Numerous lawsuits have been filed against cosmetic giants L’Oreal, Revlon, and other manufacturers, alleging that their hair relaxer products are associated with an increased risk of cancer and other harmful side effects. Now, a federal judge has allowed the majority of these claims to move forward, signaling a potential turning point in the ongoing legal battle.

What are Hair Relaxers and Hair Straighteners?

Hair relaxers, also known as hair straighteners or chemical straighteners, are widely used hair treatments primarily marketed to individuals with naturally curly or textured hair. These products are typically sold as creams or lotions and they work by penetrating the hair shaft and breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair’s cortex layer. This process permanently straightens the hair, providing a sleek and smooth appearance. Because of their ability to straighten and smooth naturally curly, textured hair, hair relaxers and hair-straightening products are heavily marketed to women of color. Some popular brands include:

• L’Oreal’s Dark & Lovely
• Revlon’s Creme of Nature
• Namaste’s ORS Olive Oil relaxers

The Link Between Hair Relaxers and Cancer

In recent years, scientific studies have emerged suggesting a potential link between the use of hair relaxers and an increased risk of cancer, particularly uterine cancer. A groundbreaking study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who reported using hair straightening products more than four times a year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use these products.

The study, which spanned over 11 years and included more than 33,000 racially diverse women aged 35 to 74, revealed that the rate of uterine cancer increased to 4.05% in women who frequently used hair relaxers, compared to 1.64% in those who never used these products. While the study did not specifically identify the ingredients of the hair relaxers used, it highlighted the presence of potentially harmful substances such as phthalates, parabens, cyclosiloxanes, and formaldehyde in these products.

Legal Challenges and Plaintiffs’ Allegations

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against well-known beauty companies, including L’Oreal, Revlon, and others, alleging that they knowingly sold hair relaxers containing harmful chemicals without adequately warning consumers about the associated risks. The plaintiffs in the hair relaxer litigation assert claims of negligence, defective product design, and failure to warn customers. While the legal claims face substantial challenges, including the need to demonstrate that the products were indeed harmful and that the companies were aware of these dangers, the plaintiffs find support in the NIH study and other scientific research indicating the potential risks of hair relaxers. 

Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Moving Forward

In a significant development for the plaintiffs, a federal judge has allowed the majority of claims to proceed in the multidistrict litigation against L’Oreal, Revlon, and other defendants. U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland denied most of the companies’ arguments to dismiss the complaints, stating that the plaintiffs had presented sufficient evidence to support their allegations. The litigation, which includes over 8,000 lawsuits, now enters a new phase as it moves closer to trial.

While the judge dismissed a few claims, including those related to fraud allegations, the ruling represents a significant victory for the plaintiffs seeking justice for the alleged harm caused by hair relaxers. The decision underscores the importance of scientific research in supporting the claims and paves the way for further legal proceedings.

Hair Straightener Manufacturers Deny Cancer Link

L’Oreal and Revlon, the primary defendants in the hair relaxer lawsuits, have vehemently denied the allegations and emphasized their commitment to product safety. Both companies maintain that their products undergo rigorous safety reviews and comply with regulatory standards. In response to the lawsuits, L’Oreal stated that it is confident in the safety of its products and believes the lawsuits have no legal merit. Revlon similarly denies any link between their hair straighteners and cancer, asserting that the science does not support such a connection.

Other companies named in the litigation, including Namaste and its parent company Dabur India, have also defended their products, stating that they are in compliance with regulatory requirements and that the plaintiffs have not provided sufficient evidence to support their claims.

Legal Implications and Future Trials

As the hair relaxer lawsuits continue to gain momentum, the legal battle is far from over. The success of the claims against L’Oreal, Revlon, and other manufacturers will depend on the ability of the plaintiffs’ attorneys to present compelling evidence of harm and establish that the companies were aware or should have been aware of the risks associated with their products.

Lawsuits filed in the federal court system were recently consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, which streamlines the legal process and allows for more efficient management of the claims. This consolidation facilitates the exchange of information and resources among the plaintiffs’ attorneys, enhancing their ability to build strong arguments against the defendants.

The ongoing litigation serves as a reminder of the importance of product safety and the need for companies to thoroughly evaluate the potential risks associated with their products. It also highlights the significance of scientific research in shaping legal claims and influencing public perception.

Calls for Accountability Within the Cosmetic Industry

The mounting hair relaxer lawsuits represent a significant legal battle for justice and accountability across the cosmetic industry. Thousands of women, primarily women of color, have come forward to seek compensation for the alleged harm caused by these products. The lawsuits have unveiled the potential risks associated with hair relaxers and have sparked a broader conversation about the need for greater transparency and consumer protection in the beauty industry.

As the litigation progresses, it is essential to continue raising awareness about the potential dangers of hair relaxers and to empower individuals to make informed choices about their personal care products. The outcome of these lawsuits could have far-reaching implications, influencing product regulations, industry practices, and the overall perception of beauty standards.