Chemical hair straightening products have become more and more popular over the years. They can offer an easy and convenient way for curly-haired people to achieve straight, sleek hair. However, recent lawsuits have brought attention to the potential dangers associated with these chemical straighteners, particularly regarding uterine cancer.
We want to explore the chemical hair straightener lawsuit, what you should know about it, and how to protect yourself.
How Does Chemical Hair Straightening Work?
First, let’s go over the science behind chemical hair straightening. These products usually contain various chemicals, including formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
When the product is applied to the hair, the formaldehyde reacts with the hair’s natural keratin, which causes it to break down disulfide bonds and become more flexible. This allows the hair to be straightened more easily until the hair grows out, but simultaneously exposes the client and the stylist to potentially harmful chemicals.
Alternatives to Hair Straightening
While chemical hair straighteners can offer a quick and easy solution for curly, unruly hair, several natural and less harmful alternatives are available on the market.
Keratin treatments are the latest smoothing techniques that offer straight hair while infusing naturally occurring keratin proteins into the hair follicle. This does not alter the chemical composition of your hair, so it is not permanent, but it does strengthen the rote and improves the overall integrity and elasticity of the hair.
You may also look into salon-quality heat protection products and higher-quality straightening irons or blow dryers.
Studies Have Linked Chemical Hair Straighteners to Cancer
In 2017, a study published in the International Journal of Cancer showed a link between the use of chemical hair straighteners and an increased risk of breast cancer. The study showed that women who frequently used these chemical hair straightening products were 30% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who did not use them.
More recent studies have focused on the link between chemical hair straighteners and uterine cancer. They have shown that frequent hair straightener use can double the risk of uterine cancer.
The study gathered data from over 33,000 women in the United States for 11 years; during that time, 378 cases of uterine cancer were diagnosed. In the analysis, the scientists found that women who used hair straightening products more than four times a year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.
The results also show that there is an increased risk for black women that use that product. In the study, about 60% of the women that used these straightening products identified themselves as black.
The study did not find the risk for developing cancer was any different by race for users of the product, but the effects may be more prevalent for black women since they are more likely to use these products more frequently, and because they start using the products at a younger age than other races and ethnicities.
Lawsuits Against Chemical Hair Straightener Manufacturers
Because of these studies, there have been several lawsuits against some manufacturers of chemical hair straighteners. Chemical hair straightener brands in these lawsuits include:
- Dark and Lovely
- Olive Oil Girls
- Just for Me
- L’Oreal
- Motions
- Namaster
- Optimum
- Soft & Beautiful
- Strength of Nature Global LLC
- TCB Naturals
These lawsuits have alleged that the companies had failed to warn their consumers about the potential dangers associated with their products, including the increased risk of uterine cancer.
Who Is Eligible to File a Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a chemical hair straightener lawsuit if you have used chemical hair straighteners and were diagnosed with uterine cancer, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis. A licensed attorney can tell you if you are eligible for a lawsuit.
A personal injury lawyer will likely ask about your experience with chemical hair straighteners and for any receipts or medical records. If you are not sure about your diagnosis, the lawyer may be able to help you get your medical records.
Skilled Attorneys in Chicago for Your Hair Straightener Lawsuit
If you or someone you know thinks they might be eligible for a lawsuit after being diagnosed with uterine cancer and that chemical hair straighteners played a role in the diagnosis. There is the possibility that there is a limited time for you to file a claim, and if that time runs out, you may no longer be able to file a lawsuit, so you will want to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
The expert team of lawyers at Pullano & Siporin will help you understand your legal options and pursue appropriate compensation. We are working with the foremost experts in the country to show the harmful effect this product has had on peoples lives. If you have used these hair straightening products in the past and now have uterine cancer or fibroids, give us a call to discuss your potential claim. We are located in the Chicago area and have a strong track record of success in product liability cases. Let us help you get the justice and compensation that you deserve.
Contact us today for a consultation.
