Meet Our Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Attorneys

Hair relaxers are chemical products used to straighten hair by breaking down structural bonds within the strand. These creams and pastes have been sold for decades in salons and retail stores, often marketed heavily to Black women and children. Many formulas contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can be absorbed through the scalp during application, especially with repeated use every four to six weeks.

Chemical hair relaxer products are sold as paste or cream formulations that typically contain phthalates, and other hazardous chemicals associated with high cancer risk– the hazardous chemicals are combined with fragrance to act as scent preservatives and to allow products to stick to skin and hair. Relaxer product instructions direct customers to apply these formulations to their hair near the scalp, and most users must reapply the chemical products every four-six weeks to maintain their straightened style. But FDA does not require chemicals to be labeled individually when combined with “perfume” or fragrance, and consumers cannot tell from ingredient lists which hazardous chemicals are present in relaxer products.

Chemical relaxer products often contain endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), phthalates, and other additives linked to increased cancer risk. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require full disclosure of fragrance ingredients, consumers may not know which hazardous chemicals are present. Combined with frequent, long-term scalp exposure, these products may increase the likelihood of developing hormone-related cancers. Stylists and salon professionals may face even greater risk due to daily handling without protective gear.

Research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has shown a strong association between frequent relaxer use and certain hormone-related cancers. The most commonly linked diagnoses include uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine sarcoma. These products often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that may interfere with the body’s natural hormonal balance, potentially increasing cancer risk over time.

Many relaxers contain endocrine-disrupting compounds that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Over time, these chemicals can enter the body through the scalp, potentially affecting cell growth and reproductive system function. This hormonal disruption is a key factor in the cancer risk linked to relaxers.

You may qualify if you used chemical hair-straightening or relaxing products regularly and later received a diagnosis of a hormone-related cancer, even if your usage stopped years ago. Stylists and salon workers exposed through repeated handling may also be eligible. A case review can determine whether your diagnosis aligns with chemical-exposure injuries.

They may be. Children and teens who used relaxers, or had them applied by adults, were still exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. If they later developed a qualifying cancer or reproductive-health condition, they may have a claim. Parents or guardians typically file on their behalf.

Your filing deadline depends on your state’s statute of limitations, which typically begins when you first knew, or should have known, that your diagnosis may be linked to relaxer use. Even if several years have passed, you may still qualify, especially in mass-tort litigation. A case review is the fastest way to confirm your timeline.

Yes. Many people used a combination of at-home kits and professional salon treatments over the years. Both types contain similar chemical formulations, and exposure from either source may contribute to increased cancer risk. If you used relaxers in both settings, that cumulative exposure may strengthen your claim.

Claims may involve numerous at-home and salon brands, including Dark & Lovely, Optimum, Soft & Beautiful, Motions, Just for Me, Creme of Nature, Carson Soft Sheen, Olive Oil, and others. Many major cosmetic companies have been named in litigation for selling products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals without adequate warnings. You do not need proof of every product used; your general usage history is usually sufficient.

Most claims rely on medical records documenting your diagnosis, details about your relaxer usage (brands remembered, frequency, salon visits), and your symptom history. You do not need receipts, packaging, or proof of every brand. Attorneys also utilize scientific research, expert testimony, and industry-wide ingredient data to build your case.

Attorneys evaluate your personal hair-care history, salon habits, commonly used product types during your years of use, and expert insights on industry ingredients. Medical experts may assess whether your diagnosis aligns with exposure-related injuries. Repeat exposure, such as for salon owners or workers, can be established even without documentation.

Potential compensation may cover:

• Medical treatment and future healthcare needs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Long-term care needs
• Wrongful death damages for families

Every case is unique, and compensation depends on individual circumstances.

These injuries may qualify under specific circumstances, but current litigation primarily focuses on hormone-related cancers due to the strongest scientific evidence. An attorney can review other injuries individually.

Yes. Surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim for a loved one whose cancer was linked to chemical relaxer exposure. Compensation may cover medical costs, funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional losses.

No. Morgan & Morgan handles these cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front and nothing unless the firm wins. The Fee Is Free®.

Yes. You may still qualify for compensation related to past treatment, ongoing monitoring, long-term health effects, financial losses, and emotional challenges stemming from your diagnosis.

Yes. MDL deadlines operate independently from state statutes of limitations and may shift as litigation progresses. Filing sooner helps protect your ability to participate.

Timelines vary. Some claims settle as MDL proceedings advance, while others take longer due to scientific reviews, court scheduling, and the number of plaintiffs involved. It’s common for mass-tort cases to take several months to several years.

Morgan & Morgan manages every aspect of complex toxic-exposure litigation, including gathering medical evidence, coordinating scientific experts, handling multi-plaintiff filings, and building cases against major corporations. Clients can focus on their health while the firm manages the legal strategy. The Fee Is Free®, so you never pay upfront.