Lawsuits Growing Fast·11,200+ people have filed

Used chemical hair relaxers for years? A major study found they may double your cancer risk.

For decades, these products were marketed to Black women and girls — often starting in childhood.

vs. L'Orealvs. Revlonvs. Namaste Laboratoriesvs. Dabur International

The story

For many Black women, chemical hair relaxers have been a part of life since childhood. Products like Dark & Lovely and Just For Me were marketed as essential — a rite of passage, even for young girls. What the manufacturers didn't tell customers was that these products contain formaldehyde, phthalates, and other chemicals that disrupt your hormones and can cause cancer.

In 2022, the National Institutes of Health published a bombshell study: women who used hair straightening products more than four times a year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. The chemicals are absorbed directly through the scalp, and years of repeated use compound the exposure. Now over 11,000 women are suing the companies that made these products, alleging they knew about the risks and chose profits over the health of their customers.

“Women describe a devastating realization — a beauty routine they started as children, passed down through generations, may have caused their cancer diagnosis.”

Reports from affected people

Health problems linked to this

●Uterine cancer (endometrial cancer)

●Ovarian cancer

●Uterine fibroids requiring medical treatment

●Endometriosis

Who's affected

✓You regularly used chemical hair relaxer or straightener products

✓You used them for several years (typically 4+ years)

✓You were diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids

Probably doesn't apply if

✕Only used heat-based tools (flat irons, blow dryers) — these aren't chemical relaxers

✕Very infrequent or one-time use

What you'd need to file

1Your history of hair relaxer use (brands, how often, how long)

2Medical records showing your diagnosis

Timeline

Oct 2022

The NIH study drops

A government-funded study of 33,000+ women finds chemical hair straighteners more than double uterine cancer risk.

Early 2023

Thousands of women file lawsuits

Cases pour in and are combined into one federal proceeding in Chicago.

2024-2025

Over 11,000 cases and counting

One of the fastest-growing mass torts in the country. Evidence-gathering phase underway.

2026

First trials expected

Test cases will go to trial, which will shape potential settlements for everyone.

People are asking

I used relaxers as a kid. Does that count?

Yes — and earlier exposure may actually make your case stronger. Many women started using these products in childhood, which means more years of chemical exposure.

I don't remember what brand I used. Is that okay?

Yes. You don't need to name the exact brand. The lawsuits target multiple manufacturers, and the key factor is that you used chemical relaxer products regularly.

I used relaxers but I'm healthy. Should I worry?

The study shows increased risk, not certainty. Talk to your doctor about screening, especially for uterine and ovarian health. You'd need a qualifying diagnosis to file a claim.

Named products & brands

Dark & LovelyJust For MeMotionsORS Olive OilTCB NaturalsAfrican PrideSoft & Beautiful

Could this affect you?

Quick check · 30 seconds

1.Did you regularly use chemical hair relaxer or straightener products?

2.Did you use them for 4 or more years?

3.Have you been diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or fibroids?

Not legal advice. Informal screening only.

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Heads up: This is not legal advice. We're not lawyers. This is educational info to help you understand what's going on. Talk to an actual attorney about your situation.