Why does chemical hair straightening increase cancer risk?
Researchers are continuing to study the biological mechanisms that may link chemical hair straighteners to cancer. Many of the ingredients found in these products are known to be endocrine-disrupting or carcinogenic, meaning they may interfere with hormonal function or contribute to cellular changes associated with cancer development.
Although a definitive causal mechanism is still being studied, multiple peer-reviewed studies have identified a consistent association between frequent use of chemical hair straightening products and certain hormone-related cancers.
Uterine cancer from hair relaxer chemicals
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported an increased risk of uterine cancer among women who regularly use chemical hair straighteners or relaxers.
Approximately 65,950 new uterine cancer cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, making it one of the more common gynecological cancers.
A major study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute followed 33,497 women over an 11-year period. The results showed that individuals who frequently used chemical straightening products had more than twice the risk of developing uterine cancer compared to non-users. Frequent use in the study was defined as at least four applications per year.
Breast cancer from hair relaxer chemicals
Research from Boston University’s Black Women’s Health Study found that women who used hair products containing certain chemicals, including lye, multiple times over extended periods faced a significantly increased risk of breast cancer.
The study followed approximately 59,000 Black women over 25 years and found that repeated exposure to these products over time was associated with a measurable increase in breast cancer risk.
Hair relaxers and other gynecological conditions
In addition to uterine and ovarian cancer, some studies have also explored potential links between chemical hair straighteners and other reproductive health conditions, including endometriosis and uterine fibroids. These conditions can have serious impacts on fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and overall reproductive health.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This can cause severe pain and may contribute to infertility.
Possible causes under study include:
- Immune system dysfunction
- Retrograde menstruation
- Surgical tissue displacement
- Embryonic or cellular transformation processes
- Peritoneal cell changes
Use of hair relaxers and racial disparity
Chemical hair relaxers are commonly used in the United States, often beginning in childhood or adolescence, particularly among Black women.
Research has shown that Black women experience disproportionately higher rates of uterine cancer and other gynecological conditions compared to white women. Uterine cancer mortality rates are approximately twice as high for Black women, representing one of the most significant racial disparities among major cancers in the United States.
Some studies and public health discussions have also highlighted the role of targeted marketing of hair relaxers and societal pressures to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards in increasing product use within certain communities.
Hair relaxer lawsuits and litigation trends
Across the country, individuals are filing lawsuits against manufacturers of chemical hair straightening products. Many plaintiffs report frequent use of these products—often four or more times per year—and later diagnoses of hormone-related cancers, including uterine and ovarian cancer.
Defendants in these cases include major cosmetic and personal care companies such as L’Oréal USA, Revlon Consumer Products Corporation, SoftSheen-Carson, and Strength of Nature LLC.
Litigation typically focuses on allegations that manufacturers knew or should have known about potential health risks but failed to adequately warn consumers.
Filing a chemical hair straightener claim
Individuals who regularly used chemical hair straighteners containing ingredients such as formaldehyde or phthalates and were later diagnosed with certain conditions may be eligible to pursue legal claims.
These conditions may include:
- Uterine cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Uterine sarcoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometriosis requiring medical intervention
Manufacturers may be held responsible if they failed to adequately disclose known or foreseeable risks associated with their products.
Ashcraft & Gerel is committed to representing individuals affected by these alleged product-related injuries and pursuing accountability on their behalf.
Contact us for a free consultation at [email protected].
