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Hair Relaxer

Hair Relaxer

A study published in the Environmental Research, conducted at the University of Boston, found that individuals who use formaldehyde-based hair straighteners or relaxers have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer. These products are commonly used by women of color, particularly Black women, to style naturally curly or wavy hair.

Brands such as Dark & Lovely, Just for Me, Optimum Care, Soft & Beautiful, Motions, TCB Naturals, ORS Olive Oil, and Dream Kids Olive Miracle have been associated with a 156% increased risk of uterine cancer. Additional research also suggests a heightened risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer.

As a result, women who frequently use chemical hair relaxers face the greatest likelihood of receiving a cancer diagnosis. The study indicates that regular users are twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who do not use these products.

Hair relaxers and straighteners work by using a combination of chemicals to break down the hair’s natural structure, making it softer and more manageable. Many individuals who prefer a smoother style apply these treatments multiple times a year to maintain their desired look.

Plaintiffs have filed both product injury cases as well as multiple class actions on behalf of consumers who have yet to suffer a physical injury but allege, they were sold a dangerous product that put them at risk. About a half dozen of these class actions have been consolidated into one and before by the same judge overseeing the multidistrict litigation (MDL).

FDA Ban

In October 2023 the FDA proposed a ban on the use of formaldehyde (FA) chemicals such as methylene glycol being used in hair straightener products.

MDL

MDL #3060: Northern District of Illinois, Judge Mary M. Rowland

Litigation Update

As of February 2025 there were approximate 10,000 cases filed into the MDL. In a CMO on March 5, 2025, Judge Rowland laid out the bellwether selection process having plaintiffs and defense each select 20 cases from the pool that had been filed or served by February 1, 2025 for the initial discovery pool. Submissions must be made by April 30, 2025. She also set March 2, 2026 as the date for general causation discovery to be completed and Daubert motions due by May 15, 2026. The judge outlined a total of 10 possible bellwether trials which would begin sometime in 2027.

Important links

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935123020327
  2. https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/114/12/1636/6759686
  3. https://academic.oup.com/carcin/article/42/9/1189/6309952
  4. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ijc.32738
  5. https://academic.oup.com/aje/article-abstract/175/5/432/175919
  6. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202304&RIN=0910-AI83

MDL link

  1. https://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/mdl-details.aspx?91eSFtoI+ycFmA6482wQKA==

Case Management Orders