Hire Skilled Mass Tort Lawyers for Your Hair Relaxer Lawsuit or Settlement Case
Were you harmed by chemical hair straighteners or relaxers? Our mass tort law team is dedicated to helping victims seek compensation through class actions and individual lawsuits.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuits → ACT NOW! ←Hair Relaxer Lawsuits → ACT NOW! ←
Critical lawsuit information – create urgency to file claim
Ask if they have been affected and if so to not wait a second and submit their claim for potentially significant compensation
Time is of the essence – don’t let your rights slip away.
Hair relaxers have been a staple in the beauty industry for decades that offers you a way to straighten and smooth hair. However, recent studies and lawsuits have revealed a troubling connection between hair relaxers and serious health risks, such as cancer and reproductive issues.
If you or a loved one have suffered health complications after using hair relaxers, you may be entitled to get compensation. Our experienced team of lawyers is here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve.
What is a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
A hair relaxer lawsuit is a legal claim that is filed by individuals who have suffered health issues after using chemical hair relaxers. These products, commonly used to straighten or smooth hair, contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, lye, and other toxic substances.
Studies have suggested that extended use of hair relaxers may be linked to serious health conditions, including uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and other reproductive health problems. Hair relaxer lawsuits may be filed individually or as part of a class action lawsuit, depending on the number of affected individuals.
What Are the Risks of Using Hair Relaxers?
While hair relaxers are designed to chemically straighten and smooth hair, they come with significant health risks, which are:
Cancer
Studies have shown that prolonged use of hair relaxers, particularly those with formaldehyde, may increase the risk of certain cancers, including uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.
Reproductive Issues
Women who regularly use these products may be at higher risk for fertility problems, miscarriages, and other reproductive health complications due to the toxic substances absorbed through the scalp.
Skin Irritation and Burns
Direct contact with relaxers can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, or allergic reactions, especially if the product is left on the scalp too long.
Endocrine Disruption
Some chemicals in hair relaxers are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone production and regulation, potentially leading to developmental or hormonal disorders.
Types of Hair Relaxer Lawsuits
-
Hair Straightener Lawsuit
These lawsuits focus on claims against hair straightening products, such as relaxers and straightening creams. Users of these products can show adverse health effects, like hair loss, scalp irritation, or serious illnesses. These claims often state that the manufacturers failed to warn consumers about the potential risks of the chemicals used like formaldehyde.
-
Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit
This type of lawsuit targets hair straighteners that contain harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, phthalates, and lye. These chemicals, commonly used in professional and at-home hair treatments. It has been linked to serious health issues, such as cancer, reproductive health problems, and skin burns.
-
Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit
Hair relaxer cancer lawsuits are specific claims filed by individuals who developed cancers, such as uterine, ovarian, or breast cancer, after using hair relaxers. These lawsuits highlight the increased cancer risk for women, particularly women of color, who frequently use these products.
-
Hair Perm Lawsuit
Hair perm lawsuits involve claims related to the harmful effects of chemical perms, which are used to curl or wave the hair. Like hair relaxers, perms contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin burns, hair damage, and allergic reactions.
-
Hair Product Lawsuit
This broader category includes lawsuits involving various hair treatments and styling products, not just relaxers or perms. It encompasses claims related to other chemical hair products, such as dyes, bleaches, and conditioners, that may have harmful ingredients.
Signs and Symptoms of Hair Relaxer-related Health Issues
If you have used hair relaxers and are concerned about potential health risks, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate harm from these products.
- Unexplained Pain or Discomfort
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles or Fertility Problems
- Skin Reactions or Burns
- Changes in Skin or Hair Texture
- Lumps or Growths
- Respiratory Issues
If you notice any of these symptoms after using hair relaxers, it’s important to seek medical attention and discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional.
Did You Know?
Studies show that women who use hair relaxers regularly may be at a significantly higher risk of developing uterine cancer. Some research suggests that the risk may increase by up to 2.5 times for frequent users.
Hair Relaxer Settlements
February 24, 2025: Motions to Dismiss Denied (Again)
The MDL judge denied dismissal requests from John Paul Mitchell Systems, Wella, and Advanced Beauty in the ongoing hair relaxer cancer lawsuits, ensuring the cases remain in the MDL. The defendants argued that the master complaint did not specifically mention their products. However, Judge Rowland clarified that the master and short-form complaints collectively serve as a single operative complaint. As a result, the companies are required to address allegations from both.
February 19, 2025: Hair Stylists and Cosmetologists
Some of the most compelling hair relaxer lawsuits involve professional hairstylists and cosmetologists. Unlike occasional users who may have only applied these products a few times a year—yet still developed cancer—stylists have been in constant contact with these chemicals for years, often decades.
Their prolonged and repeated exposure, through direct handling, inhalation, and skin absorption, significantly increases their risk of hormone-related cancers such as uterine, breast, and ovarian cancer. From a legal standpoint, this consistent exposure strengthens the causal link between relaxers and these serious health conditions, making these claims particularly strong in multidistrict litigation.
In addition to the devastating health consequences, salon professionals face major financial setbacks due to their exposure. Many spent years building their careers in the beauty industry, only to be diagnosed with life-altering illnesses that make it impossible to continue working.
While a typical consumer can choose to stop using hair relaxers, professionals do not have that option without abandoning their livelihoods. As a result, their economic damages are substantial. Many former stylists have lost their entire source of income, undergone aggressive cancer treatments, and faced permanent health challenges—all because manufacturers failed to disclose the dangers of prolonged exposure to these hazardous chemicals.
February 11, 2024: Hair Relaxer Settlement Talks on the Horizon
Discussions surrounding the ongoing Hair Relaxer MDL are progressing as both plaintiffs and defendants move closer toward potential settlement talks.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys are maintaining a cautious stance, though all parties are eager to see these cases resolved and ensure victims receive some form of justice. There is a growing interest among plaintiffs to discuss the selection of a mediator. However, plaintiffs are resisting the defendants’ request to establish a formal mediation process at this early stage.
The defense attorneys contend that meaningful settlement discussions cannot commence until plaintiffs provide a comprehensive theory of liability for each defendant’s role in the alleged injuries. They have suggested a 45-day window for exchanging case theories after a mediator is chosen. But ultimately, the main goal is clear: we need a mediator and must first agree on the financial terms before considering a bellwether trial. It’s that straightforward.
Despite procedural disagreements, both sides seem to agree on the March 20, 2025, deadline for selecting a mediator. If successful, this could pave the way for early-stage settlement talks in what is anticipated to be a complex and high-stakes resolution.
As settlement negotiations continue to unfold, the upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether talks gain real momentum, or if extended litigation—including bellwether trials—becomes unavoidable. The next significant update is expected after the March 27, 2025, Case Management Conference.
Is there optimism for a hair relaxer settlement in the coming months? Not yet. While we would love to be proven wrong, history suggests that it’s difficult to reach a deal until we get closer to the trial date. Of course, we’d love to be wrong.
Why Should You Hire a Hair Relaxer Lawyer?
Hiring an experienced hair relaxer attorney is crucial to navigate the complexities of product liability and toxic exposure cases. These lawyers have the expertise to investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and determine if your health issues are linked to the use of hair relaxers.
They will also have access to medical experts and can handle negotiations with manufacturers, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of in the legal process. They understand the complexities of hair relaxer lawsuits and can offer guidance throughout the legal process. With their help, you can focus on your recovery while they fight for the justice you deserve.
Fight for Your Rights!
If you have been affected by the harmful effects of hair relaxers, it’s time to take action. Our dedicated lawyers are ready to evaluate your case and help you pursue justice.
