Exposing the Link Between Hair Relaxers and Cancer

An October 2022 study by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who use chemical hair relaxers may have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer. The study included data from over 33,000 women who were asked to self-report their use of hair products, including dyes, straighteners, relaxers, and permanents and body waves. According to the study, women who used hair straightening products were almost twice as likely to develop uterine cancer than those who did not. The link was even stronger for women who used these products more than 4 times a year, suggesting that frequency of use increases the risk of developing uterine cancer.

Studies have also found an association between hair products and an increased risk of other cancers, including ovarian cancer. Hair products, such as hair relaxers and leave-in conditioners, contain estrogen or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are linked to many cancers and other health problems. In addition, many hair products contain other harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, that are known to increase the risk of cancer.

The Impact on Black Women

Although studies have not found a difference in the link between hair straightener use and cancer risk according to race, the effects are more significant for Black women since they are much more likely to use these products. In fact, in the 2022 NIH study, 60% of the participants who reported using hair straighteners were Black. Also, a 2021 study from Boston University’s Black Women’s Health that included more than 50,000 Black women found that 95% had used or currently use hair straighteners.

It’s important to recognize that this high prevalence of use can be attributed to aggressive marketing targeted at Black and Brown women, including young girls. Big beauty corporations use images that reinforce the Eurocentric beauty standard of shiny, straight hair to entice women and girls to use their products. As a result, many women of color start using these harmful products regularly at a young age. Both the younger age of initiating straightener use, and the frequency of use play roles in increasing the risk of cancer.

Failure To Warn Consumers

Lawsuits claim the manufacturers knew about the harmful consequences of the chemicals used in their straighteners. Even though the 2022 NIH study was one of the first studies to directly study the relationship between hair relaxers and uterine cancer, there is no shortage of research on the harmful effects of the many chemicals found in these hair products. For example, phthalates are a common ingredient found in hair relaxers and are known as EDCs that can cause DNA cells in the body to mutate.

In addition to these harmful chemicals, there are several unknown chemicals that manufacturers have been hiding in these products, such as dyes and fragrances. The fact that manufacturers are not disclosing these ingredients is suspicious and puts consumers at risk.

Helping Women Who Used Chemical Hair Straighteners and Developed Uterine Cancer

Since October 2022, dozens of Chemical Hair Straightener lawsuits have been filed against big beauty companies including L’Oréal, Revlon, Strength of Nature, Soft Sheen and more. Hendler Flores Law is committed to holding these companies accountable for pushing harmful products on young Black and Hispanic girls and women despite knowing the risks.

Contact Us for a Free Legal Consultation

If you used hair straighteners more than four times in a single year and have developed uterine or ovarian cancer, we’d like to hear your story. No amount of compensation can make up for the life-changing impact of your cancer on you and your family, but holding the companies accountable can help bring you peace of mind. By filing a lawsuit against these companies, you can also play an important role in preventing other girls and women from suffering a similar fate.

There is no cost or obligation if you call us for a case consultation. Call us now at 1.800.443.6353 or email us at info@hendlerlaw.com. Your story matters. Let us help you tell it.

To download a fact sheet about Chemical Hair Relaxers, click here.