Davis & Crump is currently investigating claims for individuals who used certain chemical hair straighteners and were subsequently diagnosed with uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer.
Chemical Hair Straighteners
Chemical hair straighteners are cosmetic products that are used to break down the natural bonds found in the user’s hair. Once applied to the head, chemical hair straighteners react with heat to break down these bonds, eliminating the user’s natural hair texture and replacing it with a straighter look and feel.
The first chemical hair straightener to be marketed to African American women, Dark & Lovely, was introduced in 1971. Since that time, numerous cosmetic companies have specifically targeted their marketing at African American women, who then use chemical straighteners both at home and at the salon. Some, but not all, products of note include:
- Optimum Care (L’Oreal)
- Dark & Lovely (L’Oreal)
- Crème of Nature (Revlon)
- Ors Olive Oil (Namaste)
- Just for Me (Strength of Nature)
- Motions (Strength of Nature)
- Soft & Beautiful (Strength of Nature)
Dangers of Chemical Hair Straighteners and Relaxers
Chemical Hair Straighteners typically contain potent chemicals, such as phthalates, lye, and formaldehyde, in order to strip out natural bonds and straighten the user’s hair. Unfortunately, these chemicals have been known to cause adverse health risks on exposure. Despite these risks, chemical hair straighteners have continued to utilize dangerous chemicals, all at the user’s expense.
A recent study found that women who used chemical hair straighteners are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with certain types of cancer. This study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that 1.64 percent of women who never used a chemical hair straightener would develop uterine cancer by age 70. Conversely, for women who did regularly use chemical hair straightening products, the risk of developing uterine cancer by age 70 jumped to 4.05%. [1]
This risk is at its highest in African American women, who make up the overwhelming majority of chemical hair straightener users. Unfortunately, African American women are also more likely to develop uterine cancer than white women, and have a poorer prognosis once diagnosed.
Other cancers that have been linked to chemical hair straighteners include Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer.
Do I Have A Claim?
Our legal team is helping individuals who used chemical hair straighteners and were subsequently diagnosed with cancer or other serious medical injuries. We are offering a free legal consultation and case evaluation. There is no out-of-pocket cost to you to have our firm represent you in this case. Davis & Crump is only paid an attorney’s fee if a recovery is made in your case.
Why Chose Davis & Crump?
Davis & Crump has handled complex litigation, including pharmaceutical and cosmetic products liability cases, since 1984. We have recovered over one billion dollars for our clients. Our attorneys are leaders in complex cases and are recognized in such publications as Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News & World Report, Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers.
Davis & Crump is experienced in products liability and pharmaceutical injury litigation and settlements. If you used chemical hair straighteners in the past and developed cancer, call us at call us at 1-800-277-0300, or email us at info@daviscrump.com or fill out a free case evaluation form here.
[1] See Che-Jung Chang, et al., Use of Straighteners and Other Hair Products and Incident Uterine Cancer, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Oct. 17, 2022, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36245087/.
Fill out a free claim evaluation or call us at 1-800-277-0300 to get started.
