Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit: 2025 Updates on Cancer Claims 

Breit BiniazanJune 17, 2025

Chemical hair relaxers, once a go-to for sleek, straight hair, are now under fire as lawsuits reveal their alarming link to uterine and breast cancer. These products, used by millions, are alleged to contain harmful chemicals that manufacturers failed to warn consumers about. For many, what was once a trusted part of their beauty routine has turned into a serious health risk. As more evidence comes to light, more people across the country are stepping up to demand accountability from the companies responsible.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer after using chemical hair relaxers, you deserve answers and justice. Breit Biniazan is here to help you explore your legal options and find out if you can join the growing lawsuits. 

The Growing Concern: Chemical Hair Relaxers and Serious Health Risks 

The growing concern surrounding chemical hair relaxers stems from mounting evidence linking their use to serious health risks, including uterine and breast cancer. At the heart of these claims are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are commonly found in many hair relaxer products. EDCs interfere with the body’s hormonal system, mimicking or blocking natural hormones and disrupting critical processes like cell growth and regulation. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to these chemicals, particularly through scalp absorption during regular use of relaxers, can increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers. 

Understanding the Allegations Against Manufacturers 

The allegations against manufacturers center on their failure to disclose the risks associated with these harmful ingredients. Plaintiffs argue that companies prioritized profits over consumer safety, continuing to market and sell products containing EDCs despite evidence of their harmful effects. Many of these lawsuits claim that manufacturers not only failed to warn users but also targeted their marketing toward women of color, who are disproportionately affected by these health risks due to higher rates of relaxer use. As these cases gain traction, they highlight the urgent need for accountability and transparency in the beauty industry, as well as justice for those who have suffered harm.

Key Health Conditions Linked to Hair Relaxer Use 

Chemical hair relaxers have been linked to a range of serious health conditions, primarily due to the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and other harmful ingredients that can be absorbed through the scalp. These chemicals interfere with the body’s hormonal balance, potentially triggering abnormal cell growth and increasing the risk of hormone-sensitive diseases. Regular use of relaxers, especially over long periods, can lead to cumulative exposure, amplifying the potential for adverse health effects. This has raised significant concerns about the safety of these products and their long-term impact on users’ health.

Key health conditions linked to chemical hair relaxer use include:

  • Uterine Cancer: Increased risk due to hormonal disruption.
  • Breast Cancer: Linked to prolonged exposure to EDCs.
  • Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus, often hormone-related.
  • Endometriosis: A painful condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
  • Reproductive Issues: Including infertility and complications during pregnancy.

These alarming health risks underscore the importance of understanding the potential dangers of chemical hair relaxers and holding manufacturers accountable for failing to warn consumers.

Latest Developments in the Hair Relaxer Litigation (June 2025) 

The hair relaxer lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) with over 12,000 cases currently pending as of June 2025. This class action structure allows for streamlined pre-trial proceedings, ensuring that common issues, such as the link between chemical relaxers and hormone-sensitive cancers, are addressed efficiently. The consolidation also provides plaintiffs with a unified platform to present evidence and hold manufacturers accountable for the harm caused by their products. The growing number of cases highlights the widespread impact of these products and the urgency of seeking justice for those affected.

Bellwether Trials: What to Expect and Timelines

Bellwether trials, which serve as test cases to gauge how juries might respond to evidence and arguments, are a critical step in the hair relaxer litigation. The first wave of bellwether trials is expected to begin in 2027, with 32 cases currently undergoing the fact-gathering process. These trials will focus on key issues, such as the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in causing cancers like uterine and breast cancer. The outcomes of these trials will likely influence settlement negotiations and set the tone for the remaining cases in the MDL.

Notable Defendants: L’Oréal, SoftSheen-Carson, and Others

Major manufacturers, including L’Oréal, SoftSheen-Carson, and Revlon, are among the notable defendants in the hair relaxer lawsuits. These companies are accused of failing to warn consumers about the risks associated with their products, despite evidence linking chemical relaxers to serious health conditions. 

Plaintiffs allege that these manufacturers prioritized profits over safety, marketing their products to women of color without adequate warnings about the potential dangers. The involvement of such high-profile defendants underscores the significance of this litigation and the need for accountability.

L’Oréal S.A. Dismissal and Its Impact

In a recent development, L’Oréal S.A., the French parent company of L’Oréal USA, was dismissed from the MDL due to jurisdictional issues. While this dismissal limits the scope of the litigation against the global entity, it does not affect the cases against L’Oréal USA and its subsidiaries, such as SoftSheen-Carson. This decision highlights the complexities of international corporate structures in product liability cases but does not diminish the strength of the claims against the U.S.-based entities. Plaintiffs continue to push forward, seeking justice and compensation for the harm caused by these products.

Am I Eligible to File a Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit? 

If you’ve experienced serious health issues, such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or other hormone-sensitive conditions, after using chemical hair relaxers, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Filing a claim is not just about seeking compensation—it’s about holding manufacturers accountable for failing to warn consumers about the risks associated with their products. By taking legal action, you can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by these harmful products.

The criteria for hair relaxer lawsuit eligibility include:

  • Proof of Use: You must have used chemical hair relaxer products regularly.
  • Diagnosis: You were diagnosed with a serious health condition, such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, fibroids, or endometriosis.
  • Causal Link: Evidence that your condition is linked to the use of chemical hair relaxers.

To file a lawsuit, you’ll need to gather essential documents, including medical records, proof of diagnosis, and details about the hair relaxer products you used (such as brand names and purchase history). These records are critical in building a strong case and demonstrating the connection between your health condition and the use of these products.

Seeking Justice: The Legal Process and Potential Compensation 

Seeking justice through a chemical hair relaxer lawsuit can be a complex and lengthy process, but it’s an important step toward holding manufacturers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. The legal process typically begins with filing your claim, followed by a discovery phase where evidence is gathered and shared between both sides. This can include medical records, product information, and expert testimony. Depending on the complexity of your case and the number of claims involved in the mass tort litigation, the process can take several months to years to reach a resolution. 

Why You Need an Experienced Chemical Hair Relaxer Attorney

How an experienced legal team can help:

  • Case Evaluation: Assessing your eligibility and the strength of your claim.
  • Evidence Gathering: Collecting and organizing critical documents like medical records and product details.
  • Legal Guidance: Navigating the complexities of MDL and product liability laws.
  • Negotiation Skills: Advocating for fair settlements or preparing for trial if necessary.
  • Support and Guidance: Keeping you informed and supported throughout the process.

An experienced attorney is essential in handling a chemical hair relaxer claim because they understand the intricacies of these cases and the tactics used by large corporations to avoid liability. They can build a strong case on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome. 

Take Action: Contact Breit Biniazan for a Free Case Evaluation

For too long, large corporations and manufacturers have profited from products marketed to women, often without fully disclosing the risks involved. When these companies fail to prioritize safety and transparency, they put lives at risk. By filing a claim, you’re not only seeking justice for yourself but also helping to create a future where beauty products are held to higher standards and consumers are better protected.

Breit Biniazan is here to help you take that stand. Our experienced legal team understands the unique challenges of mass tort cases and is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. With a free case evaluation, we’ll guide you through the process and ensure your voice is heard. Don’t let manufacturers get away with putting profits over people. Contact Breit Biniazan today and take the first step toward holding corporations accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

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