Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs is currently representing individuals who were diagnosed with uterine cancer after using chemical hair straighteners. There is an ongoing class action lawsuit against L'Oreal and other cosmetic companies, seeking damages for those who have been harmed by these dangerous products.

A new study shows a link between frequent use of chemical hair straighteners or relaxers and an increased risk of developing cancer. Data shows that the toxic chemicals used in over-the-counter hair straightening products can make a person nearly twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. 

At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we represent people who have been hurt by dangerous and defective products including hair relaxers and other toxic chemicals. We have over a century of combined legal experience. If you have been diagnosed with uterine cancer after using chemical hair straighteners, contact our office at (713) 496-0549 for a free consultation.

March 2, 2023: The first status conference is held, in which Judge Rowland appointed a plaintiff's steering committee (PSC) and determined protocol for evidence discovery.

February 2023: The MDL panel agrees to consolidate the hair relaxer lawsuits into a new MDL class action litigation in the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago, which has been assigned to Judge Mary Rowland. The litigation grows to nearly 100 pending cases from across the country.

January 2023: The number of hair relaxer lawsuits continue to increase and the MDL Panel meets to determine whether the lawsuits will be combined in a class action.

December 2022: More lawsuits are filed, now involving injuries such as uterine fibroids. L'Oreal and other defendants file a response, opposing the consolidation of these lawsuits into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). 

November 2022: Numerous hair relaxer lawsuits are filed, claiming that women who used the products were later diagnosed with uterine cancer. A group of lawyers representing the plaintiffs filed a motion with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to consolidate nine lawsuits into a class action lawsuit. By the end of November, multiple class action lawsuits are filed claiming that thousands of women have been diagnosed with uterine cancer after using chemical hair straightener products. These lawsuits name L'Oreal and other smaller cosmetic companies. 

October 2021: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) publishes a study reporting an association between the use of over-the-counter chemical hair relaxers/ straighteners and a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a study indicating a concerning link between the frequent use of chemical hair relaxers and an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. The study involved over 30,000 women from the United States between the ages of 35-74.

Over the course of nearly 11 years, the women involved in the study were followed in an effort to identify risk factors for breast cancer and other conditions. During the study, 378 women were diagnosed with uterine cancer, a relatively rare form of cancer accounting for approximately 3% of new cancer cases.

Concerning, however, was the fact that women who reported using chemical hair relaxers frequently were nearly twice as likely to develop this dangerous and potentially deadly form of cancer. Frequent use was defined as using a chemical hair straightener four or more times in the previous year. 

According to the study, the incidence of uterine cancer has been on the rise in the United States, particularly among black women. Nearly 60% of the women who reported using chemical hair relaxers identified as black women. Lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of chemical hair straighteners across the country.

Hair straighteners or relaxers contain chemicals that are designed to break down the natural structure of your hair. In order to achieve a straightening effect, many companies use toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical), and parabens. Exposure to these chemicals can have serious health consequences.

• Parabens
• Bisphenol A
• Metals
• Formaldehyde
• Cyclosiloxanes
• Sodium hydroxide
• Diethanolamine
• Phthalates
• Benzophenone-3
• Triclosan

If you use chemical hair straightening products frequently, you may be at an increased risk for uterine cancer and other health conditions. It is important to consult with an attorney to determine whether you have a valid claim for compensation.

Many of the world’s largest beauty manufacturers produce chemical hair straighteners. While some products have been banned in other countries due to high levels of toxic chemicals, the majority of hair straighteners are still available for purchase in the United States.

• L’Oreal - product lines: SoftSheen Carson (SSC), SSC Dark and Lovely, and Mizani
• Coppola - Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy and Keratin Express Brazilian Smoothing Treatment
• Revlon - Conditioning Crème Relaxer
• Africa’s Best - Herbal Intensive Dual Conditioning Relaxer, Touch-Up Plus Moisturizing No-Lye New Growth Relaxer, and Originals Olive Oil No-Lye, Conditioning Relaxer 
• IBS Beauty - IStraight Keratin Advanced Keratin Treatment
• Soft & Beautiful - product lines: Botanicals Regular Texturizer, No-Lye Regular Texturizer, and No Lye Sensitive Scalp Relaxer
• Silk Elements - MegaSilk Shea Butter Relaxer and Luxury Moisturizing Shea Butter Relaxer
• Marcia Teixeira - Advanced Brazilian Keratin Treatment, Brazilian Keratin Treatment, and Chocolate, extreme de-frizzing treatment

Well-known manufacturers such as African Pride, Just for Me, and Silk Elements also make popular chemical hair straightener and relaxer products. Several of the products that tested positive for concerning levels of formaldehyde are known as “Brazilian Keratin Treatment.”

If you used chemical hair straightening products frequently (more than four times over the previous year) and were diagnosed with uterine cancer or a related disease, you may have a valid case against the hair product manufacturers. Lawsuits have been filed nationwide against those who developed these potentially harmful products. It is important to act quickly as you may only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit.

To determine whether your case will be included in the ongoing litigation, you need to speak to an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and determine your legal options. A highly experienced team of legal experts have been appointed to carry out the litigation and hold accountable those who have manufactured and distributed such harmful products.

If you were diagnosed with uterine cancer after using a chemical hair straightener, contact our office at (713) 496-0549 to schedule a free consultation. A new study has linked the frequent use of chemical hair straightening products with an increased risk of developing a rare form of cancer. Call our office today to discuss how to take legal action.