Hair relaxers have been linked to endometriosis and a doubled risk of cancer in a recent study, raising concerns for millions of women who use these chemicals to straighten their hair.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting hair relaxer induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with endometriosis, uterine cancer, breast cancer, or fibroids after using hair relaxers, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Woman With Endometriosis Files Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Against L’Oreal
In November 2022, a hair relaxer lawsuit was filed against L’Oreal and 5 other beauty companies by Timika S., a woman from Illinois who blames products like Dark & Lovely, Just for Me, and Cantu Shea Butter Relaxer on her endometriosis, uterine cancer, and hysterectomy at the age of 37.
The Hair Relaxer Lawsuit was filed on November 2, 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Eastern Division) — Case Number 1:22-cv-06047.
Hair Relaxers Linked to Uterine Cancer
In October 2022, a study found that women who used hair relaxers were twice as likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer. The study was based on more than 33,000 women. The researchers warned that hormone-disrupting chemicals in hair relaxers could be linked to other reproductive side effects, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and breast cancer.
Are Hair Relaxers Bad For Me?
Hair relaxers can contain highly-toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, DEHP, metals, or bisphenol A. These chemicals commonly cause skin burns, irritation, and abrasions that could allow the body to absorb toxic chemicals.
What is the Problem?
The problem is that many chemicals in hair relaxers are known to have harmful side effects. For example, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical). Other chemicals in hair relaxers could mimic estrogen and other hormones, which could potentially increase the risk of reproductive side effects like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, breast cancer, and uterine cancer.
What is Endometriosis?
The endometrium is the layer of tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (also called the womb). Endometriosis occurs when cells that are similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside of the uterus.
Endometriosis is not life-threatening, but it can cause severe pain and infertility. There is no cure for endometriosis, but doctors may recommend treatments like hormonal birth control or surgery to remove tissues.
How Common is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis affects an estimated 2 to 10% of women in the U.S. who are between the ages of 25 an 40 years old, but it is more common among Black women.
What Causes Endometriosis?
No one knows exactly what causes endometriosis, but it occurs when cells that normally line the inside of the uterus begin to grow in other areas of the body, usually in the pelvic region.
This tissue acts like regular uterine tissue behaves during a period: it breaks apart and bleeds — but because it is not inside the uterus, the blood and tissue have nowhere to go. This causes pain, swelling, inflammation, or scar-tissue or lesions.
Endometriosis & Infertility
Endometriosis usually involves pelvic tissues, most commonly the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Sometimes, endometriosis also affects nearby organs, such as the bowel and bladder. Scar-tissue from endometriosis may cause infertility due to problems with in the release of eggs from the ovaries, or scar-tissue blocking the path of sperm.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
- Painful menstrual periods that worsens over time
- Severe pelvic cramping
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Painful bowel movements or urination
- Infertility
- Chronic fatigue
- And more
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer. It occurs when cells in the endometrium (the tissue lining the inside of the uterus) begin dividing and growing uncontrollably. Endometrial cancer is more common in Black women, and Black women are twice as likely to die from it than white women.
List of Hair Relaxers Linked to Endometriosis
- Ultra Precise
- Dark & Lovely
- Bantu
- Optimum
- Motions
- Just for Me
- ORS Olive Oil
- African Pride
- TCB Naturals
- Luster’s
- Africa’s Best
- Creme of Nature
- TCB
- Mizani Rhelaxer
- Soft & Beautiful
- Ultra Sheen Supreme
Do I have a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting hair relaxer induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with endometriosis, uterine cancer, breast cancer, or fibroids after using hair relaxers, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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