Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Update: Are You at Risk for Ovarian Cancer? Get Injury Lawyer Insights

Did you know that frequent use of hair relaxers has been linked to a doubled risk of ovarian cancer? If you’ve used chemical hair straighteners and have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you might be at risk and could be eligible for compensation.

The use of chemical hair relaxers, particularly among Black women, has come under increasing scrutiny due to emerging research linking these products to serious health risks, including ovarian cancer. This blog post provides an update on the hair relaxer cancer lawsuit, explores the potential risk of ovarian cancer, and offers insights from injury lawyers.

The Science Connecting Hair Relaxers and Ovarian Cancer

Several studies have highlighted a potential link between the chemicals in hair relaxers and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. These studies suggest that certain chemicals found in hair relaxers may disrupt the endocrine system, potentially leading to the development of hormone-sensitive cancers like ovarian cancer.

A study published in Carcinogenesis in 2021 found that women who frequently used hair straighteners had a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has indicated that women who use chemical hair relaxers more than four times a year may be more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
The Long-Term Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS) at Boston University has also published findings suggesting that hair relaxer use may increase the risk of hormone-related cancers.

These studies point to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde, commonly found in hair relaxers, as potential culprits. These chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the scalp and disrupt the body’s hormonal balance.

Who Is at Risk?

While more research is needed, current studies suggest that women who frequently use hair relaxers are at a higher risk. “Frequent use” is generally defined as more than four times per year. Although ovarian cancer rates are generally higher in Caucasian women, the frequent use of hair relaxers among Black women places them at a disproportionately higher risk. Studies indicate that up to 95% of adult Black women in the U.S. have reported using hair relaxers.

Hair Relaxer Lawsuits: An Update

In light of the growing body of evidence linking hair relaxers to ovarian cancer and other health issues, thousands of women have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of these products. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential health risks associated with their products.

As of May 1, 2025, over 10,000 cases are pending in the hair relaxer Multi-District Litigation (MDL).
The lawsuits target major cosmetic manufacturers, including L’Oréal, Revlon, and SoftSheen-Carson.
The MDL is consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois under Judge Mary Rowland.
The first bellwether trials are scheduled for early 2026 and will be crucial in determining settlement values.

These lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages resulting from ovarian cancer and other related conditions.

What Are Your Legal Options?

If you have used chemical hair relaxers regularly and have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. To determine your eligibility, consider the following:

History of Hair Relaxer Use: You must have a documented history of using chemical hair straighteners, whether at home or in a salon.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis: You must have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Medical Records: You will need medical records to support your diagnosis and demonstrate a link between your hair relaxer use and your cancer.

To pursue a claim, it is advisable to:

Consult with an Attorney: Seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer experienced in hair relaxer lawsuits.
Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documents, including product receipts, salon records, and medical records.
Understand Deadlines: Be aware of the statute of limitations in your state, as there are deadlines for filing lawsuits.

Insights from Injury Lawyers

Injury lawyers specializing in hair relaxer lawsuits can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the legal process. They can help you understand your rights, assess the strength of your case, and navigate the complexities of the litigation.

Here’s what injury lawyers are focusing on:

Building a Strong Case: Lawyers are working to establish a clear link between hair relaxer use and ovarian cancer through expert testimony and scientific evidence.
Negotiating Settlements: Attorneys are actively negotiating with the manufacturers to reach fair settlements for their clients.
Preparing for Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, lawyers are preparing to take cases to trial to fight for their clients’ rights.

Projected Settlement Amounts

While it is still early in the litigation process, some legal experts have projected potential settlement amounts for hair relaxer lawsuits. These projections vary depending on the severity of the injury and other factors.

The strongest cases, involving uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancer, could see settlements between \$150,000 and \$750,000 per plaintiff.
If bellwether trials result in large verdicts, these numbers could increase.
Settlements for fibroid cases are likely to be lower, but still significant, especially if a hysterectomy was required.

What to Do If You Think You Are at Risk

If you have a history of using hair relaxers and are concerned about your risk of ovarian cancer, take the following steps:

Consult with Your Doctor: Talk to your doctor about your concerns and discuss whether you should undergo any screening or testing.
Keep Detailed Records: Maintain detailed records of your hair relaxer use, including the products you used, how often you used them, and when you started using them.
Seek Legal Advice: If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.

Taking Action

The connection between hair relaxers and ovarian cancer is a serious concern that warrants attention. If you believe you have been affected by these products, it is essential to seek medical and legal advice to protect your rights and well-being.

Contact our firm today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and determine if you are eligible to file a hair relaxer lawsuit.