How Do You Qualify for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit (2024)

Who qualifies for a hair relaxer lawsuit and potential compensation? Understand eligibility criteria and your chances for a claim.

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How Do You Qualify for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit (2024)

Hair relaxers have always been an ideal choice for people looking for straight and sleek hair. Regardless of their popularity, people started having concerns over the potential health problems linked with these hair relaxers.

Numerous health concerns, including respiratory problems, hair loss, chemical burns, scalp infections, fibroids, and uterine cancer, have been consistently reported. Many of those affected are increasingly pursuing legal action in response

Consumer Shield gives you comprehensive insights into everything you need to know about hair relaxer litigation. This includes the potential link between the product, observed health issues and the criteria of eligibility to file a legal lawsuit.

The Concerns Surrounding Hair Relaxers

Hair relaxers refer to chemical hair straightening products that are under debate and concern because of harmful chemicals present in their formula.

Toxic chemicals like formaldehyde have quite an impact on raising health problems if exposed to the scalp, skin, and respiratory system. However, affected people are trying to take legal action against manufacturers to get justice.

Key Factors In Determining Eligibility

  • Health Effect: People who have experienced severe health problems like fibroids, hair loss, scalp infection, chemical burns, respiratory issues, or uterine cancer after hair relaxer usage have higher chances of qualifying in filing a lawsuit.

Moreover, here, medical documentation and records of health play a vital role in developing a strong link between the observed health problems and hair relaxer usage.

  • Exposure To Harmful Chemicals: It is really important to prove that people were actually exposed to toxic chemicals used in chemical hair straighteners.

However, one can easily claim to have these chemicals in their body with the help of medical experts and demand that the use of these products cause severe health problems.

  • Product Usage: Giving a complete record of using hair relaxers over time can help further in finding a direct link between observant health issues and product usage. A complete set of data, including duration and frequency, will further help in building the case more strongly.
  • Documentation And Evidence: The whole process of finding evidence is crucial.

Therefore, make sure to always keep the record from the start, the receipts, and product documents, and take photos any time you feel adverse effects or reactions after using the hair relaxant.

  • Legal Consultation: It is recommended to consult a well-versed attorney in personal injury and product liability law. Legal experts at Consumer Shield will conduct a thorough assessment of your case and provide comprehensive legal guidance to ensure the protection of your rights.

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Which Hair Relaxer Causes Cancer?

Hair relaxers, a chemical straightening product, have always been an ideal choice for straight and smooth hair. However, several reports and studies have raised issues regarding health issues linked with certain hair relaxers.

At the same time, the biggest concern among them is the potential connection between hair relaxer usage and cancer. Therefore, to understand which type of hair relaxers have actually linked and contributed to causing cancer, let’s read the next paragraph.

Understanding The Link Between Hair Relaxers And Cancers

The link between cancer and hair relaxers revolves around the availability of some toxic chemicals present in the products. However, formaldehyde is considered one of those chemicals. Manufacturers use formaldehyde in their hair relaxers for straightening the hair. The chemical directly reacts with the natural bonds of the hair and breaks it down to make it more straight.

Furthermore, the biggest concern about formaldehyde is that it is also known as a carcinogen. This literally means that it has enough ability to lead to cancer when used for extended periods or skin exposure.

Understanding Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

About Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

Every day, millions of individuals rely on hair relaxer products to manage their hair, trusting in their safety. However, recent scientific findings and numerous lawsuits have shattered this trust, revealing a potential link between these products and severe health issues, including uterine and ovarian cancer.

This alarming revelation has led to a surge of hair relaxer lawsuits, with victims seeking justice and compensation for their suffering. If you or a loved one has been affected, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

This article is designed to guide you through the complex landscape of these lawsuits, provide important information about your rights, and how the expert team at ConsumerShield can help you navigate this legal journey.

Identifying Risky Ingredients

Fortunately, not all chemical hair relaxers are toxic cancer-causing chemicals. Therefore, you must have enough knowledge about ingredients that may cause issues later. Hence, always read the labels of the product carefully. Some ingredients that may cause risk to your health include:

  • Formaldehyde: This specific chemical is widely used for hair straightening therapies, particularly “keratin treatments''. Moreover, formaldehyde releases toxic gas upon heating, and longer exposure to gas fumes can relatively enhance the chances of cancer.
  • Lye or Sodium Hydroxide: Hair relaxers that contain lye are considered significantly effective for straightening hair. However, they may pose a risk to the skin and scalp. Use of these products can cause scalp problems and cause irritation, which potentially enhances the chances of cancer.
  • No-Lye Relaxers: Hair relaxers that do not contain Lye often use guanidine hydroxide or calcium hydroxide as an active ingredient. Although these chemicals have milder effects than lye, consistent and longer use can still cause scalp damage and irritation. This ultimately leads to cancer.

Factors Influencing Risk

The usage of hair relaxers not only causes cancer, but several other factors also contribute potentially to getting the disease. Some of those factors include:

  • Frequency Of Use: The constant use of hair relaxers for longer periods leads to higher exposure to toxic chemicals, which potentially increases the chances of cancer.
  • Applications Method: Moreover, improper usage and application methods like overheating the hair relaxers lead to higher gas release, which automatically causes cancer when inhaled or consumed.
  • Individual Sensitivity: The sensitivity of an individual also matters. Some people are more susceptible to specific chemicals. However, increasing the exposure automatically enhances the chances of getting adverse effects.

Furthermore, not all types of hair relaxers contribute to cancer-causing. Therefore, it is crucial to know the ingredients and their effect on the usage.

Products that contain formaldehyde and toxic chemicals such as lye must need utmost caution while using for longer periods as they potentially cause cancer.

Regularly assess your condition while using hair products, meet with hair specialists, and ask for milder and better alternatives. This significantly enhances your overall health and reduces the risk of getting potential health problems linked with the usage of hair relaxers.

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When Will the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Be Settled?

In recent years, the beauty industry has been rocked by a wave of lawsuits, specifically targeting the manufacturers of hair relaxer products. These lawsuits claim that the products are dangerously defective, disrupting the endocrine systems of users and leading to severe health issues like uterine and ovarian cancers. For potential plaintiffs, the matter is pressing, not just from a health perspective but also from a legal standpoint. Understanding the intricacies of this evolving legal landscape is crucial, especially as the clock ticks on statutes of limitation.

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Catherine Elaine Mitchell

Distinguished Professor at Harvard Law

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The beauty industry has long been a cornerstone of self-expression and confidence, offering an array of products designed to enhance our appearance. Hair relaxers, specifically, have been transformative for individuals looking to straighten their naturally curly or wavy hair. But what if these seemingly magical solutions came with a hidden cost—your health? Recent lawsuits and studies are sounding the alarm bells about the potential link between hair relaxers and various types of cancer, including uterine and ovarian cancer. This has prompted urgent calls for more research and raised questions about the safety of these products. If you're concerned about the risks associated with hair relaxers, ConsumerShield offers free claim reviews by experts who can evaluate whether you might be entitled to compensation.

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Qualifications for the Tepezza Class Action Lawsuit

Qualifications for the Tepezza Class Action Lawsuit

In recent years, Tepezza has emerged as a leading injectable prescription drug for treating thyroid eye disease (TED). However, new scientific research has raised red flags, revealing that the drug can potentially cause permanent hearing damage and/or tinnitus in some patients. As a result, a wave of legal actions has been initiated against the manufacturers of Tepezza. If you or someone you know has experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after receiving Tepezza injections, you may be contemplating your legal options. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on what it takes to qualify for a Tepezza lawsuit. From identifying when patients usually experience side effects to discussing the types of evidence needed for a successful claim, we have you covered. ConsumerShield specializes in offering free claim reviews to help you determine your eligibility for compensation and connect you with specialized legal teams.

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The Role Of Manufacturer: Accountability And Responsibility

Hair relaxers are widely used beauty products, ensuring people give them a straight and sleek hair look.

However, as soon as safer concerns arise about these products, people start pointing out the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure the health of consumers.

  • Product Development And Formulation: Hair manufacturers play a crucial role in the formulation and development of chemical hair treatment products. They have a responsibility to choose ingredients, chemical concentrations, and overall product safety. The decisions that manufacturers make before and during the creating phase have direct impacts on the usage of products and their associated potential risks.
  • Quality Control And Testing: The manufacturer is responsible for conducting a thorough testing of quality control to ensure the product’s safety. The testing involves the evaluation of the formulation stability, observing potential reactions and damage to skin and scalp, and looking for harmful chemicals in the product. Strong and thorough testing helps in determining any problems that may lead to long-term adverse health problems.
  • Labeling And Instructions: Manufacturers have an ethical and legal obligation to give comprehensive and accurate labeling of the ingredients of the products. This involves listing all used ingredients, usage instructions and guidelines, and side effects. Thorough and clear instructions play a vital role in ensuring that consumers use hair products correctly and safely, which potentially reduces the chances of adverse health issues.
  • Consumer Education: Along with providing necessary information about the products to the consumer, manufacturers also take part in educating them about safe usage and potential risks. Manufacturers can achieve this through online web portals and product packaging. Manufacturers can also partner with beauty experts and hairstylists to make sure that consumers have all the information regarding the potential risks and benefits of the product.
  • Responsibility For Diverse Effects: When a consumer experiences diverse effects like cancer, hair loss, chemical burns, or scalp infections, it holds the manufacturer accountable. If the case proves that the formula of products, testing, or labeling was not enough to warn them about diverse effects and cause severe health problems, then manufacturers are to be held responsible for their actions.
  • Legal Action And Class Action Lawsuits: People who have experienced severe harm and injuries after hair relaxer usage can seek legal guidance through individual lawsuits or class-action claims. Manufacturers may face opposition and defeat for causing damage from their hair relaxers, particularly if plaintiffs prove inadequate safety measures of the product in court.

Hair relaxers manufacturers play a vital role in ensuring the well-being and safety of consumers. Transparent labeling, adequate product formulation, and rigorous testing help manufacturers play their part in developing a safe beauty industry.

On the contrary, consumers need to take control of their hands and vigorously inform the situation about the product if they feel or see any adverse effect in using the product. This way, both parties can live happily without being concerned.

Who Is Eligible For A Chemical Hair Strengthener Lawsuit?

The ongoing concerns regarding the hair relaxer's safety have forced a number of people to seek legal guidance in this matter.

As the number of cases of potential health risks like cancers, respiratory issues, hair loss, and chemical burns has risen, many consumers are pondering whether they have eligibility to pursue a legal hair relaxer lawsuit.

However, to understand which factors determine the eligibility of filing a hair relaxer lawsuit, let’s read on further.

Experiencing Adverse Effect: The primary eligibility criteria in a hair relaxer lawsuit are observing and facing adverse health issues after using these toxic chemical products. However, the adverse effects may include the following:

  • Cancer: People who have a cancer diagnosis, especially those who have a firm claim that indicates a clear link between the usage of hair relaxers and cancer type, have full eligibility to file a lawsuit.
  • Chemical Burns: Moreover, people who have clear marks of chemical burns on the skin, scalp, or other body parts due to hair relaxer usage also make them eligible to file a legal lawsuit.
  • Hair Loss: Experiencing long-lasting severe hair loss after the usage of hair relaxers also makes a person eligible for a lawsuit.
  • Respiratory Issues: People who have been diagnosed with respiratory issues like breathing difficulties or asthma because of inhaling fumes released after burning the products also qualify to pursue lawsuits.

Frequency And Duration Of Use: The duration and frequency of hair relaxers are also considered one of the crucial factors. People who have a consistent and longer usage history of hair straightening products are most likely eligible. Prolonged and consistent exposure to toxic chemicals enhances the chances of severe side effects. Moreover, it also develops a strong connection between health issues and product usage.

Medical Documentation: Medical records and documentation play a significant role in strengthening the claim in hair relaxer lawsuits. This documentation may involve:

Diagnosis And Medical Records: Medically approved evidence of observed health problems like chemical burns, respiratory problems, hair loss, or cancer diagnosis.

Causation: Medically approved documents clearly determine a potential connection between the observed health problems and the usage of hair straightening chemicals.

Legal Representative: It is highly advised to seek guidance from an expert attorney specializing in personal injury and product liability. These experts can assess the sensitivity of your case and guide you with basic information and facts on whether you qualify for pursuing a hair relaxer lawsuit or not.

Collective Legal Action: Most of the time, when people have the same motive and claim against the same defendant, they join forces and become a part of class-action litigation. In such cases, a set of people sues product manufacturers collectively. This not only makes the process cost-effective but also more efficient.

Contact Consumer Shield for Help

If you find yourself questioning, "Do I qualify for the hair relaxer lawsuit?" — Consumer Shield is here to provide answers and support. Our commitment to older individuals, victims, and their relatives drives us to offer a professional and patriotic approach to legal assistance in cases related to Chemical Hair Straighteners.

Our specialized legal team is ready to assess your situation through a free case evaluation. Whether your concerns encompass hair straightener cancer, uterine issues, chemical burns, hair loss, or other adverse effects, we're here to listen and guide you.

With a carefully curated network of skilled lawyers handpicked for their alignment with specific class action claims, Consumer Shield offers more than just legal connections. We offer a partnership rooted in professionalism and legal expertise. Our focus on harmful chemicals in hair relaxers and their repercussions ensures that our legal representation is tailored to your needs.

What Are Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?

Hair relaxer litigation has gained a lot of attention recently because of the talk of causing adverse health issues to consumers. However, people who have faced severe health issues such as chemical burns, cancer, hair loss, or respiratory problems are considered eligible to sue manufacturers and file a legal lawsuit against them.

Estimated Settlement Amounts For A Hair Relaxer Uterine Cancer Lawsuit

In the chemical hair relaxers lawsuits, the uterine cancer claims are considered in the class of top settlement. Scientific studies and research have strong evidence that proves a direct relationship between uterine cancer and hair relaxers. Furthermore, uterine cancer is considered a more severe health issue than endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

The expert lawyers estimate the payout of hair relaxer uterine cancer lawsuits may range from $1,750,00 to $300,000. The reason for such a high payout variation is that there are several variations based on the circumstances of the case.

For instance, a uterine cancer lawsuit involving a claimant in their late 20s and having no children will have more value than a uterine cancer lawsuit involving a claimant in their late 60s. However, this does not imply that the plaintiff in the 60s cannot have a claim for settlement of her injury.

Estimated Settlement Amounts For A Hair Relaxer Endometriosis Lawsuit

The hair relaxer lawsuit in which the claimant claims to have endometriosis comes in a lower settlement class for two reasons. The foremost reason is that the research and studies do not have strong evidence to prove a potential connection of hair relaxers to cause endometriosis as compared to the evidence of causing uterine cancer. Therefore, this makes it difficult to prove, which also affects the settlement payout and brings it down.

Another reason for less settlement payout on hair relaxer endometriosis lawsuits is that the health condition does not result in severe injuries as compared to uterine cancer. Although endometriosis causes severe pain and often leads to infertility, it does not have life-threatening concerns as in uterine cancer.

After taking all the factors into consideration, lawyers estimate that hair relaxer lawsuits that involve plaintiffs with endometriosis have a payout ranging from $300,000 to $110,000.

Estimated Settlement Amounts For A Hair Relaxer Uterine Fibroid Lawsuit

Hair relaxer uterine fibroid lawsuits come in the second class of settlement payout. Several studies and research have strong evidence of a connection between hair relaxers and uterine fibroids. However, the injury from fibroids is not as severe as uterine cancer. Although uterine fibroid requires surgery and has painful experience, it is not considered a deadly disease.

Therefore, after thorough consideration, lawyers estimate that hair straightening chemical lawsuits involving plaintiffs with uterine fibroids diagnosis will bear a payout that may range between $500,000 to $150,000. This settlement value is slightly greater than endometriosis but lower than uterine cancer lawsuits.

Estimated Settlement Amounts For A Hair Relaxer Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit

Several studies have strong evidence that shows a firm relation between the usage of hair relaxers and the causation of ovarian cancer. According to Sister's study, women with consistent use of hair relaxers may have 50% higher chances of getting ovarian cancer.

Lawyers have a strong estimation that if plaintiffs take their cases in court with a claim of having ovarian cancer due to hair relaxers, the settlement value may range between $750,000 and $400,000. People with ovarian cancer may have a lower survival rate as compared to uterine cancer. But lawyers estimated the value lower than that because of other factor considerations.

The Legal Mechanism Of Hair Relaxer Lawsuits And Real Life Cases

The hair relaxer litigation has brought potential health concerns and linked products to light. As people have experienced its adverse side effects like hair loss, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and respiratory problems, they are looking for legal guidance. The following paragraphs will help you understand the complexities, legal proceedings, implications, and real-life hair-relaxer lawsuits.

Types Of Legal Mechanisms

Individual Lawsuits: Individual lawsuits refer to legal proceedings in which a single person claims to have adverse effects after using hair relaxers. The person files a lawsuit against the manufacturer, claiming to have health issues. These individual lawsuits mainly focus on developing a clear and strong connection between the observed health issues and the product.

Class-Action Lawsuits: Class-action litigations refer to a lawsuit in which a number of people with similar claims and motives sue a manufacturer altogether. This type of lawsuit enables multiple plaintiffs to simultaneously sue product manufacturers. This not only reduces the cost of whole legal proceedings but also makes the process efficient and conclusive.

Product-Liability Claims: Hair relaxer litigation often comes in product liability cases. These lawsuits claim that the hair relaxer product is dangerous, defective, and lacks enough warning regarding potential risks.

Real-Life Cases And Implications

  • Formaldehyde-Containing Products: Multiple plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against product manufacturers of hair relaxers that comprise formaldehyde. Claimants have asserted that hair straightening products release formaldehyde gas, which, in exposure to the skin and scalp, causes respiratory problems, chemical burns, hair loss, and other health issues.
  • Health Conditions: Moreover, people who have experienced health problems like uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, and other fatal health issues have filed lawsuits. They claimed a clear relationship between hair relaxer usage and their observed condition.
  • Manufacturing Negligence: Many lawsuits claim that product manufacturers failed to develop, test, label, quality control, and test for adverse effects, which leads to severe damage.

Hair Relaxer Class Action Lawsuit Update

In our country, our law firm is undoubtedly one of the leading firms that keep you updated with news and information about chemical hair straightening lawsuits or hair relaxer lawsuits. Our expert attorneys are devoted to providing all necessary information to our clients and victims.

Latest Lawsuit - 21 Aug, 2023

Tina Hardin from Brooklyn, Minnesota, has become one the recent plaintiffs who joined the class action lawsuit of hair relaxer MDL. She used a short-form complaint and filed her chemical hair relaxer lawsuit in MDL. According to her complaint, Tina used 3 distinct chemical hair straightening products between 2011 and 1985: ORS Olive Oil, S&B Botanicals, and Just For Me. Strength of Nature, LLC and Namaste Laboratories were the names of the defendants in the case. Tina, in 2019, was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer of Endometrial.

Master Complaint Is Done - 18 Aug 2023

The master complaint of the plaintiff has been recorded or filed. This master complaint comprises a detailed and comprehensive explanation of 400 pages of the plaintiff's claims.

MDL Grows To 275 Cases - 17 Aug 2023

Last week, there were about 275 pending hair relaxer class-action MDL. In the last month, 36 new lawsuits and claims were added to the MDL.

Master Lawsuit Due - 14 Aug, 2023

The master complaint of the Plaintiffs was on the 14th of this month. A master complaint is usually filed in a class action MDL that comprises all the facts and legal claims that plaintiffs have made. This, however, does not imply that all lawsuits become one. Instead, they all are individual lawsuits. The master complaint consists of all the claims and allegations from hair relaxer cases. This aids in pretrial discovery struggles in the lawsuits.

Last week, the court approved another new short-form complaint. This helps plaintiffs add the info in the new master complaint, which makes the process of filing a hair relaxer lawsuit easier.

Short Form Complaint Adopted In MDL - 4 Aug, 2023

At the start of this month, Judge Rowland approved an official Short Form Complaint. New chemical hair relaxer lawsuits can easily be filed in the MDL of class action using this form. The direct filing process and Short-form complaint will effectively make the filing process easy. They easily file hair relaxer litigation in an MDL.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Continuous research is going to find a potential relationship between respiratory problems or uterine fibroids and hair relaxers. However, no absolute causative link has come to light.

    Many consumers have reported developing these problems after hair relaxer usage, but several other factors can also contribute to such health effects. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have the expert opinion of medical professionals and legal representatives in this regard if you feel your health problems have a direct link to the use of hair relaxers.

  • Hair relaxers are usually applied on tightly coiled or curly hair textures to give them a straight and sleek look.

    However, most Afro-Caribbean, African, or similar people have the same type of hair relaxers. Besides hair type, the effect of using hair relaxers may also vary from individual to individual.


  • If you are experiencing adverse side effects after using hair straightening products, ensure that your safety and health are your top priority. However, if you suffer severe chemical reactions like respiratory problems, chemical burns, irritation on scalps, or other symptoms, then immediately seek medical help.

    Record your experience, which may include photos of visible scars, and collect all information regarding the product. Furthermore, consulting with expert attorneys in self-harm and product liability situations will help you with your potential legal rights and options.


  • Medical documentation evidence significantly strengthens your side in chemical hair relaxer lawsuits. These medical records help in understanding the direct relationship between the usage of products and observed diverse effects. Moreover, it is advised to consult with medical experts who can give their opinion on the connection between your health problems and hair relaxer usage to support your claim.

  • The hair relaxer litigation duration may vary on several factors, such as the sensitivity of a case, the number of plaintiffs, the response of legal proceedings, and potential settlements or negotiations.

    Some cases take months to resolve, while others may take several years. The involvement of several plaintiffs, the need for expert opinion, and the complexities of the overall case affect the lawsuit duration.


About the Author

Catherine Elaine Mitchell's profile picture

Catherine Elaine Mitchell

Distinguished Professor at Harvard Law

Catherine Elaine Mitchell (born March 2, 1963) is an American legal scholar renowned for her innovative perspectives on constitutional law and civil liberties. Currently a distinguished professor at Harvard Law School, Mitchell has authored several influential textbooks and has penned numerous articles on the nuances of First Amendment rights.

ConsumerShield is Here to Help

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with uterine or ovarian cancer after regular use of hair relaxers, you may be entitled to compensation. At ConsumerShield, we understand the pain and trauma you're going through. Our experienced team is ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve in this hair relaxer class action lawsuit.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to claim what you're entitled to. The time to act is now. Contact ConsumerShield today, and let's start your hair relaxer injury claim together.

You are not alone in this fight.

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