Hair relaxer is a type of chemical treatment designed to alter the natural texture of hair, making it smoother and more manageable. It is commonly used by individuals with curly or tightly coiled hair to achieve a straightened or less curly look. It works by breaking down the protein bonds in the hair, allowing it to be reshaped and straightened.
It provides temporary stylistic variation, but recognizing the potential risks and accurate application strategies is crucial. Decade-long research is now claiming that the use of hair relaxers is causing high risks of cancer among women. Many women suffering from illnesses due to relaxers are now filing class-action lawsuits.
Hair relaxer lawsuits have been filed against various cosmetic companies that manufacture these dangerous chemical products. This article provides an analysis of the ongoing lawsuits, including the number of cases, key developments, and important information.
No More Hair Relaxers?
A plan to outlaw the use of chemical hair straighteners has been proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The reason behind it is that they contain formaldehyde which is associated with cancer risks. Formaldehyde is a colorless substance that is frequently present in disinfectants and germicides.
This substance is known to be carcinogenic to humans and may cause cancer.
When certain hair smoothing products are heated, they release formaldehyde gas into the air. It poses both short-term and long-term health risks. These concerns include an increased risk of developing cancer, asthma, and respiratory problems.
Black women are more vulnerable to the cancer-causing effects of formaldehyde-based hair products. The FDA has also proposed a rule to ban products including other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals like methylene glycol. The ban is intended to prevent the marketing and sale of these products.
Yale Medicine dermatologist Dr. Christopher Bunick said he supports the FDA’s initiative. To protect consumers against carcinogens, he stressed the significance of enhancing quality control in the production of over-the-counter products.
Black Women Suffer
Black women use formaldehyde hair products at higher rates than other ethnic groups. This puts them at greater risk for health problems. Research indicates that a notably higher proportion of black women use hair straighteners than non-Hispanic white women.
Furthermore, studies have connected regular use of relaxers, or hair straighteners to higher risks of uterine, breast, and ovarian cancers.
As per various studies, black women have sued cosmetics corporations multiple times. They claim that when heated, their hair relaxers emit formaldehyde, which increases the risk of uterine cancer.
According to TorHoerman Law, molecular and genetic markers for aggressive forms of endometrial cancer are more common in Black women. In comparison to white women, black women are frequently diagnosed with the illness at a later and more severe stage.
Timeline of Legalities
A total of 7,946 hair relaxer lawsuits remain active in MDL as of August 2024. There have been 9,151 cases filed overall as of this writing. Experts in the field of law foresee a sharp rise in the number of lawsuits filed, and practitioners are actively accepting new clients.
- August 2023: Thirty-nine hair straightener cancer lawsuits were added to the MDL.
- November 2023: The number of pending lawsuits grew exponentially, reaching 7,967 cases.
- January 2024: Plaintiffs continue to file lawsuits, while both sides work on their test trial protocols. Additionally, they submitted a move to L’Oréal USA, the defendant, to compel discovery.
- February 2024: Lawsuits entered the discovery phase, which can be a time-consuming process due to the large number of cases involved.
- May 2024: Professor Maura Grossman was appointed as Special Master by the judge overseeing the cases. Attorneys representing defendant Revlon and related companies have filed their notice of appearance, and discovery procedures continue.
- July 2024: The FDA once more decided to move back the date of its proposed formaldehyde ban in hair care products from July to September.
This postponement comes after several rearranged deadlines and underscores worries about formaldehyde’s carcinogenic potential. Advocates have pushed for the restriction to protect customers and salon employees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I revert to my natural hair texture after using a relaxer?
While it’s possible to transition back to your natural hair texture after using a relaxer, the process can be challenging and may require growing out the relaxed hair and gradually cutting it off. This transition period is often referred to as the ‘big chop’.
Are there alternatives to traditional relaxers?
Yes, there are alternatives to traditional relaxers such as keratin treatments, which can help to temporarily straighten hair without permanently altering its structure. These treatments can provide similar results to relaxers with less potential for damage.
How can I minimize damage from hair relaxers?
To minimize damage from hair relaxers, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully, avoid overlapping applications on previously relaxed hair, and make sure to deep condition regularly to keep the hair moisturized and healthy.
The ongoing litigation over hair straighteners brings to light the worries expressed by people who have contracted cancer as a result of using these appliances.
A large number of cases have been brought against manufacturers in the continuing multidistrict action, mostly against L’Oréal and other businesses. It is critical to follow the lawsuit’s developments and court rulings as they happen since they can have an impact on the people who have been affected.
