Cancer-Causing Hair Product Use: Advice and Legal Action

Weitz & Luxenberg is accepting cases from women who got cancer by using chemical hair products. Lawsuits against hair products are already being filed against corporations creating and marketing these cancer-causing hair products. This includes many major cosmetics companies in the hair and beauty industries.

Reach out to us if you used hair relaxers and were diagnosed with:

• Uterine cancer.
• Endometrial cancer.
• Ovarian cancer.

Some of the chemicals found in hair straighteners could be contributing factors in increased risk of developing uterine cancer. In fact, “Chemical exposure from hair product use, especially straighteners, could be more concerning than other personal care products due to increased absorption through the scalp, which may be exacerbated by burns and lesions caused by straighteners.” ⁽¹⁾

Hair Straightening Chemicals and Cancer

Certain hair products causing cancer may contain chemicals with “endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic properties.” These chemicals can disrupt and potentially harm your hormones. ⁽²⁾

Previous studies have also linked chemical hair product use with a higher risk of hormone-sensitive cancers. ⁽³⁾

In addition to the built-in dangers of certain chemicals, heating processes can change how the chemicals break down. These processes can lead to a greater risk of breathing in or otherwise being exposed to dangerous chemicals. Examples would be using a flat iron or blow drying your hair. ⁽⁴⁾

Learn more about the side effects of hair relaxers.

Hair Relaxing Products and Formaldehyde

Hair smoothing or straightening “products are used to straighten hair or to smooth out curls.” A special hair straightening or smoothing solution is typically applied to your hair. Then, a heat treatment of one kind or another seals the solution in. ⁽⁵⁾

“These products often contain formaldehyde, also known as formalin and methylene glycol. When the solution is heated, the formaldehyde in the products is released into the air as a gas. If the salon is not properly ventilated, both the salon professionals and their clients are at risk of inhaling the released formaldehyde,” notes the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). ⁽⁶⁾

Will Hair Straightening Products Be Banned?

The FDA may propose the possibility of banning formaldehyde in chemical hair straightening products. Researchers have been raising the alarm regarding cancer caused by hair straighteners. A hair straightener cancer warning is not currently mandated. ⁽⁷⁾

As of May 1, 2024, the FDA missed the April deadline it had set to propose a ban on formaldehyde linked to cancers in hair relaxers. ⁽⁸⁾

These products are overwhelming used by Black and Latina women. In addition, manufacturers heavily target and market these products to Black woman. ⁽⁹⁾

In the meantime, the FDA has advised consumers to read the labels of these products and ask their hair stylists about these dangerous ingredients: ⁽¹⁰⁾

• Formaldehyde.
• Formalin.
• Methylene glycol.

Estrogen and Progesterone Imbalances

Imbalances in a woman’s hormones have been linked to uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Studies suggest “synthetic estrogenic compounds such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals” can increase your risk of uterine and ovarian cancer. These chemicals can disrupt how hormones work in your body. ⁽¹¹⁾

Black and Latina Women and Dangers of Relaxer Perms

Black and Latina women use relaxer perms more frequently than white women. Often, this is due to cultural biases toward straight hair being considered more attractive than curly hair. Sadly, these women of color have not been warned of the very serious risks.

In one study, Black women reported using hair relaxer perms and straightening products more than four times in a year (“frequently”). Unfortunately, women using hair straightening products frequently “were more than twice as likely” to develop uterine cancer than women who did not use these products. ⁽¹²⁾

Black women may not only use these products more frequently, but also begin using these products “at earlier ages than other races and ethnicities.” Hispanic women may also face a greater risk as they, too, may use relaxers frequently. ⁽¹³⁾

Hair Product Companies Must Be Held Accountable

Manufacturers of chemical hair products must be held accountable for distributing cancer-causing products. Any and all safety precautions and warnings should be clearly indicated on the product label.

You deserve to be warned specifically about the dangers of developing cancer. Labels may be misleading. Toxic chemicals may hide behind vague terms like “fragrance.”

Defendants we are currently naming in our lawsuit include, among others:

• L’Oreal/SoftSheen-Carson.
• Godrej/Strength of Nature.
• Namaste.

Unfortunately, one of the major manufacturers, Revlon, has filed for bankruptcy and can no longer be sued. And the deadline to file a claim in bankruptcy has passed, depriving users of the Revlon products a remedy.

Hair Relaxer Lawsuits: It’s Time to Take Action

Just like you, thousands of women across the country developed gynecologic cancers after frequent and long-term use of chemical hair straightening products. Black women and other women of color are particularly at risk for developing gynecologic cancers.

Women throughout the U.S. including teens, pregnant women, and salon workers may be exposed to toxic chemicals from hair straightening products more frequently than other population groups.

You may be entitled to compensation for this serious harm to your health. And we want to help.

Possible Damages You Could Recover

If you have suffered harm after using cancer-causing hair products, you could be compensated for:

• Medical expenses: Doctors’ visits, diagnostic tools, medical treatments, hospital expenses, and any follow-up care.
• Economic injuries: Lost wages, loss of future wages, and loss of income if unable to work.
• Pain and suffering: Having to endure cancer and its treatment.

How Long Could Litigation Take?

Lawsuits generally take several years. National corporations typically do whatever they can to avoid taking responsibility.

W&L Helps Clients Exposed to Toxic Chemicals

W&L attorneys are pros when it comes to standing up for your safety. We can help you explore your legal options. Plus, there is no charge for your initial consultation.

Reach out to us today, so we can help you get the justice you deserve. You can call us at (833) 977-3437 or use the online form.

Weitz & Luxenberg has a strong history of winning. So far, we have secured more than $19 billion in verdicts and settlements.