Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit

Hair relaxers are chemical products that make curly or textured hair smooth and straight. However, long-term hair relaxer use can have serious consequences. Recent studies have linked hair relaxers with an increased risk of developing cancer.

One study found that women who regularly used hair relaxers for one year were twice as likely to develop uterine cancer than those who did not. It is concerning, as it suggests that long-term use of these products may also be linked to an increased risk of other types of cancer.

Do you suspect that chemical hair relaxers are responsible for causing your cancer? The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help you file a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit against the negligent company that could have contributed to your diagnosis.

Contact our product liability lawyers at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

What are Chemical Hair Relaxers?

Chemical hair relaxers contain strong chemicals to help relax and straighten hair strands. These products contain primarily sodium hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate, guanidine carbonate, lithium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and potassium thioglycolate.

Hair relaxer treatments involve applying the chemical product to dampen hair and brushing it through the strands for about ten minutes. This process helps break down protein bonds in the hair, allowing it to be shaped more smoothly.

When using chemical hair relaxers, it is essential to remember that these are strong chemicals and should only be used when necessary. Moreover, they can cause damage to the scalp and hair if not used properly with the right products, amount of time, and frequency of application.

• Chemical hair relaxers can cause scalp irritation, skin burns, and in some cases cancer.
• Chemical hair relaxers contain harsh chemicals like ammonium thioglycolate, sodium hydroxide, and guanidine carbonate, which can damage your scalp and cause rashes.
• Exposure to these chemicals can have long-term effects on your health, such as a weakened immune system and increased risk of developing certain cancers like Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, breast cancer, and bladder cancer.
• Long-term use of chemical hair relaxers can also cause weak and brittle hair that may lead to hair loss.
• Another potential issue associated with chemical hair relaxers is the presence of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled from vapors during application.
• Formaldehyde is linked to various health issues, including eye and respiratory problems and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as nasal cavity tumors.

Chemical Hair Relaxers vs. Chemical Hair Straighteners

Regarding chemical hair treatments, two main options offer different results: hair relaxers and straighteners.

Hair relaxers, also known as permanent wave solutions or texturizers, reform hair's natural curl pattern by breaking down the protein bonds in the cortex of each strand. This process will permanently alter the texture of the hair until new growth appears.

On the other hand, chemical straighteners break down disulfide bonds within each strand of hair for a quick, smooth look and feel. Disulfide bonds remain intact until cuticle damage allows new growth to appear.

It is important for people considering either option to understand their differences before committing to a long-term change. Each treatment involves a unique process that affects different parts inside each strand of hair, offering various degrees of permanence and maintenance requirements.

• Hair Relaxers:
  • Breakdown protein bonds in the cortex of strands, permanently loosening curls/textures on contact.
  • Regrowth is only noticeable with new growth.
  • Constant reapplication is necessary every 6 - 8 weeks.
• Chemical Straighteners:
  • Break down disulfide bonds temporarily smoothing out curls/textures on contact.
  • Reapplication is needed every 4 - 6 months when cuticle damage occurs.
  • Cuticle damage can cause frizziness without proper application and maintenance.

Relaxers break down the bond that gives your natural curls or waves shape, making them looser and straighter. The results depend on the type of relaxer used, the starting texture of the individual’s hair, and how well it was applied.

While chemical relaxers can provide lasting results, they can also be damaging if not properly cared for after application.

Temporary Smoothing Agent

Chemically activated straighteners use keratin or collagen to temporarily smooth out curly or wavy strands by coating them with a protective layer. This layer wears off gradually over time, and extended use may result in dryness or breakage due to a lack of moisture that can enter individual hairs.

Permanent Change to the Hair Strand

Chemical hair relaxer products permanently change your hair’s structure, while chemical hair straightening products cost less but require more frequent applications than relaxers do.

It's essential to conduct some research to determine which method is best suited for you based on your desired outcome and current hair type/condition before trying either one of these treatments.

Common Chemical Hair Relaxer Products Manufactured and Sold in the US

Some chemical hair relaxer products sold in the United States and their respective manufacturers include:

• Affirm Relaxer System by Avlon Industries
• Positively Smooth Relaxer System by African Pride
• Soft & Beautiful Botanicals by L'Oreal USA
• Lusters S-Curl Texturizer No Base Creme Relaxer by Luster Products Inc.
• Just For Me No-Lye Relaxer System Sensitive Scalp Care Formula by Soft Sheen Carson
• Next Generation PRO 5, No Base Cream Relaxer System by Dark & Lovely
• TCB Naturals No Base Cream Relaxer System by Soft Sheen Carson
• Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss 5 Relaxer System by L'Oreal USA
• Ultra Glaze Professional Hair Strengthening Creme Relaxer Kit by Ultra Glaze
• ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection New Growth No-Lye Relaxer System by Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Hair Care
• Easy Waves Extra Strength Regular Formula Hair Relaxed Gel Activator Comb-Thru Wave Setter and Wave Starter from Cureplex

The Hair Relaxer Cancer Connection

According to recent research, chemical hair relaxers may be linked to an increased risk of developing various cancers due to prolonged exposure to phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Chemical relaxers contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can negatively impact the delicate hormone balance in our bodies. Using chemical relaxers has been associated with significant increases in the risk of developing uterine cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer.

In addition, some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to these EDCs may also increase the likelihood of developing uterine fibroids, which can cause extreme pain and other health issues.

It's essential to consider the potentially harmful chemicals used in some commercial hair relaxer products when choosing one for yourself or your loved ones.

Prolonged Use of Hair Straightening Chemicals

Prolonged usage of specific chemical relaxer products has been found to have up to a 10-fold increase in the risk of developing various types of cancer.

When considering a product containing EDCs, always read the label closely and seek medical advice if you notice any troubling symptoms or experience any unwanted reaction.

Furthermore, minimize your exposure by only using them occasionally and ensure proper safety precautions are taken beforehand, such as wearing gloves and protective clothing while applying them.

Potential Side Effects When Using Chemical Hair Straightening Products

Chemical hair straightening products may have various side effects. People who frequently use them may experience contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction resulting in redness, itching, and irritation of the scalp or other areas of the skin.

In addition to dermatitis, chemical hair straighteners may contain harmful ingredients to the body when inhaled or ingested. It could lead to dizziness, headaches, respiratory issues, and other health ailments.

In extreme cases, some chemicals can cause permanent damage to the lungs or liver if used continuously or without proper precautions. The most common side effects associated with chemical hair straighteners include:

• Contact dermatitis
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Respiratory issues
• Brown patches on the face and neck
• Scalp dryness
• Hair loss
• Skin discoloration
• Burning sensation on the scalp

It’s essential to be aware of these possible side effects when using chemical hair straighteners.

Always read product labels carefully and take all necessary safety measures, such as wearing protective headgear and avoiding contact with eyes/mouth or breathing in potentially harmful fumes.

If you experience any bothersome symptoms after using a chemical hair straightener, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor for further evaluation.

Avoiding Hair Relaxers

Care should be taken when using any chemical relaxer products on your hair, as improper use can result in permanent damage.

Chemical hair relaxer products should also be avoided if you have recently undergone any chemical treatment on your hair, such as color or bleach, as it could lead to further damage due to the already weakened protein bonds.

Additionally, people with distressed or highly porous hair may need extra attention when using these products as they may experience more side effects than others.

Also, before purchasing a chemical product for hair relaxation, it is wise to research what type works best for your individual needs, such as the texture type or length of the strand being treated.

It will ensure that you get the most out of your product by avoiding potential damages from incorrect use & will allow you to benefit from its usage.

Common Ingredients in Hair Relaxer Products

The most common ingredients in hair relaxers are lye and guanidine carbonate, which can be toxic if they come into contact with the skin or eyes. Some health experts believe these chemicals could enter the bloodstream through cuts on the scalp, increasing a person’s risk of developing certain types of cancers over time.

Fortunately, there are some steps that people can take to reduce their risk of developing cancer as a result of using hair relaxers. These include using products with fewer aggressive ingredients and limiting exposure to direct heat while styling the hair.

Additionally, it’s important to always follow the directions on any product and wash hands thoroughly after handling chemicals like hair relaxers or dyes. Though some risks may exist when it comes to the frequent use of hair relaxers, simple precautions can help keep people safe from any potential danger.

When used correctly and safely, these products can still provide great results without damaging your health in the long run.

The Risk of Uterine Cancer in African American Women Due to Hair Relaxer Products Containing Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

The National Cancer Institute has found that African American women are at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer due to the endocrine-disrupting toxic chemicals in hair relaxer products.

Uterine fibroids typically result in black women developing uterine cancer at such a young age and can also lead to permanent infertility.

In a recent study by the National Cancer Institute, black women who routinely used hair relaxers were more likely to develop uterine cancer than those who did not use them.

Additionally, the research showed that black women were at greater risk for long-term health problems, including permanent infertility and decreased fertility rates.

Infertility Rates

Although the exact cause of uterine cancer linked to hair relaxers is still unknown, researchers believe that exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting harmful chemicals may affect hormone levels and, as a result, increase the risk of developing breast cancer or any cancer in women.

In addition to increasing their chances of developing uterine cancer, these same chemicals may contribute to other issues, such as infertility and reduced overall fertility rates.

Overall, while black women are more likely than other groups to develop ovarian or uterine cancer due to their increased use of relaxer products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals, it does not mean that all women that use these products will automatically develop this ovarian, uterine, endometrial, or breast cancer.

However, taking steps to reduce exposure can help reduce the risk associated with using these products.

Is There a Hair Relaxer Class Action Lawsuit Filed in Federal Court?

In recent years, there has been an increase in lawsuits charging that certain relaxer products contain toxic chemicals, which can lead to the diagnosis of uterine cancer.

These cases have the potential to be consolidated into a hair relaxer class action lawsuit, meaning that a group of plaintiffs has claimed similar injuries due to the same product. No hair relaxer class action lawsuit has been filed in federal court.

However, several individual cases are pending against manufacturers of hair relaxers, alleging that they did not adequately warn consumers about the potential risks of using their products. These individuals have sometimes successfully filed independent claims against their product manufacturers.

Hair Relaxer Class Action vs. Hair Relaxer MDL (Multidistrict Litigation)

A hair relaxer lawsuit filed in 2017 in federal court initiated hair relaxer litigation. The lawsuit blames hair relaxers for causing uterine cancer.

Multiple hair straightener lawsuits against one manufacturer or its affiliates were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the defendant.

This new hair relaxer lawsuit process combines similar claims into one case and allows attorneys to collaborate on the case's legal discovery, expert witness selection, and other aspects. This type of cancer lawsuit can make it much easier for plaintiffs to get just compensation for their illnesses caused by chemical hair straighteners.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with uterine cancer after using chemical hair straighteners, consider filing an individual claim or joining an existing MDL. An experienced attorney can help guide you through this uterine cancer lawsuit process and ensure your rights are protected throughout.

Your lawyer specializing in hair straightener lawsuits will also work hard to get you the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering due to your illness caused by chemically-activated hair straighteners. Contact us for a free consultation.

Diagnosed With Uterine Cancer or Other Medical Condition? File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

Hair relaxer cancer lawsuits have become increasingly common as more people are diagnosed with uterine cancer or other medical conditions after using certain hair relaxers. These individuals have sometimes successfully filed chemical hair straightener lawsuits against manufacturers and other chemically activated hair straightener products.

In recent years, nine hair relaxer cases have been filed in various court systems across the country, resulting in uterine cancer settlements or verdicts for the plaintiffs.

These hair relaxer cancer cases involve product liability lawsuits against the manufacturers of relaxer products for failing to adequately warn consumers about the potential risks of using their products.

In some hair relaxer litigation cases, plaintiffs were awarded millions in damages due to their illnesses caused by using chemically activated hair relaxer products, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

The hair relaxer lawsuit compensation may vary from case to case depending on various factors, such as the severity of the illness and length of use.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, we understand how important it is for victims of careless manufacturers to seek justice for their suffering and loss of time due to their negligence.

We are committed to providing each client with the best legal representation possible. Contact us today for further information on how we can help resolve your hair relaxer lawsuit.

Hair Relaxer Cancer Cases Involving Product Liability

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with uterine cancer caused by hair relaxer products, it is important to consider filing a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

If successful, this type of chemical hair straightener lawsuit can provide compensation and help hold companies accountable for their negligent actions.

Chemical hair straightener lawsuits can be a long and challenging process; it is possible to get just compensation if you work with an experienced attorney who understands product liability laws and applies them in your case.

A qualified hair relaxer lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected throughout this process and work hard to get you what you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.

When taking on your claim, our attorneys will work on a contingency fee basis – meaning there is no upfront cost to you until we recover damages in your favor. We don’t get paid unless we secure the compensation you deserve from those responsible for your injuries.

Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuits Involving Wrongful Deaths

Uterine cancer is a severe and life-threatening illness typically resulting from certain chemically-activated hair relaxer products. Some individuals have developed ovarian or uterine cancer after using these products.

They have filed hair relaxer cancer lawsuits against their manufacturers for failing to warn them about the potentially higher risk of using the products.

Unfortunately, there have been several documented cases where an individual has developed uterine cancer after using a chemical hair relaxer and has died as a result. These hair relaxer lawsuits are often referred to as wrongful death suits and can include damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Hospital costs
• Lost wages
• Funeral and burial expenses
• The decedent's pain and suffering before dying
• The family's grief due to the untimely passing of a loved one

It is also important to note that developing breast cancer can be linked to certain chemically activated hair relaxer products.

Studies have found that certain chemicals in hair relaxers, such as lye or guanidine hydroxide, may increase the risk of developing this type of cancer when compared to those who do not use relaxer products or are exposed to lower levels of toxic ingredients found in some straightening products such as Organic Root Stimulator (ORS).

How a Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help You File a Product Liability Lawsuit Against Hair Relaxer Manufacturers

If you have been using hair relaxer products manufactured by a company and have developed uterine cancer, you may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.

This type of hair relaxer uterine cancer claim is designed to hold companies accountable for their negligence regarding the safety and health of their products.

A personal injury law firm can help you navigate the process of filing a uterine cancer lawsuit and ensure that your rights are adequately represented.

With an experienced attorney, you can build a solid case against the manufacturer and get just compensation for damages related to your illnesses caused by using chemically activated hair relaxer products.

Building a Compensation Lawsuit

Your hair relaxer uterine cancer lawyer will also handle all aspects of your hair relaxer cancer lawsuit, including gathering evidence, questioning witnesses, obtaining expert witness testimony, and negotiating with opposing counsel.

Additionally, they can help determine if any other claims could lead to additional uterine cancer settlements in your case, such as lost wages or extreme pain and suffering due to extreme discomfort associated with your illness.

Before filing a hair relaxer lawsuit, including gathering evidence, consider whether there is any evidence linking the use of relaxer products containing certain chemicals to an increased risk of developing uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, or other illness compared to those not exposed to these substances.

If so, your new hair relaxer lawsuit could result in higher settlement amounts due to possible punitive damages being awarded. With an experienced attorney at your side throughout this process, you can have confidence that all options for seeking justice will be explored.

Hire a Personal Injury Team Specializing in Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

Were you or a loved one diagnosed with uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, or another severe medical condition after using hair relaxers containing certain chemicals? Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation.

Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with product liability cases and can help you determine if you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses.

Free Consultation

Our legal team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances that caused your injury and review any scientific studies indicating an increased risk of developing certain medical conditions after using hair products containing certain chemicals compared to those not exposed to those substances.

We can also thoroughly review any available documentation showing how the manufacturer failed to warn consumers about these possible dangers and any other pertinent evidence that could bolster your case.

Resources:

• US FDA: Hair Relaxers
• CDC: Hair Relaxer
• National Library of Medicine