Hair

Relaxers

Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuits

Chemical hair relaxers and straighteners are now linked to serious cancers of the reproductive system. Women diagnosed with uterine, endometrial, or ovarian cancer after years of using these products are filing lawsuits against the manufacturers.

If you used chemical hair relaxers and were later diagnosed with one of these cancers, Pulaski Law Firm may be able to help you pursue compensation.

Why Are Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Being Filed?

Hair relaxer lawsuits claim that manufacturers:

  • Sold products with dangerous, endocrine-disrupting chemicals
  • Failed to warn about increased cancer risks
  • Marketed products as “safe” or “natural,” especially to Black and Brown women and even children

These cases gained momentum after a large government-funded study (the Sister Study) found that frequent use of chemical hair straighteners was linked to higher rates of uterine and ovarian cancer.

Current Status of the Hair Relaxer MDL

Federal hair relaxer cases have been grouped into MDL No. 3060 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. MDL stands for “multidistrict litigation,” which lets many similar cases move through pretrial steps together while each person keeps their own individual claim.

As of November 3, 2025, there were 10,723 lawsuits pending in the hair relaxer MDL, and the court has a bellwether trial plan in place to help move the litigation forward.

No global settlements or trial verdicts have been reached yet. Any potential recovery will depend on the facts of each case.

Who May Qualify?

You may qualify to file a hair relaxer lawsuit if:

  • You regularly used chemical hair relaxers or straighteners for several years, often 4+ times per year
  • You were diagnosed with:
    • Uterine cancer
    • Endometrial cancer
    • Ovarian cancer
  • You have medical records showing your diagnosis

Even if you are not sure which brand you used, our team can help review products, receipts, and photos of packaging.

Not sure if you qualify? Contact Pulaski Law Firm for a free case review. We can walk you through your options.

How Hair Relaxers May Increase Cancer Risk

Many hair relaxer products contain chemicals that can disrupt the hormone system and may be carcinogenic, including:

  • Formaldehyde
  • Lye
  • Phthalates
  • Parabens
  • Certain siloxanes and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with normal hormone function, which has been linked to reproductive cancers like uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
In 2024, the EPA concluded that formaldehyde poses an “unreasonable risk” to human health, particularly for people who regularly use products containing it, and the FDA proposed banning formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair relaxers, although final action has been delayed.
Health note: Only a doctor can diagnose cancer or explain your personal risk. If you have symptoms like abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating, or ongoing changes in your health, talk with your healthcare provider.

Companies and Products Named in Lawsuits

Lawsuits name a number of cosmetic and personal care companies that make or sell chemical hair relaxers. Examples include:

  • L’Oréal
  • Revlon and related entities
  • SoftSheen-Carson
  • Strength of Nature
  • John Paul Mitchell Systems
  • Wella Operations US LLC
  • Sally Beauty Supply LLC
  • Dabur / Namaste Laboratories

Examples of brands and products that have been associated with claims include:

  • Dark & Lovely®
  • Just for Me®
  • ORS Olive Oil™ / Organic Root Stimulator™
  • African Pride®
  • Affirm®
  • Crème of Nature®
  • Motions®
  • Profectiv Mega Growth®
  • TCB® and TCB Naturals®
  • Soft & Beautiful®

If you do not remember the exact brand, do not let that stop you from reaching out. We can help investigate.

What Compensation Could Cover

Because the MDL is still in progress, there is no set “average payout.” However, people who bring successful claims may recover money for:

  • Medical bills, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care
  • Future medical treatment and monitoring
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Every case is different. The value of a claim depends on your diagnosis, stage of disease, treatment history, and proof of product use.

Why Work With Pulaski Law Firm?

Pulaski Law Firm represents people across the country in complex product and toxic exposure cases. In hair relaxer claims, our team:

  • Reviews your medical records and product history
  • Works with medical and scientific experts to build your case
  • Handles communications with defendants and the court, including MDL procedures
  • Charges no upfront fees and only gets paid if we recover compensation for you

Our goal is to take on the legal burden so you can focus on your health and your family.

What to Do Next

If you used chemical hair relaxers and were later diagnosed with uterine, endometrial, or ovarian cancer, here are steps to take:

  • Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep copies of your diagnoses, test results, and treatment records.
  • Gather product information, including brands you used, how often you used them, and where applications took place (home or salon).
  • Contact Pulaski Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We can tell you whether you may qualify to file a hair relaxer lawsuit or join the MDL.

Talk to a hair relaxer lawyer at Pulaski Law Firm by calling (800) 711-8989 or completing the form on this page. There are strict deadlines to file, so it is important to act as soon as you can.

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