long-term exposure to hair relaxers led them to develop uterine cancer later on in life.
The first lawsuit was filed in October 2022 by Jenny Mitchell. She specifically alleged that it was phthalates and other hormone-disrupting chemicals in the hair relaxer that she used that led to her uterine cancer.
It’s not clear if other hair relaxer lawsuits have been filed for pre-term birth occurrences, but legal experts are watching these first four cases closely, and many believe that more cases will be brought against these manufacturers as more women become aware of the wider health risks potentially associated with these products.
You may be eligible for a hair relaxer pre-term birth lawsuit if you had a pre-term birth after using chemical hair straighteners. Call Riddle & Brantley at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE case evaluation with one of our trial attorneys handling hair relaxer lawsuits.
How to Qualify for a Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit or Claim
You may qualify for compensation in a hair relaxer claim or lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Must have been diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
- Pre-term birth
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Breast cancer
NOTE: At this time, claims related to uterine fibroids are being held in inventory and we are not filing lawsuits in these cases. Uterine fibroid claims may ultimately be compensable, but we are currently only filing lawsuits related to hair relaxer cancer claims (uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer) at this time.
- Must have had exposure to one or more of the following products:
- Just for Me
- Soft & Beautiful
- Motions
- Dark & Lovely
- Olive Oil Girls
- Any lye or no-lye hair relaxers (multiple products)
We’re ready to help however we can. Please call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE case review with a compassionate attorney handling hair relaxer claims related to pre-term delivery and other health problems. Since 2000 alone, we've recovered over $665 million in compensation for our clients (see disclaimer below) and we're ready to help you however we can.
“This settlement changed me and my family’s lives.”
-Linda B., Riddle & Brantley client
There are no attorney fees unless you receive compensation. Call today and let’s see how we can help.
Justice Counts.
*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.