In 2025, lawsuits related to hair relaxers and their alleged link to uterine and ovarian cancers are drawing national attention. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after long-term use of chemical hair straighteners, you might qualify to file a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit and claim financial compensation.
This guide breaks down who qualifies, how the legal process works, which products are under scrutiny, and what you should do next.
Why Are Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Being Filed?
Over the past few years, numerous studies—particularly one published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—have indicated a possible connection between frequent use of chemical hair straighteners and increased risks of uterine, breast, and ovarian cancers. These lawsuits claim that manufacturers failed to warn users about these dangers, despite knowing or having reason to know about the risks.
Many of the women filing these lawsuits are Black women, who disproportionately use hair relaxers and were targeted through specific product marketing campaigns.
Key Findings That Support These Lawsuits
- NIH Sister Study (2022): Women who used hair straightening products more than four times per year were over twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use them.
- Toxic Ingredients: Many relaxers contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde—all linked to hormone-related cancers.
- Lack of Warning Labels: Most hair relaxers failed to disclose the potential health risks on their packaging or marketing.
Which Hair Relaxer Products Are Involved?
Some popular brands named in the lawsuits include:
- Dark & Lovely (by L’Oréal)
- Just for Me (by Strength of Nature)
- Motions
- ORS (Organic Root Stimulator)
- Soft & Beautiful
- TCB Naturals
If you’ve used any of these—or similar—products regularly for years and developed cancer, you may qualify for legal compensation.
Who Qualifies to File a Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit in 2025?
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
✅ Long-Term Use
- Used chemical hair straighteners four or more times per year
- Duration of use: typically at least 2–5 years
✅ Cancer Diagnosis
- Diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer
- Diagnosis occurred after regular use of relaxer products
✅ Age and Demographic Factors
- Most claimants are women between 25–55 years old
- Disproportionate impact on Black and Latina women due to targeted marketing
✅ Timeline of Exposure
- Product usage occurred before diagnosis
- Medical records must support the timeline correlation
What Compensation Can Victims Receive?
If you qualify, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for:
- Medical expenses (surgeries, chemo, radiation, etc.)
- Lost wages due to treatment or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of future earning potential
- Punitive damages if the manufacturer acted with negligence or disregard
How to File a Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit
1. Seek Legal Counsel
Choose a law firm that specializes in mass torts and product liability. Many attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win.
2. Medical and Product History Review
Your legal team will request:
- Medical records confirming cancer diagnosis
- Product usage history (receipts, old containers, photos, testimony)
3. Case Filing
If your case qualifies, it may be filed as an individual lawsuit or become part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL)—a group of cases heard together in federal court.
4. Litigation Process
This involves:
- Discovery phase
- Expert testimonies
- Settlement negotiations or trial
Most cases in MDLs reach settlements before trial, especially when strong evidence is presented collectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file if a loved one passed away from cancer?
Yes. Family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased loved one, especially if the diagnosis was linked to long-term product use.
Is there a time limit to file?
Yes. This is called the statute of limitations, and it varies by state. In most U.S. states, it ranges from 2 to 3 years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the link.
Do I need receipts to prove product use?
No, though they help. Testimony, old photos, empty product containers, or witness statements can also support your claim.
Current Status of Hair Relaxer Lawsuits in 2025
As of mid-2025:
- The lawsuits have been consolidated in MDL No. 3060, currently underway in the Northern District of Illinois.
- Thousands of plaintiffs are awaiting trial or settlement decisions.
- New claimants are still being accepted by most law firms.
Some early bellwether trials (sample cases) may influence potential settlement amounts for future claims.
What Should You Do Now?
If you believe you qualify:
- Stop using the products immediately
- Gather documentation of your diagnosis and hair relaxer usage
- Consult a qualified attorney specializing in product liability and mass tort litigation
- Act quickly before your state’s statute of limitations expires
A Final Word on Justice and Awareness
The wave of lawsuits around hair relaxers is not just about money—it’s about accountability and public health awareness. For years, women have unknowingly used products with dangerous chemicals marketed as safe and effective. Filing a lawsuit helps drive change in industry standards and offers a chance for justice and healing.
Downloadable Checklist: Do You Qualify for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
| Requirement | Status (Check ✓ if Yes) |
|---|---|
| Used chemical hair relaxers often | |
| Usage spanned 2+ years | |
| Diagnosed with uterine/ovarian cancer | |
| Diagnosis occurred after usage | |
| Medical documentation available | |
| Willing to consult a lawyer |