Hair Relaxer Lawsuit: Guide & Latest Updates for 2025 (2024)

What Is the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

As of early 2025, there are 8,192 causes in theclass action lawsuitinvolving hair relaxers. These lawsuits arose from the2023 studyreferenced above.

To conduct the study, researchers used data from the Black Women’s Health Study to look at health outcomes for almost 45,000 self-identified Black women with intact uteruses from the years 1997 to 2019. They found that long-term use of chemical hair relaxers increased the risk for uterine cancer in postmenopausal women, giving plaintiffs the scientifically backed data they needed to pursue uterine cancer lawsuits for hair relaxers.

These lawsuits show similar impacts to thetalcum powder actions, where women also report developing cancer in their reproductive systems. It is all part of greater awareness regardingchemical exposureand its effects on health and the environment.

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Understanding the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

In light of recent findings, you may be able to file a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit if you used hair straightening products and subsequently developed uterine, breast or endometrial cancer. Regarding eligibility for a hair relaxer lawsuit, fibroids may also qualify you.

Hair Relaxer MDL

Many hair relaxer lawsuits are being filed into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Thehair relaxer MDLis a consolidated lawsuit that includes thousands of victims who developed uterine cancer, breast cancer, fibroids, and other related conditions after using chemical hair relaxers.

An MDL is different from a traditional class action lawsuit. Hair relaxer settlements in MDLs distribute proceeds on a case-by-case basis, according to each plaintiff’s claim, and each case in an MDL remains separate. Essentially, plaintiffs in MDLs remain distinct plaintiffs rather than taking on the status of a group.

Class Action Lawsuits for Hair Relaxers

A class action lawsuit receives a settlement to the class, not the individuals. Class members receive proceeds from one large settlement based on their damages. Under this scenario, those facing the worst damages (like family members who lost loved ones due to hair relaxer cancers) receive the largest payouts. These payouts may not cover all damages as well as an individual lawsuit.

Is the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Legitimate?

There are more than 8,000 pending cases, making their MDL hair relaxer lawsuit on track to represent thousands of individual plaintiffs in their pursuit of justice. While the number of cases between June and July increased modestly (8,170 to 8,192), more victims will likely file suits.

The court scheduled the initial trial for November 3, 2025, and a second one for February 2, 2026. As they do for mostdefective productmatters, a jury will decide these cases.

Potential Settlement Amounts for Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

Hair relaxer lawsuit settlement amounts in 2025 vary depending on the severity of your illness or injury and the strength of the evidence linking hair relaxers to your medical condition. Lawsuits typically focus on conditions like uterine or ovarian cancer, which have shown links to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in hair relaxers. Settlement amounts should reflect your losses, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and more.

While accurate figures aren’t available yet, individuals who have fought for compensation in similar mass tort cases involving harmful chemicals have recovered substantial settlements. 2025 predictions for hair relaxer lawsuit payouts suggest that amounts could be in the region of $120,000 to $150,000 or more for those with significant health impacts.

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Filing Your Lawsuit for Hair Relaxer

If you used chemical hair relaxers for an extended period and then developed cancer, fibroids, or a related health condition, you may be eligible to participate in the MDL class action lawsuit. Hair relaxer companies need to be held accountable for the damage they’ve caused and the lives they’ve shattered. Legal action is the best way to bring them to justice and secure compensation for your suffering.

Need help figuring out how to get started? Don’t think you need to do it alone—ConsumerShield can guide you through the complexities of the legal process. Our compassionate consumer advocates will review your situation, explain your options, and connect you with legal resources.

Getting started is easy: ContactConsumerShield onlineto ask questions, voice concerns, or schedule a consultation with a dedicated legal expert.

Steps to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

Knowing the steps involved in filing a hair relaxer lawsuit in 2025 can help you protect your rights and recover what you deserve.

• Determine eligibility. First, determine eligibility by filling in the form on this page to request a free case review.
• Gather evidence. Collect any documents that could be evidence of a link between your illness and hair relaxers. This can include medical records and receipts of receiving hair relaxer services or product purchase receipts.
• File a lawsuit. A product liability attorney can help you file a lawsuit and hold a manufacturer accountable.

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Who Qualifies for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

If you regularly used hair relaxers as part of your beauty routine and have been diagnosed with a linked illness, such as uterine, ovarian or breast cancer, you may qualify for a lawsuit. To have a case, you’ll need evidence of regular use of hair relaxers, such as purchase receipts and medical records detailing your diagnosis.

Time to file a hair relaxer lawsuit may be limited. Find out whether you’re eligible today and how to file a lawsuit by filling in your details on this page to request a free case review.

Evaluating the Link Between Hair Straighteners and Cancer

New research is still emerging on the possible effects of chemical hair straighteners. For now, the causal link between hair straighteners and uterine cancer seems to be the strongest, but it’s not the only type of cancer associated with chemical hair relaxers. Studies indicate that using hair straighteners may contribute to the development of the following:

Uterine cancer

A diagnosis of uterine cancer may result in the most significant hair relaxer lawsuit payouts. Studies show long-term chemical hair relaxer use increases the risk of developing uterine cancer in postmenopausal women.

Uterine cancer often leads to hysterectomy. Many class action lawsuits, hair relaxers included, involve claimants who underwent that procedure.

Endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer is a subtype of uterine cancer. Researchers in a2022 studyfurther divide endometrial cancer into type I and type II, according to the symptoms with which they present. The study indicates a more vital link between type I endometrial cancer and hair relaxers than type II.

Ovarian cancer

Research conducted in a2021 studysuggests that frequent use of hair relaxers is associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Breast cancer

In a2020 study, researchers found that women who used hair straighteners or applied them to others in the 12 months before participating in the study had a much higher risk of breast cancer.

While distinct, these cancers have something in common: They may each arise from exposure to certain harmful chemicals, namely endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors, including formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, and more, can interfere with the body’s hormones and result in cancer.

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Scientific Evidence Behind Hair Relaxer Cancer Risks

Evidence is growing for a link between chemical hair straighteners and hormone-related cancers. A 2022 study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) establishes a link between uterine cancer and hair relaxers. Women who frequently used hair relaxers had a much higher risk of developing uterine cancer than others.

Certain chemicals in hair relaxers, such as the known carcinogen formaldehyde, are absorbed through the scalp, potentially leading to hormonal changes and tumor growth. In addition to uterine cancer, chemical hair straighteners have also been linked to ovarian cancer and breast cancer. With more studies coming to light, further scientific evidence linking hair relaxers to cancer is expected in 2025 and beyond, potentially strengthening compensation claims.

Hair Relaxer Chemicals

Hair relaxer marketing claims these products are the ultimate solution for achieving sleek, straight hair, but the reality is far more complex and concerning. These products contain a cocktail of chemicals, some of which link to serious health issues.

Here are some of the main chemicals you should be aware of:

Phthalates

One of the most harmful chemicals found in hair relaxers is phthalates, specifically Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), phthalates can interfere with the body's hormonal system and lead to a range of health issues, including reproductive dysfunction, developmental abnormalities, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)

Lye, or sodium hydroxide, is a strong alkali used in many hair relaxer products. It breaks down the hair's protein structure, allowing reshaping. However, lye is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns and scarring if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. It can also damage the hair shaft, leading to hair loss and breakage.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a preservative often found in hair relaxer products. It's a known carcinogen linked to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and cancer. Despite its dangers, manufacturers continue to use it in many cosmetic products due to its effectiveness as a preservative.

These harmful chemicals in hair relaxer products, often without clear warnings, are a vital issue driving hair relaxer injury legal cases. Learning about these chemicals and their potential risks is crucial to make an informed decision about your products.

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Uterine Cancer & Hair Straighteners

Did you use chemical hair relaxers for an extended period? If you subsequently develop uterine cancer, hair straighteners may be the reason why. New research suggests that long-time use of chemical hair relaxers may increase the risk of developing uterine cancer, particularly among postmenopausal women.

This finding is a critical contribution to a significant body of work on the potential dangers of chemical-laden hair straightening products. Uterine cancer lawsuits, which already number in the thousands, must demonstrate the connection between uterine cancer and hair straighteners to prevail.

The study found that women who used hair relaxers were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer compared to non-users. Alarmingly, the incidence rate of uterine cancer increased even further among women who reported using hair relaxers more frequently.

The second study, conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2021,found a 50% increased risk of ovarian cancer among womenwho regularly used hair relaxers (more than four times per year). Given the relative rarity of ovarian cancer and its low five-year survival rate, this connection is particularly concerning.

These two studies have provided the first substantial epidemiological evidence of a clear connection between hair relaxers and the increased risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, highlighting the urgent need for further research and regulation of these products. The findings have paved the way for the burgeoning hair relaxer compensation case as victims seek justice and compensation.

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