Hair relaxers have been a popular product for decades, helping individuals achieve straighter, more manageable hair. However, in recent years, mounting lawsuits have been filed against major hair relaxer brands, with plaintiffs alleging that prolonged use of these products has caused serious health issues, including uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and other reproductive health problems.
If you or a loved one have used chemical hair relaxers and are wondering if you qualify for legal action, this article explains which brands are being sued and the criteria you must meet to file a lawsuit.
Brands Currently Being Sued Over Hair Relaxers
Several well-known companies are facing lawsuits related to their hair relaxer products. Plaintiffs claim these products contained harmful chemicals that increased the risk of cancer and other serious health complications. Some of the primary brands named in hair relaxer lawsuits include:
- L’Oréal (including their Dark & Lovely product line)
- SoftSheen-Carson
- ORS (formerly Organic Root Stimulator)
- Motions
- Just for Me
- African Pride
- Strength of Nature
These lawsuits generally allege that the manufacturers failed to properly warn users about the potential dangers associated with long-term use of their chemical hair straighteners.
What Are the Health Risks Linked to Hair Relaxers?
Recent studies, including research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have found potential links between frequent use of hair relaxers and increased risks of:
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Breast cancer
Many of the chemicals found in hair relaxers, such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and parabens, are suspected endocrine disruptors that may interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to these serious health issues.
Who Qualifies to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
If you’re wondering whether you may qualify to join a hair relaxer lawsuit, there are several key criteria that law firms and legal teams typically look for:
1. Regular Use of Chemical Hair Relaxers
Most lawsuits involve plaintiffs who have used chemical hair relaxers frequently (typically at least four times per year) for an extended period (usually several years).
2. Diagnosis of a Related Health Condition
You must have been diagnosed with a qualifying health condition, such as:
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Uterine fibroids requiring surgery
3. Timeline of Use and Diagnosis
Lawyers will assess the timeline of your hair relaxer use in relation to your diagnosis. Generally, your regular use of relaxers should have started years before your diagnosis.
4. Age and Personal History
Additional factors such as age, family medical history, and lifestyle may also be considered when evaluating your eligibility.
What to Do If You Think You Qualify
If you believe you may qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit, it’s important to:
- Document your product use – gather receipts, photos, or any proof of purchase.
- Obtain medical records – confirming your diagnosis and treatment.
- Contact an experienced attorney – who is actively working on hair relaxer cases.
Contact our law firm today, we are are offering free consultations to help potential clients determine their eligibility.
With major brands like L’Oréal, SoftSheen-Carson, and others facing growing legal scrutiny, it’s crucial for anyone who has used chemical hair relaxers and developed serious health issues to explore their legal options.
If you meet the criteria, you could be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.