Hair Relaxer Lawsuits: What You Need to Know About Uterine Cancer Claims in 2025

The Hair Relaxer Health Crisis

Chemical hair straightening products, commonly known as hair relaxers, have been used by millions of women for decades. However, recent scientific studies have revealed a disturbing link between these products and serious health conditions, particularly uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine fibroids.

If you or a loved one used chemical hair relaxers and developed cancer or other reproductive health issues, you may be entitled to significant compensation through ongoing mass tort litigation.

Scientific Evidence: The Link to Cancer

The concerns about hair relaxers gained significant momentum following a landmark National Institutes of Health (NIH) study published in October 2022 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Key Findings from Research

• Sister Study (NIH): Women who used chemical hair straighteners more than four times per year had more than double the risk of developing uterine cancer compared to non-users
• Disproportionate Impact: Black women, who use these products at significantly higher rates, face elevated risks
• Harmful Chemicals: Hair relaxers contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals including formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and heavy metals
• Additional Risks: Studies also linked relaxers to ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and uterine fibroids

Major Brands Named in Lawsuits

Numerous manufacturers and retailers are facing legal action for failing to warn consumers about cancer risks associated with their hair relaxer products:

• L'Oréal USA: Dark & Lovely, SoftSheen-Carson
• Revlon: Multiple relaxer product lines
• Strength of Nature: Various relaxer brands
• Namaste Laboratories: Multiple product lines
• Dabur International: ORS Olive Oil products
• Godrej Consumer Products: Multiple brands
• Retailers: Sally Beauty, Walmart, Target for selling these products

Who Qualifies for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a claim if you meet the following criteria:

Medical Conditions

Diagnosed with one or more of the following after using hair relaxers:

• Uterine Cancer (Endometrial Cancer)
• Ovarian Cancer
• Uterine Fibroids
• Uterine Sarcoma
• Endometriosis
• Breast Cancer

Usage Requirements

• Regular use of chemical hair relaxers or straighteners (typically at least 3-4 times per year)
• Used products for at least 2 years
• Product use occurred before your diagnosis

Timeframe

• Most cases involve diagnoses from 2000 to present
• Statute of limitations varies by state (typically 2-4 years from diagnosis)
• Some states allow filing even if diagnosis was several years ago

The Litigation: Current Status

Hair relaxer lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline the legal process.

MDL 3060: Northern District of Illinois

• Formed: February 2023
• Judge: Hon. Mary M. Rowland
• Number of Cases: Over 8,000 lawsuits filed as of early 2025
• Current Phase: Discovery and bellwether trial preparation
• Expected Bellwether Trials: Late 2025/Early 2026

Legal Claims

Plaintiffs are pursuing claims based on:

• Failure to Warn: Companies knew or should have known about cancer risks but didn't warn consumers
• Defective Design: Products were unreasonably dangerous when used as intended
• Negligence: Manufacturers failed to adequately test products or investigate health concerns
• Fraudulent Concealment: Companies allegedly hid information about health risks

Potential Compensation

While each case is unique, victims may be entitled to recover damages for:

Economic Damages

• Past and future medical expenses (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses for treatment and care
• Cost of ongoing medical monitoring

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or scarring from surgery
• Loss of fertility or reproductive function

Punitive Damages

• May be awarded if companies acted with reckless disregard for consumer safety
• Intended to punish wrongdoing and deter future misconduct

Settlement Estimates: While no global settlement has been reached yet, legal experts anticipate individual settlements could range from $100,000 to several million dollars depending on the severity of illness, age of plaintiff, and strength of evidence.

Steps to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

If you believe you qualify, take these steps to protect your legal rights:

1. Gather Your Medical Records

Collect documentation of your diagnosis and treatment, including:

• Pathology reports confirming cancer diagnosis
• Medical records from oncologists and specialists
• Hospital records and surgical reports
• Treatment history and ongoing care plans

2. Document Your Hair Relaxer Use

Try to recall and document:

• Brand names of products used
• Frequency of use (times per year)
• Duration of use (years)
• Where products were purchased (salon, retail store)
• Whether you used them at home or in a salon

3. Consult with a Mass Tort Attorney

Contact an experienced attorney who handles hair relaxer cases. Most offer:

• Free case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Contingency fee arrangements (fees only if you win)
• Experience with MDL proceedings

4. File Before the Deadline

Statutes of limitations vary by state, typically 2-4 years from diagnosis. Don't delay, as missing deadlines can bar your claim forever.

Why Companies Are Being Held Accountable

Legal experts argue that hair relaxer manufacturers:

• Had Knowledge: Scientific literature about endocrine disruptors and cancer risks existed for years
• Failed to Test: Didn't conduct adequate safety testing despite knowing products contained harmful chemicals
• Inadequate Warnings: Labels didn't mention cancer risks, only minor cosmetic concerns
• Targeted Marketing: Aggressively marketed to Black women and young girls without disclosing risks
• Continued Sales: Kept selling products even after studies revealed health concerns

What Makes These Cases Different

Hair relaxer litigation differs from typical product liability cases because:

• Cumulative Exposure: Harm resulted from repeated use over years, not a single exposure
• Latency Period: Cancer often developed years after product use began
• Multiple Products: Many women used various brands over time
• Systemic Impact: Chemicals absorbed through the scalp affected the entire endocrine system

Timeline: What to Expect

Hair relaxer litigation is a lengthy process:

• Case Filing: 1-3 months to gather evidence and file lawsuit
• Discovery Phase: 12-18 months of information gathering
• Bellwether Trials: Expected late 2025/early 2026
• Settlement Negotiations: Typically begin after bellwether trial results
• Resolution: Individual settlements or global settlement could occur 2026-2027

Protecting Others: Spread Awareness

If you or family members still use chemical hair relaxers, consider:

• Discontinuing use of chemical straightening products
• Exploring natural hair care alternatives
• Consulting a dermatologist about safer options
• Sharing information about health risks with friends and family
• Supporting legislative efforts for better cosmetic regulation

Take Action Today

If you developed uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or other reproductive health issues after using chemical hair relaxers, you deserve compensation for your suffering. The manufacturers of these products prioritized profits over your health and safety.

Don't wait to explore your legal options. Contact an experienced mass tort attorney for a free case evaluation. There are no upfront costs, and you only pay if you receive compensation. Your claim not only seeks justice for you but also holds corporations accountable and protects future generations from these dangerous products.