Do Hair Relaxers Cause Ovarian Cancer?
Chemical relaxers break down the hair’s protein structure to straighten it. However, the scalp easily absorbs the harsh chemical compounds during application, especially when chemical burns or scalp micro-tears occur. There are multiple brands which have been named in the current lawsuits which can be found here.
| Factor | Clinical & Legal Evidence |
|---|---|
| NIH Sister Study | Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that women using chemical straighteners more than 4 times a year had more than double the risk of developing uterine cancer, alongside significantly elevated rates of ovarian cancer. |
| Phthalates & EDCs | Hair relaxers frequently contain phthalates, parabens, and toxic solvents that act as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), interfering with natural estrogen levels and triggering tumor growth. |
| FDA Regulation | The FDA has moved to ban formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals from hair relaxers, highlighting the long-term toxicity of these formulations. |
Current Status of Hair Relaxer Litigation (MDL 3056)
In October 2022, Jenny Mitchell presented the first hair relaxer lawsuit against cosmetics firms that she argued endangered women’s lives by producing chemical relaxers for their hair that contained phthalates and other hormone-interfering compounds. Jenny Mitchell’s lawsuit alleges that she developed ovarian cancer because of her prolonged and regular exposure to phthalates and additional endocrine-disrupting chemicals in hair relaxer products.
Federal hair relaxer lawsuits have been consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL No. 3056) before Judge Mary M. Rowland in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Pre-Trial Motion Phase: The court is coordinating master discovery, evaluating scientific testimony, and selecting bellwether trial candidates.
Settlement Outlook: While no global settlement has been finalized, bellwether trials are designed to measure jury verdicts and encourage global settlement negotiations with cosmetic manufacturers.
Do You Qualify to File a Hair Relaxer Claim?
You may qualify for a lawsuit if you have used chemical hair relaxers and later developed ovarian cancer (or another qualifying cancer or condition). Call Riddle & Riddle at (855)-652-2049 for a FREE case review with one of our experienced attorneys, who can review the details of your case and advise you on the next steps.
You may qualify for compensation in a hair relaxer claim or lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Chemical Relaxer Use:Used chemical hair straighteners or relaxers frequently over a prolonged period (typically 2+ years). Must have had exposure to one or more of the following products:
- Just for Me
- Dark & Lovely
- Soft & Beautiful
- Motions
- Olive Oil Girls
- Any lye or no-lye hair relaxers (multiple products)
- Must have been diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Breast cancer
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Pre-term delivery
- Diagnosis occurred within state statute of limitations deadlines following regular product use.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help Today
The hair straightener ovarian cancer attorneys at Riddle & Riddle can help eliminate the legal guesswork and work hard to get you maximum compensation in a potential hair relaxer ovarian cancer claim. We care about each client who brings their case to us, and we want to show anyone who’s been injured by dangerous products that Justice Counts.
Since 2000 alone, we’ve recovered $900+ million on behalf of injured victims.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today.
