Why Is There a Lawsuit Against Hair Relaxer Companies?
April 3, 2023 in Product Liability
Hair relaxers are typically used by women with naturally curly or wavy hair to achieve a straighter, sleeker look. While effective at reducing hair volume and frizz, the products have a potentially dangerous side, leading to dozens of lawsuits against hair relaxer manufacturers over their safety.
At SPBMCC, we believe that customers are entitled to safe products that do not jeopardize their quality of life, and companies that fail to prioritize safety should be held accountable. Read on to find out why there is a lawsuit against hair relaxer companies.
What are Hair Relaxers?
Hair relaxers are chemical products used to straighten curly or wavy hair. They break down the protein bonds in the hair shaft, allowing the hair to be reshaped and straightened. After using a hair relaxer, the hair is rinsed out, and typically neutralized with a special shampoo or conditioner to restore the chemical balance and prevent further damage.
While the products are effective for straightening hair, well-known side effects of overuse or improper use include hair breakage, dryness, and damage to the scalp. More recently, scientific studies have shown a correlation between higher incidences of uterine cancer and the use of hair relaxer products leading to many lawsuits against the manufacturers.
Do Hair Relaxer Products Cause Cancer?
There is some evidence that suggests that the use of hair relaxer products may increase the risk of certain types of cancer. For example, some studies have found that women who use hair relaxer products regularly risk developing breast cancer more than those who don’t. In addition, the chemicals in hair relaxers may also be absorbed into the body through the scalp, which could increase the risk of cancer in other parts of the body, including breast and ovarian cancer.
A recent National Institutes of Health study found that people who used straightening products in the previous 12 months experienced higher rates of uterine cancer than those who did not. However, the association was stronger when comparing more frequent use of hair straightening products such as hair relaxers. These findings have led to several legal cases filed against manufacturers of hair relaxer products, alleging that the products contain dangerous chemicals that can cause serious health problems, such as scalp burns, hair loss, and even cancer.
Many of these lawsuits have resulted in significant settlements or judgments in favor of the plaintiffs. If you or someone you know has experienced an adverse reaction following the use of hair relaxers and has been diagnosed with cancer following the use of chemical hair straighteners, it is crucial to contact a lawyer to determine if you may be eligible for compensation as part of a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit.
How Do I File a Claim in the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
Almost 60 lawsuits have already been filed in federal courts over hair relaxers. Some of the products of concern include Brazilian Blowout®, Crème of Nature®, Dark & Lovely®, Just for Me®, Motions®, Olive Oil Relaxer™, Optimum Care®, Organic Root Stimulator™, and Soft & Beautiful®.
If you believe you have suffered harm from using a hair relaxer product, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer. While the steps involved in filing a hair relaxer claim may vary, you will want to contact a trusted products liability lawyer, such as the attorneys at SPBMCC, to begin the process. From there, you may choose to:
- Consult with a doctor or medical professional
- Gather evidence
- File a complaint
- Negotiate a settlement or go to trial
Consult With a New York Product Liability Attorney About a Potential Hair Relaxer Claim
If you have used any of the above products and are currently experiencing adverse health effects, you may have a claim and be eligible for compensation. Reach out to our team today to get the claim process started.
Our New York City product liability attorneys at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. stay up-to-date on the latest lawsuits related to adverse health effects to serve victims of product liability claims effectively. If you or someone you know has experienced an adverse reaction following using hair relaxers, please contact our team of attorneys by calling (212) 732-9000.