LitPRO
Hair relaxers are chemical products used primarily by Black and Brown women to make hair lay flat and straight. The chemicals in hair relaxers are meant to temporarily straighten curly hair by breaking down protein bonds. Some of these chemicals, however, may be endocrine disruptors (chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormones) that can cause serious harm with long-term use.
Scientific evidence has emerged suggesting that long-term use of hair relaxer or straightener products may cause increased rates of uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancer.
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed in all 50 states, claiming product liability and negligence by multiple manufacturers of hair relaxer products. Many of these suits have been combined into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). All types of healthcare liens may result from this litigation.