Hair Relaxer Uterine Cancer Lawsuits

November 30, 2022 | By Riddle & Brantley Accident Injury Lawyers
Hair Relaxer Uterine Cancer Lawsuits

Hair Relaxer Uterine Cancer Claims

Research shows that use of hair relaxers may double the risk of uterine cancer.

Relaxer application is a common practice among women who have natural hair. However, recent evidence has linked hair relaxers with an increased risk of uterine cancer. Our experienced trial attorneys are actively investigating these claims and representing clients in hair relaxer uterine cancer lawsuits and claims.

Hair relaxers, also known as chemical straighteners, use chemicals that break apart the bonds in your hair so it can be straightened. Unfortunately, these same chemicals can also potentially disrupt the hormones and tissues in your uterus, leading some people to wonder if hair relaxing might lead to an increased risk of uterine cancer. A recent study suggests that these fears may be well-founded.

Research shows that use of hair relaxers may double the risk of uterine cancer.

IMPORTANT: If you believe you may have developed uterine cancer from hair relaxers / chemical straighteners, you should discontinue use immediately and talk to your physician about alternatives and treatment.

Our firm is actively investigating hair relaxer uterine cancer claims, and we are ready to help however we can. Please call 1-800-525-7111, and let’s review your claim. The case review is free, and we don’t get paid unless you do. Call us today for a FREE case review with an experienced attorney handling uterine cancer claims and hair relaxer lawsuits.

Does Using a Hair Relaxer Cause Uterine Cancer? 

While there is no official link between uterine cancer and chemical hair relaxers, evidence has recently been uncovered that suggests that women’s use of hair relaxers may cause uterine cancer.

The Sister Study

The most compelling evidence for a link between chemical hair relaxers and uterine cancer comes from a recently published study of U.S. women aged 35-74 years old titled the "Sister Study."

This study was conducted by researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health and was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study's overall purpose was to evaluate many factors that affect women's long-term health. However, when researchers evaluated the data, they found consistent evidence that women who used chemical hair straighteners and relaxers were more likely to develop uterine cancer than those who didn't.

What Are the Chemicals in Hair Relaxers?

The exact chemical formulations of relaxers vary depending on the brand, but most have one thing in common: sodium hydroxide, also known as lye. This caustic chemical changes the structure of the hair's cortex and helps break down natural hair oils so the hair can be reshaped.

Other chemicals commonly found in relaxer formulas include:

  • Methyl hydrate
  • Calcium hydroxide
  • Guanidine hydroxide
  • Thioglycolic acid
  • Phthalates

In addition to lye, phthalates are one of the most concerning chemical groups in many hair relaxers. This is why even lye-free formulas may pose a risk to women who use them, as many still contain phthalates.

What are Phthalates?

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in various products, including cosmetics, toys, and other consumer goods. Unfortunately, these chemicals have been linked to several health concerns, including reproductive health problems and an increased risk of uterine cancer.

Phthalates can easily enter the body through the skin or inhalation, disrupting the body's hormonal balance, which is why many researchers link long-term phthalate exposure with breast cancer and uterine cancer.

Evidence for Hair Relaxers and Uterine Cancer Risk

The "Sister Study" was the first evidence linking hair relaxers to an increased risk for uterine cancer. More research is likely to be conducted now that a link has been established. Still, these preliminary findings alone have been enough to raise serious concerns among the researchers who have reviewed them.

The study showed that use of hair relaxers may double the risk of uterine cancer.

According to Alexandra White, Ph.D., head of the NIEHS Environment and Cancer Epidemiology group, "We estimated that 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners would go on to develop uterine cancer by the age of 70; but for frequent users, that risk goes up to 4.05%. This doubling rate is concerning."

There is additional evidence linking exposure to phthalates with an increased risk for cancers, especially in women. There is also significant evidence that phthalate exposure can cause uterine fibroids, which leads more researchers to believe there may be a link between phthalate exposure and uterine cancer.

Hair Relaxer Uterine Cancer Lawsuits

In October 2022, a woman named Jenny Mitchell filed the first hair relaxer uterine cancer lawsuit against cosmetic companies who she claimed put women's lives at risk by manufacturing chemical hair relaxers that contained toxic phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

The defendants include L'Oréal, Namaste Laboratories LLC, Dabur International Ltd., and Godrej Consumer Products. This lawsuit alleges that Mitchell developed uterine cancer because of her regular and long-term exposure to phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in these companies' hair products.

This is the first of many lawsuits likely to come as consumers become aware of the potential link between these products and an increased risk for uterine cancer. To be clear, defendants in these lawsuits strongly deny liability and/or wrongdoing and no settlements have been reached in these cases.

You may qualify for a hair relaxer uterine cancer claim or lawsuit if you have used chemical hair straighteners / hair relaxers and later developed uterine cancer. Call Riddle & Brantley at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE case review with one of our experienced hair relaxer cancer attorneys, who can review the details of your case and advise you on next steps.

Claim Eligibility

You may qualify for compensation in a hair relaxer claim or lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:

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.

Riddle & Brantley can guide you through the complex legal process and determine if you may be eligible for compensation in a hair relaxer uterine claim or lawsuit (or claim related to another health problem potentially linked to chemical hair straightener products).

"This settlement changed me and my family's lives."

-Linda B., Riddle & Brantley client

For a FREE case review, call 1-800-525-7111 today. There are no upfront costs, and we don’t get paid any attorney fees unless we win your hair relaxer uterine cancer case and you receive compensation. Justice Counts.