The only problem with curly hair is the unmanageable frizzes resulting from a lack of hydration. This is one reason why most women love the idea of straightening their hair using chemical products. Also referred to as chemical hair straighteners, these products use chemicals combined with heat to break hair’s natural bonds. 

Since the process gives a permanent look, ladies (starting from teenage girls to older women) consider a hair relaxer beneficial in the long run. However, according to the latest reports, there are several claims associated with chemical hair straighteners. One of them is the cancer risk. So, what exactly is the claim associated with cancer-risk hair straightening products? Let’s find out.

The First Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit

It was 2022 when a 32-year-old black woman from Missouri filed the first chemical hair straightener lawsuit. The cosmetic and beauty world was taken aback when Jennifer Mitchell filed a lawsuit against chemical hair relaxers with her diagnosis report indicating uterine cancer. 

The cancer was believed to have occurred due to prolonged and regular exposure to chemicals such as phthalates, which are found in hair relaxers.

After the lawsuit was filed, even the National Institutes of Health conducted their surveys. Later on, it was reported that women using hair relaxers have a higher risk of cancer. It also noted that there’s a 3% chance for the woman to get diagnosed with uterine cancer after repeated usage. 

Women who use them four times every year have higher risks of uterine cancer. Besides, a lady can also get diagnosed with other types of cancer like uterine, breast, and endometriosis. 

Why Is There a Risk Associated with Cancer?

There are usually three types of bonds in hair—hydrogen, disulfide, and salt bonds. Once you apply the hair straightening product to the hair, it will break the disulfide bonds. As soon as the disulfide bond breaks, it results in permanent straightening. The impact lasts until baby hair grows, so it needs yearly or quarterly maintenance. 

Chemical hair straighteners are known as endocrine disrupters. They also include chemicals like:

• Ammonium thioglycolate
• Sodium hydroxide
• Formaldehyde
• Sodium thioglycolate
• Parabens
• Cyclosiloxanes
• Phthalates
• Diethanolamine
• Triclosan
• Benzophenone-3

These hormones interfere with hormones. When your body is exposed to these chemicals, it has a higher chance of developing cancer.

Cancer Risks with Chemical Hair Relaxers – Understanding the Types 

Compared to other women, black women tend to use hair straightening products as they have curlier hair. However, using these products thrice or four times a year automatically increases the chance of developing cancer. The following are the types:

• Endometrial Cancer Type 1

Hair relaxers can result in developing Endometrial Cancer Type 1 in women. This type of cancer may affect the uterus lining, which is also known as endometrium. If left untreated and undiagnosed, this cancer might spread to other parts of your body. 

• Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Fibroids may not have any major symptoms. However, when a woman develops these noncancerous growths, it may result in a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus by surgery). Based on the severity of your condition, the medical professional may need to remove the uterus via total or radical hysterectomy. 

• Ovarian Cancer

Ovaries are the most important organ for the female reproductive system. There have been reports indicating excessive use of chemical relaxers might have a negative impact on ovaries. The exact cause might be unidentified, but there are several risk factors associated with the connection between ovarian cancer and chemical hair straighteners.

Latest Reports on Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

In February, about 117 cases were included in the hair relaxer MDL (multidistrict litigation). As of February, there had been around 8,217 lawsuits in the MDL. Hair relaxer lawsuits are filed against different reputable brands. 

These lawsuits claim that the toxic substances included in the products may have higher risks of developing cancer. So, have you or your loved one experienced the consequences of using a chemical hair straightener? If yes, it’s time to file your lawsuit. But before that, you need to understand the eligibility criteria.

Do You Qualify for the Hair Straightener Lawsuit?

Chemical hair straighteners were once the most in-demand cosmetic product. However, their safety remains questionable even though straightening has become popular among women of all ages. Using these relaxers multiple times may have higher cancer risks. 

So, a woman who has used a chemical hair straightener for various years and was diagnosed with female reproductive cancer can file for a lawsuit. As mentioned above, uterine and endometrial cancers are the prime types of cancer. If you or your close one suffers from the consequences, it’s time to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers. In addition to cancer, these hair relaxers may result in preterm birth and premature puberty.

Someone who hasn’t yet been diagnosed with malignant growth can get financial compensation to recover damages from product usage. An attorney can determine your case and take meticulous actions to help you get deserving compensation.

When Should You Hire an Attorney?

Someone who has been a victim of the hair straightener’s catastrophic impacts must take legal action. Contact a legal professional who specializes in product liability claims. The lawyer should have a legal understanding of the claim. 

So, if you want to join a mass tort chemical relaxer case, you can hire a mass tort attorney to handle your case professionally. A knowledgeable attorney creates the case and fights for justice. 

Wrapping up

A competent attorney follows specified legal guidelines to determine your case accordingly. With a comprehensive plan, the solicitor performs research on specific laws. The advocate creates a tailor-made strategy to help you understand the case more effectively. 

So, if you have suffered from the consequences of using chemical hair straighteners, contact a skilled attorney. You need to understand the details from your solicitor, who can build a strong case and help you get the compensation you deserve.