In mid-October 2022, the Journal of the National Institute of Cancer published an alarming study on the link between hair straighter products – and other related cosmetics – and several forms of cancer. The study found that hair products may contain hazardous chemicals with endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties. Not long after the study was published, a Missouri woman filed a lawsuit against L’Oréal and several other companies that manufacture hair straightening products and equipment, alleging that exposure to these hair products was responsible for her uterine cancer. Other hair straightener cancer lawsuits have been filed in New York and California. Lawyers representing the claimants believe that more people will come forward to join lawsuits against manufacturers of these potentially defective products.
- March 1, 2023 - Chicago court consolidates dozens of hair product lawsuits. L'Oreal products are among the ones that sell hair relaxers to African American clients.
- February 19, 2023 - According to a US Judicial Panel Order on Multidistrict Litigation, nearly 60 lawsuits alleging that hair relaxer products sold at L'Oreal or other companies caused cancer will be consolidated at a Chicago federal Court.
- February 1, 2023 - Recent research has revealed new information about chemical hair straighteners, and skin lighteners.
January 1, 2023 - Hair straighteners: How do they affect uterine cancer risk?
Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, is very rare. The risk of developing this disease is low for most women, with a mere 3% chance. This means that there are approximately 65,000 cases diagnosed each year in the United States. However, there are some factors that can increase the likelihood. A recent study found that hair straightening products can be added to this list.
- December 1, 2022 - They were both diagnosed with uterine cancers and tumors. They are now suing the manufacturers of chemical hair straighteners.
The hair product cancer report published in the Journal of the National Institute of Cancer was created by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). While it is possible that the new study acted as a catalyst for the latest hair straightener lawsuits filed in the fall of 2022, it’s worth remembering that it is not the first significant study to propose a link between cancer and these products. For instance, another study published in 2020 in the International Journal of Cancer made similar claims, linking hair dyes and hair straighteners to breast cancer. The information in these studies has caused interest in the hair straightener lawsuits, prompting lawyers to call others to come forward if they believe they have been affected.
It’s also important to point out that some of the media reports covering the hair straightener lawsuits recently have picked up on lawyers’ claims that the issue is linked to race. Women of color are much more likely to use hair straightening products, and those participating in the NIEHS hair product study were found to have higher rates of cancer. Still, lawyers make it clear that race, ethnicity, or gender are not barriers to joining these hair straightener lawsuits. Anyone who has had cancer and has used these products in the past should contact an experienced hair straightener attorney to see if they are eligible to join the hair straightener and cancer lawsuits.
The allegations in the lawsuit are against the following companies: Namaste Laboratories, L'Oreal USA Inc. and L'Oreal USA Products Inc., Dabur International Ltd., Dabur USA Inc., Strength of Nature Global LLC and Soft Sheen Carson Inc.
Amongst the above brands you can find the following chemical hair straighteners:
- L'Oreal
- TCB Naturals
- Strength of Nature Global LLC
- Soft & Beautiful
- Optimum
- Olive Oil Girls
- Namaste
- Motions
- Just for Me
- Dark and Lovely
L’Oréal Straighteners Breast Cancer
Do L’Oréal straighteners cause breast cancer? We don’t know for sure, but L’Oréal is listed as a defendant in at least one of the current lawsuits for potential hair straightener cancer risk.
Remington Straightener Cancer Warning
There have been conflicting reports in the media and social media about whether Remington hair straighteners cause cancer. Remington is a prominent manufacturer of chemical hair straighteners, but it’s not clear whether the company will be named in upcoming lawsuits.
GHD Straightener Breast Cancer
GHD (Good Hair Day) is another prominent manufacturer of hair straighteners. As with Remington, the company has not been named specifically in any lawsuits. However, this might change as more information becomes available.
Chi Breast Cancer Hair Straightener & Conair Pink Breast Cancer Crimper
CHI (Ceramic Hairstyling Iron) and Conair are two other brands that produce hair straightening and related products. While neither has been specifically mentioned in the hair straightener lawsuits 2022, it’s interesting to note that both brands released special editions of their hair care electrical products in pink with the attention of raising breast cancer awareness.
Hair relaxers, also known as hair straighteners, are products that are used to change the texture of curly hair to make it straight. Like any chemical product, hair relaxers can potentially cause side effects. Some possible side effects of hair relaxers include:
- Scalp irritation, including redness, itching, and burning
- Dry, brittle hair
- Damage to the hair, including breakage and split ends
- Loss of hair
- Changes in hair texture, such as hair becoming limp or limp and wavy
It is important to follow the instructions on the hair relaxer packaging and to avoid leaving the product on the hair for longer than recommended. Using a hair relaxer that is too strong for your hair type can increase the risk of side effects. If you experience any side effects after using a hair relaxer, it is recommended that you stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Perhaps the pertinent question is what is being done to protect people using hair straighteners? The FDA, which would be the governmental body responsible for a hair straightener recall, has often provided warnings for hair care products. Notably, there was a push from the FDA to warn users about hair straightening products known to release formaldehyde, which is classed as a Group 1 carcinogen, i.e., it is known to cause cancer in humans. The FDA has not yet issued a recall of specific hair straightening products, but it has contacted hair straightener manufacturers to warn them about safety breaches.
What are the types of cancer linked to hair straighteners? Studies have proposed that women who used these products, particularly over long periods, were more likely to get uterine cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer than those that had not used hair straightener products. For example, the NIEHS study demonstrated that 4% of women who used hair straightener products frequently had developed uterine cancer by age 70. The rate of uterine cancer by age 70 for women who never used these products was 1.6%. The list is certainly not exhaustive, however, and it is possible that other studies will demonstrate links between hair straightener use and other cancers.
The main takeaway from several studies on hair straightener use is that there may be an increased cancer risk, specifically cancers of the uterus, breast, and ovaries, if these products are used over long periods of time. Researchers point to certain chemicals in hair straighteners that are linked to cancer, and they have demonstrated an increased rate of these cancers in women who have used these products for many years. Other hair straightener side effects might present themselves in individual users. If you are concerned at all about using hair straighteners, you should contact the manufacturer or a healthcare expert for further advice.
Compensation for a successful hair straightener lawsuit will depend on several factors. For instance, in the case of the Missouri woman, Jenny Mitchell, who has brought a lawsuit against L’Oreal and several other hair straightener companies, lawyers representing Mitchell want $75,000 in compensation. But this is one individual case, and many more claimants may come forward to file hair straightener cancer lawsuits. Furthermore, hair straightener cancer payout awards will depend on evidence uncovered during the lawsuits, including how much these companies knew about the potential dangers of these products.
It is possible that hair straightener companies come to a settlement agreement with those claimants pursuing compensation. If there is evidence of wrongdoing or negligence on the part of big brands like L’Oreal or Remington, they may believe it is more pragmatic to settle out of court. This would come after negotiations with claimants and hair straightener cancer attorneys, who would negotiate on a settlement amount. For the moment, that remains conjecture. Right now, the focus of law firms is to bring more claimants into the proceedings so that they can hear their stories and build a stronger case against the hair straightener companies.
Hair straightener cancer law firms are calling for more people to come forward if they believe they have been adversely affected by these products. In particular, lawyers have asked for people who have certain types of cancer – ovarian, uterine, breast – or related illnesses and who have been using hair straightener products for a prolonged period of time to come forward to pursue confirmation. The first step is finding out your eligibility, which you can do by filling in a free evaluation form. After that, we can connect you with an experienced personal injury lawyer to begin your journey toward justice.
At the time of writing, the hair straightener cancer lawsuits refer to a handful of cases taken by individuals against hair straightener manufacturers. However, as lawyers are asking more people to come forward to file lawsuits, it is possible that the cases are consolidated. Class action lawsuits are usually reserved for a large number of claimants with identical grievances, and they are often focused on consumer issues, such as faulty products or misleading marketing. Due to the complexity and allegations of serious injury caused by hair straighteners, it is much more likely that the lawsuits would become mass tort litigation. This means the cases are grouped together for reasons of efficiency and to create a standard of legal precedence, but unlike a class action, each claimant’s case is judged independently when it comes to awarding settlements.
Can hair straighteners cause cancer?
Several studies have linked hair straightener use to cancer, specifically breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer.
Does Japanese straightening cause cancer?
Experts have raised concerns about specific hair straightening treatments, including some of the chemical processes involved with Japanese straightening techniques. However, it’s important to note that these treatments vary dramatically.
Does Keratin hair straightening cause cancer?
Keratin is a natural protein that does not cause cancer in and of itself. However, some keratin-based hair treatments include other potentially harmful chemicals, including the known carcinogen formaldehyde.
Is straightening hair harmful?
Studies have shown a strong link between cancer rates and the use of hair straighteners over long periods of time.
Is it safe to use hair straightener daily?
Studies have demonstrated an increased rate of cancer in people who use hair straighteners frequently compared to those who never use them or use them infrequently. However, these products and treatments vary, so you should not panic. If in doubt, you should contact your doctor.
Is keratin linked to cancer?
Keratin is a natural substance found in your hair, nails, and skin. The issue is that some keratin-infused hair care products contain other potentially harmful chemicals that may cause cancer.
What chemicals are in hair straighteners?
There are numerous different types of hair straightening procedures, and they will have different chemicals present in the treatment or released as a byproduct of the treatment. The issue cited in the hair straightener lawsuits for cancer is the possible connection between hair straightening and the release of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which may be carcinogenic.
What are the side effects of straightening hair?
There can be numerous side effects of hair straightening, some of which are cosmetic rather than truly harmful. However, studies have pointed to a higher rate of cancer (breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer) among women who have used chemical hair straighteners for many years.
Can I straighten my hair without damaging it?
Yes, and some hair straighteners might also be safe to use. There are many different treatments available, both natural and cosmetic. If you are worried, you should speak to a healthcare provider for further advice.
How can I straighten my hair naturally?
You can find lots of tips and recommendations online for straightening your hair naturally. But remember that not all treatments are safe. Speak to an expert at a salon before trying any procedure that you are unsure about.
