
News and Updates on Hair relaxers and Cancer Lawsuits
On March 1, 2023, a Chicago court consolidates numerous hair product lawsuits. One of the lawsuits included L’Oreal products as one of the relaxers sold to African American clients.
- On February 19th, 2023, a US Judicial Panel Order regarding Multidistrict Litigation announced that nearly 60 lawsuits alleging hair relaxer products sold by L’Oreal and other companies caused cancer will now be consolidated in Chicago Federal Court.
- On February 1, 2023, the research provided new insight into chemical hair relaxers and skin lighteners.
- January 1, 2023 - Hair relaxers: Can They Increase Uterine Cancer Risks?
Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, is an uncommon disorder with a 3% probability for most women. Each year in the United States alone, 65,000 cases of this disorder are diagnosed. Recent research suggests that hair straightening products could potentially increase one’s chance of getting diagnosed.
- On December 1, 2022, both were diagnosed with uterine tumors and cancers. As a result, they are now suing the manufacturers of chemical hair relaxers.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences released a report in the Journal of the National Institute of Cancer that linked hair product cancer to these devices. While it’s possible that this new study was the impetus behind recent relaxer lawsuits filed in the fall of 2022, it should be remembered that other studies have also linked cancer with these items; an International Journal of Cancer study in 2020 linked hair dyes and relaxers to breast carcinoma. These developments have reignited interest in hair relaxer lawsuits; lawyers are now calling on others to speak up if they feel affected by them.
Media reports on the recent hair relaxer lawsuits have highlighted lawyers’ assertion that race was a factor. Research shows women of color tend to use these devices more often, and those who participated in NIEHS hair product research had higher cancer rates.
Lawyers assert there are no barriers based on race, gender, or ethnicity for anyone looking into filing a hair relaxer lawsuit or cancer claims. To determine if you qualify for these claims and others related to hair relaxers, reach out to an experienced attorney who specializes in this area of law.



Hair straightening poses health risks
Many studies have demonstrated that hair relaxers may increase the risk of cancer, particularly among those who use them frequently. Studies have revealed certain chemicals found in relaxers have been linked to cancer and women who have used them regularly are at greater risk for developing certain types of tumors. Individual users may experience other side effects from using hair relaxers; for more information, contact their manufacturer or healthcare professional.

Hair relaxers and Cancer Lawsuit Payout
In the case of Jenny Mitchell (a Missouri woman who brought a lawsuit against L’Oreal and other hair relaxer manufacturers), Mitchell’s lawyers are seeking $75,000 in damages. But this is just one case; many more could potentially bring claims. Additionally, what evidence was discovered during these lawsuits about how much the companies knew about potential hazards associated with using hair relaxers will determine how much compensation is awarded.

Hair relaxers and Cancer Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Companies selling hair relaxers could potentially reach a settlement with claimants seeking compensation. If major brands such as Remington or L’Oreal have evidence of negligence or wrongdoing, they might decide it’s more practical to settle outside court. Negotiations between claimants and lawyers for hair relaxer corporations would lead to an amount settled. For now, though, law firms are working hard to bring more claimants into the proceedings so their stories can be heard and used against hair relaxer corporations in court.

Does the Hair relaxers and Cancer Lawsuit Fit into a Mass Tort Arrangement or Class Action Settlement?
At present, there are a collection of individual cases against hair relaxer makers. As more individuals join these lawsuits, more cases could be consolidated. Class action lawsuits are reserved for claimants with similar grievances and usually focus on consumer issues like faulty products and misleading marketing. Due to the complexity and potentially serious injury claims from hair relaxers, mass tort litigation may be more appropriate; cases are grouped together for efficiency and creating legal precedent; however, unlike class actions each claimant is treated individually when awarding settlements.