Hair Relaxer Lawsuit: Your Legal Rights and Compensation Options
If you’ve used a hair relaxer product and been diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer, you may be eligible to join the ongoing hair relaxer lawsuit.
See If You Qualify
A Few Seconds Is All It Takes To See If You Have A Valid Case
Legal Updates
and Recent Developments in Hair Relaxer Lawsuits
- You must identify as a person with naturally textured or curly hair.
- You must have been diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer (including all subtypes), or endometrial cancer in 2010 or later after using a hair relaxer product.
- You must be 59 years old or younger at the time of your diagnosis.
- You must have used a hair relaxer product for at least 4 continuous years before your diagnosis and applied it at least 4 times per year during your period of highest use.
- Your diagnosis must have occurred within 10 years of the last use of the hair relaxer product.
- You must know the brand of the hair relaxer you used, and it must have contained formaldehyde or phthalates. Brands like Africa’s Best, Ultra Precise, Dark & Lovely, and others are part of the lawsuit.
How to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
Filing a hair relaxer lawsuit involves several key steps to ensure your case is presented correctly:
Gather Your Evidence
Collect medical records showing your cancer diagnosis and treatment, and identify the hair relaxer brand(s) you used.
Find an Experienced Lawyer
Consult a lawyer who specializes in hair relaxer lawsuits and mass torts, ensuring you meet all legal requirements.
Join the Lawsuit
Your attorney will assist you in filing a claim, whether as part of a class action or MDL, consolidating similar cases for efficiency.
What Are the Potential Settlements and Compensation for Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
If you qualify for the hair relaxer lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical
Expenses
This includes costs for cancer treatments, doctor visits, and other health-related expenses.
Pain
and Suffering
Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by illness.
Lost
Wages
Compensation for income lost due to an inability to work during treatment or illness.
Punitive
Damages
Awarded for particularly negligent or malicious actions by the manufacturer.
Legal Updates
and Recent Developments in Hair Relaxer Lawsuits
Bellwether trials are scheduled to begin in late 2026, and while a global settlement has not yet been reached, the litigation is advancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hair relaxer cancer lawsuits are there?
As of February 2026, there are over 11,195 lawsuits in the hair relaxer MDL (Multidistrict Litigation), with cases consolidated under Judge Mary M. Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois. The number continues to grow as more individuals come forward.
Do chemical hair relaxers cause uterine cancer?
Yes, studies have suggested that chemicals in hair relaxers, such as formaldehyde and phthalates, may increase the risk of uterine cancer. Many plaintiffs in the ongoing lawsuits claim that these products contributed to their cancer diagnoses.
How much can I get from a hair relaxer lawsuit?
The compensation from a hair relaxer lawsuit settlement can vary based on the severity of your diagnosis and the evidence you provide. Compensation may cover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. The exact amount will depend on individual case factors and the final settlement or trial outcome.
Can you file a hair relaxer lawsuit if you have ovarian cancer?
Yes, if you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and have used chemical hair relaxers, you may be eligible to file a hair relaxer lawsuit. The lawsuits claim that prolonged exposure to certain chemicals in these products can lead to ovarian cancer, including several specific subtypes.
Which companies have faced lawsuits over hair relaxer products?
Common hair relaxer lawsuit brands include Dark & Lovely, Motions, Soft & Beautiful, Africa’s Best, L’Oréal, and Just For Me, among others. These brands are known to contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and phthalates.
How do I know if I qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit?
To qualify, you must meet certain criteria, including being a person with naturally textured or curly hair, having used a chemical hair relaxer for at least four years, and being diagnosed with uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer after 2010. If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible for a lawsuit.
How long do I have to file a hair relaxer lawsuit?
You must file your lawsuit within a certain timeframe, which varies depending on your state’s statute of limitations. In most cases, this time frame begins from the date of your cancer diagnosis. It’s important to act quickly as delays can impact your eligibility to pursue a claim.
What health issues are linked to using certain hair straightening chemicals?
Certain chemicals found in hair straightening products, like formaldehyde and phthalates, have been linked to serious health issues, including uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and fibroids. These chemicals can disrupt hormones and pose significant risks to reproductive health, particularly with long-term or frequent use of hair relaxers.
What should I do if I think I have a case for the hair relaxer lawsuit?
If you believe you have been affected by a chemical hair relaxer, the first step is to contact a qualified lawyer for a free consultation. They will help assess your eligibility, review your medical history, and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
What factors influence hair relaxer lawsuit settlement amounts?
- The type and severity of illness caused by the hair relaxer
- The extent of pain and suffering experienced
- Medical expenses incurred due to treatment
- Lost wages due to illness or inability to work