If you or a loved one in North Carolina has been diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer after prolonged use of chemical hair relaxers, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are committed to protecting the rights of North Carolina residents harmed by dangerous products. Our experienced hair relaxer lawsuit attorneys in North Carolina are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
For a free, no-obligation case review, please contact our team or call (800) 525-7111. There are no upfront costs and we don’t get paid unless you do.
We are committed to seeking maximum compensation for our clients.
Understanding Hair Relaxer Lawsuits
Hair relaxers have been widely used for decades, primarily by Black women and others seeking to straighten their hair. Recent studies, including research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have linked long-term exposure to the chemicals in these products with an increased risk of hormone-related cancers and other health problems, particularly:
- Uterine Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Endometrial Cancer
- Fibroids and Other Reproductive Health Issues
In response to these findings, a significant number of lawsuits have been filed nationwide against manufacturers of popular hair relaxer brands. As of early 2025, over 9,800 cases are pending in the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) established to handle these claims. This MDL consolidates similar cases to streamline the legal process and is overseen by Judge Mary M. Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois.
December 2025 Update
The hair relaxer lawsuits continue to grow in scope and complexity as the federal Hair Relaxer MDL moves deeper into discovery. Plaintiffs allege that long-term use of chemical hair relaxers—particularly products marketed to Black women—caused uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and other reproductive health disorders. The lawsuits claim manufacturers failed to warn users about dangers associated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates and DEHP, which may interfere with hormone regulation. As of December 2025, case volume remains high, and key rulings in the MDL are shaping expectations for the first wave of trials.
Recent developments include:
- A steady increase in federal filings, with thousands of cases now centralized in the MDL and additional plaintiffs continuing to join after new cancer diagnoses and public awareness campaigns.
- Ongoing discovery battles, including production of internal research, product testing records, and communications about the potential hormonal effects of long-term relaxer use. Plaintiffs argue this evidence shows companies knew of risks but failed to warn consumers.
- Intensifying expert strategy development, with plaintiffs preparing testimony on how relaxer chemicals may increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers. Defense teams continue challenging causation theories and disputing the reliability of supporting studies.
- Continued focus on marketing practices targeting Black women, with lawsuits highlighting decades of advertising that encouraged frequent use despite potential long-term health consequences.
- Early discussions around bellwether case selection, signaling that the court is moving closer to establishing a structure for the first trials, expected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027.
Overall, the hair relaxer cancer litigation remains one of the most significant and closely watched mass torts heading into 2026. The critical next step will come as the court evaluates expert admissibility, a decision that will determine the strength of plaintiffs’ causation arguments and shape the trajectory of upcoming bellwether trials.
More women are continuing to come forward, sharing their stories and joining the fight for accountability. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after years of using chemical hair relaxers, it is not too late to explore your legal options. Many victims may still be eligible to file a claim, but deadlines apply depending on your state’s laws. Call 1-855-924-5476 for a free case review with an experienced NOrth Carolina hair relaxer attorney at our law firm.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers is committed to following this litigation closely and will continue to provide updates as the cases progress toward trial.
Do You Qualify for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- You used chemical hair relaxers regularly for an extended period.
- NOTE: Only certain brands of hair relaxers may qualify for this litigation, including (but not necessarily limited to): Just for Me; Soft & Beautiful; Motions; Dark & Lovely; Olive Oil Girls; and other lye or no-lye hair relaxers
- You were diagnosed with one of the following illnesses:
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- You have medical records confirming your diagnosis.
If you meet these criteria, you may have a case. Call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE case review.
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers?
As a North Carolina-based law firm, Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers has decades of experience fighting for victims of corporate negligence. We understand the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis can have on individuals and families. Our firm has successfully recovered over $850,000,000 in compensation for clients since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below) and we strive to treat clients like family.
We’re proud of the words our valued clients use to describe their experience working with our attorneys and staff:
“You’ll walk in the door as a client but leave as family; they’re the absolute best.” — Susan S., Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers client
Led by attorney and managing partner Gene Riddle and his daughter, attorney and partner Alex Riddle, our North Carolina hair relaxer attorneys have been recognized for excellence in personal injury and product liability law, with memberships and accolades including:
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising stars
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice
- AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
Call us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE consultation.
The Health Risks of Chemical Hair Relaxers
Scientific research has found that many hair relaxers contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates and parabens. These chemicals interfere with hormone regulation and have been linked to:
- Increased risk of hormone-related cancers
- Early puberty in girls
- Fibroids and other reproductive health disorders
Many women have used hair relaxers without knowing the risks, believing these products to be safe. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious illness after years of using chemical hair straighteners, you may have legal options.
Steps to Take If You Believe You Qualify
- Gather Documentation:
- Medical records confirming your diagnosis.
- Proof of hair relaxer use (receipts, product packaging, or photos).
- Consult with Our Attorneys:
- Contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case evaluation.
- Discuss your health history and product use with our legal team.
- Take Legal Action:
- If you qualify and decide to hire us, our attorneys can guide you through the legal process.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
For a FREE case review, call 1-800-525-7111 today.
The Legal Process for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
If you qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit in North Carolina and decide to hire us, our legal team will guide you through the following steps:
- Case Evaluation: A free consultation to assess your eligibility and answer any questions. Call 1-800-525-7111 to speak with an attorney.
- Investigation and Documentation: Collecting the necessary evidence to build a strong case.
- Filing the Lawsuit: Initiating legal proceedings against the manufacturer(s) of chemical hair relaxers.
- Negotiation and Settlement Talks: Many product liability cases result in substantial settlements for victims (however, there are no guarantees and the outcome of any case depends on the specific facts and circumstances of that case).
- Trial, If Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to help take your case to court.
Act Now to Protect Your Rights
Hair relaxer lawsuits are still developing, but time may be limited to file a claim. Statutes of limitations vary by state, and delaying action can impact your ability to receive compensation. If you or a loved one has been affected in North Carolina, now is the time to seek justice.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced North Carolina hair relaxer attorney.
When Justice Counts™, count on the team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers. If you or a loved one has suffered harm potentially due to chemical hair relaxers, call us today at 1-800-525-7111 and let’s see how we can help.