Hair relaxer lawsuit settlement for chemical cancer victims

Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

The Hair Relaxer Lawsuit has been filed in all 50 states. You may qualify for compensation if you have been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, Uterine Cancer, or Endometrial Cancer.

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Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates
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Georgia Court Ruling Allows Hair Relaxer Lawsuits to Proceed

A Georgia state court has clarified a key legal timeframe, ruling that the statute of limitations for hair relaxer injury claims begins after an individual's most recent product exposure, not their first. This interpretation allows hundreds of lawsuits alleging that chemical straighteners caused reproductive cancers to move forward. The decision enables many women who were previously time-barred to now pursue settlements within the consolidated group litigation in Georgia.

Professional Stylists File Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Citing Occupational Exposure

A significant subset of hair relaxer lawsuits involves professional stylists and cosmetologists who experienced long-term, daily occupational exposure to chemical straighteners. These women worked in enclosed salons, applying products to clients and handling the chemicals for years. This repeated, high-level exposure is scientifically linked to a significantly increased risk of developing hormone-related cancers, including uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer. The lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to warn these professionals about the severe health risks associated with routine exposure. Many stylists have suffered life-altering consequences, including being forced to leave their profession after a cancer diagnosis or major surgery.

Hair Relaxer Litigation Surpasses 10,500 Cases with Key Science Day Scheduled

As of October 1, there are 10,552 active lawsuits in the hair relaxer multidistrict litigation. The litigation, involving women who developed cancers and other conditions after using chemical straighteners, will proceed into 2026. A pivotal "Science Day" is scheduled for January 2026, where both sides will present scientific evidence linking relaxer chemicals to uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, as well as fibroids and endometriosis. Bellwether test trials are set for summer 2026, moving plaintiffs closer to potential resolutions and settlements.

Court Enforces Compliance in Hair Relaxer MDL, Dismisses Non-Responsive Cases

Judge Mary Rowland has issued key rulings on defense motions to dismiss cases for non-compliance with Case Management Order No. 9. One case was dismissed with prejudice, while a group of others were dismissed without prejudice, allowing refiling by year-end if plaintiffs submit complete fact sheets and authorizations. Two plaintiffs must confirm compliance immediately to avoid dismissal with prejudice. Another case was dismissed with prejudice for repeated failure to prosecute. These actions streamline the docket by removing non-compliant claims, which ultimately strengthens the litigation's integrity and clarifies the viable case count for future settlement negotiations.

About the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

Hair relaxer lawsuits have been brought by thousands of claimants. Studies have shown a relationship between chemical hair relaxers and cancer. These cancers include ovarian, uterine, and breast cancers. Scientific research suggests that chemicals in hair relaxers may be a contributing factor to uterine fibroids and uterine cancer. According to these studies, women who use certain hair relaxers are more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.


Many big-name companies, such as L’Oreal, are being sued due to the potential harm their products have caused to many women. The Hair Relaxer lawsuit alleges that hair relaxer products contain chemicals that may cause uterine cancer. Hair relaxer products are predominately used by African-American women.


Hair relaxer products contain harmful chemicals known as phthalates, also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which may cause issues with natural hormone production. These chemicals may enter the body when used on the scalp and can alter hormone levels. Using these products may lead to many health issues, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids and different cancer types. The chemical can also harm the immune system and cause ovarian cancer.
 

What is The Difference Between Class Action Lawsuits and Multi-District Litigation (MDL)?

Class action lawsuits and multi-district litigation (MDL) are both legal mechanisms used to handle a large number of lawsuits that share common issues, but they operate differently. 


In a class action lawsuit, a small group of plaintiffs represents a larger group against a defendant. This method is efficient when individual lawsuits would be impractical due to the large number of plaintiffs. The outcome of a class action lawsuit, whether it's a court decision or a settlement, applies to all members.


On the other hand, MDL consolidate individual but related civil cases from different federal districts into a single district for pretrial proceedings. This process is often used in complex cases like product liability suits. In MDLs, like the hair relaxer lawsuit, each plaintiff retains their individual lawsuit, and outcomes or settlements are handled individually even though the pretrial process is combined.
 

Why Are the Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Consolidated Into an MDL?

The hair relaxer lawsuit is considered an MDL because the varied injuries, potential contributing factors, and unique medical histories of each plaintiff necessitate a more flexible approach. This allows for individualized assessments of damages, liability arguments based on specific cases, and tailored discovery while still achieving efficiency through shared pre-trial procedures.

How to Pre-Qualify for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

To pre-qualify for the hair relaxer lawsuit, individuals must meet specific criteria related to the use of certain hair relaxer products and the subsequent development of certain cancers:
Pre-Qualifying Injuries:

  • Uterine Cancer
  • Endometrial Cancer
  • Ovarian Cancer
  • Uterine Fibroids
  • & Other Pre-Qualifying Cancers

 

Hair Relaxer Products Linked:

  • Dark & Lovely
  • Just for Me
  • Motions
  • Africa's Best
  • African Pride
  • Bantu
  • Creme of Nature
  • Luster's
  • Mizani Rhelaxer
  • TCB or TCB Naturals
  • Ultra Precise
  • Ultra Sheen Supreme
  • Elite Bristo
  • Optimum
  • Soft & Beautiful

 

We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility. Various factors impact eligibility and all cases are unique.

 

While you will need to speak to an attorney to determine eligibility, claimants must typically provide concrete evidence of their use of one or more of the specified hair relaxer products. This documentation can include purchase receipts, photographs, or testimonies that clearly demonstrate a history of using these products. 

 

Additionally, claimants must typically have a medically confirmed diagnosis of one of the specified cancers: Uterine Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, or Ovarian Cancer. Medical records, such as diagnostic reports, treatment records, and statements from healthcare professionals, are crucial in substantiating this aspect of the process. 

 

The combination of proof of product usage and a relevant medical diagnosis forms the cornerstone of establishing a direct link required for potential eligibility in the hair relaxer lawsuit.

What Brands Are Being Investigated in the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

Several manufacturers and their respective products are commonly implicated in the hair relaxer lawsuit, including:

  • L’Oreal - manufacturer of Dark & Lovely, Ultra Sheen, and other chemical hair products
  • Strength of Nature Global, LLC - manufacturer of Motions
  • Namaste, LLC - manufacturer of ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer
  • TCB Naturals/Godrej Consumer Products - manufacturer of Just For Me

 

What Are Your Next Steps?

If you or a loved one has been affected by Hair Relaxers or other products, now is the time to take action. Thousands of women are seeking justice for the harm they’ve suffered, and you may be entitled to compensation.

 

Joining a class action lawsuit is about more than obtaining a settlement. It’s also about holding these companies accountable for the products they sell. 

 

Join a Class Action Lawsuit

The potential dangers of Hair Relaxers have left many individuals feeling betrayed and uncertain about their future and health. 

 

If you’ve used Hair Relaxers and are now facing health issues, you’re not alone. Class action lawsuits offer a way to seek justice and compensation for the suffering and associated risks of using Hair Relaxers. 

 

Don’t wait. Consult with your doctor, explore your legal options, and take steps to protect your rights. We encourage you to start the process of finding out if you may qualify for a Hair Relaxer class action lawsuit. We can help you stay informed and provide you with the latest updates regarding the lawsuit. Subscribe to OnlyClassActions for further details. 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The hair relaxer lawsuits allege that companies, including L’Oréal, failed to warn consumers about the risks of their products, leading to health issues like uterine cancer from chemicals like phthalates. The lawsuits argue that the companies knew of these dangers but continued to sell the products, prioritizing profit over consumer safety and neglecting their duty to inform users about potential carcinogens.

Yes, the hair relaxer lawsuits highlight that these products were predominantly marketed to Black women, underscoring concerns about their disproportionate exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. This focus sheds light on issues of race, health, and corporate responsibility, suggesting that the marketing to Black women overlooked their specific health risks. The case emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and safety in product development and marketing, raising broader questions about health equity and the ethical responsibilities of personal care companies.

Several chemicals found in hair relaxer products are suspected to be carcinogenic, raising concerns about their potential health risks. These include: · Formaldehyde: Often used in hair products for its preservative and straightening properties, formaldehyde has been classified as a carcinogen. · Parabens: Commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, parabens can mimic estrogen and have been linked to cancer risk. · Heavy Metals: Certain hair relaxers contain heavy metals, which, with prolonged exposure, can have toxic effects and potentially contribute to cancer development. · Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals like Phthalates: These chemicals, found in many personal care products, can interfere with hormone function and are linked to various health issues, including cancer.

Chemical relaxers, often used by individuals with natural hair, can lead to a variety of side effects. These range from relatively minor issues like dandruff and hair loss to more serious conditions such as endometriosis and cancer. Currently, there are no available hair straightening products that offer a permanent solution and are entirely chemical-free.

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