Have you ever wondered if the luscious locks you’ve got from using those popular creams are worth flaunting? Do you cave into the craze for straighter hair and use the products seen on social media? Hair relaxers are always trending amongst women who have curly hair. It gives them the smooth hair they want but may also cause underlying problems.

In this blog, we will share some insights on the hair relaxer lawsuit, check the eligible criteria, and other concerns.

What Is A Hair Relaxer?

A hair relaxer is a type of lotion or cream that alters the hair’s texture. It is mostly used by people with tight curls to make the hair straighter and more manageable without worrying about making it frizzy. The user generously applies the creamy paste to their hair and leaves it on for a certain duration. The relaxer is then washed out. It is followed by a neutralizing shampoo, which removes the remaining relaxer from the hair and scalp. The hair remains smooth for 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the preference and how fast the hair grows.

What Are The Concerns With Hair Relaxers?

The main ingredient in some hair relaxers is Sodium Hydroxide. Some formulations also contain ammonium thioglycolate or formaldehyde. These chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system as they contain parabens and phthalates. This cosmetic solution can permanently change the bond of the hair strands. It is known to make the hair weak, brittle, and prone to breakage. Hair relaxers are also linked to several health conditions, including:

● Eczema
● Pain
● Burns
● Inflamed scalp
● Hair loss
● Dandruff
● Altered hair color

Lye is a common ingredient found in hair relaxers. It should not be left on the scalp for long or if used incorrectly. Doing so may result in permanent scarring, wounds, and even baldness.

The Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

A study was published in 2022 by the National Institute of Health. It disclosed that women who used chemical relaxers more than twice a year had an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. As a result, several people came up with the claims that they or their loved ones faced endocrine disruptions due to the ill effects of hair relaxers.

The Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit is a series of ongoing legal actions against manufacturers and distributors of hair relaxer products, primarily focused on claims of those who have been a victim of the negative effects of hair relaxers.

The main concern is a potential link between hair relaxers and uterine cancer, particularly for women who use them regularly. This claim is based on:

● Chemical ingredients: Hair relaxers often contain chemicals like lye and formaldehyde, which are known to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) in high doses.

● Other Health Problems: Some lawsuits also allege other health problems associated with hair relaxers, like scalp burns and irritation, hair loss and breakage, and endocrine disruption.

Who Is Affected By Hair Relaxers Most?

Hair relaxers are used by people who want to tame their frizzy hair. Studies show African-American women are more affected due to the texture of their natural hair. They use it as a way to make their hair smoother and manageable. This particular group uses hair relaxers 4-6 times a year and has effectively doubled the risks of getting uterine cancer. This is due to societal pressure to blend with Western beauty standards.

Who Can Join This Lawsuit?

The eligibility criteria for joining the hair relaxer lawsuit are simple. The conditions are:

● Used chemical relaxers on your hair
● Diagnosed with uterine or endometrial cancer
● Developed other female reproductive system cancer
● Experienced harm or injury due to the treatment

Some other conditions that may qualify are Uterine fibroids, Uterine sarcoma, Endometriosis, and Ovarian cancer. If you or a loved one fulfills the above criteria, then you can file a claim against the hair relaxer company. You can contact a mass tort lawyer and get their assistance to fight your case.

Compensation Amount Of Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

The compensation amount for this lawsuit varies depending on the severity of the injury and the strength of the case. This amount may include:

● Economic damages
● Medical expenses
● Lost wages
● Other financial loses
● Pain & suffering
● Reduced quality of life
● Emotional distress & other non-economic damages

This amount can also depend on several other factors, such as the ability of the mass tort lawyer and the jurisdiction where the lawsuit was filed. It also depends on the special legal claims brought against the defendant.

The Bottom Line

The hair relaxer lawsuit is a concern for all users of the product, regardless of their age or degree of usage. It is essential to be informed about different aspects of the case. If you or a loved one has suffered from the ill effects of a hair relaxer, you can consult a specialized lawyer and raise your claim. It is always preferable to stay alert and use these products within the limitations or avoid them entirely.