Who are we representing?

We are representing women who used chemical hair straightening products, also known as hair relaxers, and who subsequently developed uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and/or endometriosis resulting in a hysterectomy.

What is this investigation about?

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (“NIEHS”) released a study on October 17, 2022, which found that women who used chemical hair straightening products are at a higher risk for developing uterine cancer than those who have never used the products. The NIEHS study observed 33,497 U.S. women ages 35-74 over a period of nearly eleven years as part of its Sister Study, which was a long-term study designed to follow sisters of breast cancer patients. According to the study, the rates of uterine cancer among women who used hair straightening products at least four times a year were more than double when compared to those of women who never used hair straightening products.  The study found that while 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners developed uterine cancer by the age of 70, women who used hair straightening products for at least four (4) times a year reported suffering from uterine cancer at a rate of 4.05%.  [1] The findings were particularly disproportionate for Black women, since they use hair straightening products at a higher rate than others.

The study concluded that certain chemicals used in the hair straightening products, including parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde likely contributed to an increased incident of uterine cancer rates. [2]  These chemicals, known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (“EDCs”), alter hormonal actions and promote growth of cancer cells. [3]

What are EDCs?

EDCs are chemicals that interfere with hormones, thereby increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes, including cancer, reproductive impairment, cognitive deficits, and obesity. [4] EDCs that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body may contribute to increased risk of disease because EDCs interfere with the normal functioning of a woman’s endocrine system. [5]

Some EDCs may also stimulate the proliferation of cancer cells and increase their migratory and invasive properties. Straightener use may cause scalp lesions and burns, which facilitates the permeability of EDCs through the scalp. [6]

Which cancers have been associated with hair straightening products?  

• Uterine Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer

How long does a person need to have used hair straightening/relaxing products to be at risk? 

Studies have suggested that the application of chemical hair straighteners and/or relaxers at least four times a year has been associated with an increased risk of the above cancers.

I lost a loved one to cancer after they used hair straightening products. Is this lawsuit applicable to me?

We are terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Please contact our office, and we can discuss whether filing a wrongful death claim is a possible option. You can reach us via email at investigations@uselaws.com, or by phone at 800-873-5297.

Why choose Schlichter Bogard to fight for you?

Filing a lawsuit against major manufacturers will require extensive investigation and expertise in laws applicable to products liability and toxic torts. Our firm has a lengthy history of working to achieve justice for individuals harmed by toxic products. We handle groundbreaking consumer and environmental cases, and routinely serve in leadership roles in major, national cases, often resulting in precedent-setting outcomes. Learn more about our firm here.

How much will our legal services cost you?

We are only paid if we win your case.

To be clear, there is no fee unless and until we bring your case to a successful resolution.