Harman Law Firm represents those who have been injured or harmed by professional and store-bought products. For some individuals, this involves using a chemical hair straightener and later receiving a devastating uterine cancer diagnosis.

A chemical hair straightener is a hair product that is applied to the hair to chemically alter its natural texture and make it straight. These products typically contain strong chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, guanidine hydroxide, or ammonium thioglycolate, which break the chemical bonds in the hair and permanently alter its structure. Chemical hair straighteners can be applied in a salon by a trained professional, or they can be purchased for at-home use. These products can be effective at straightening curly or wavy hair

As a beauty product, chemical hair straighteners are designed to provide cosmetic improvement or change. Unfortunately, there is evidence to suggest that some chemical hair straighteners may come at the price of your health. Our lawyers at Harman Law Firm are equipped to represent victims of chemical hair straightener products, especially those who have been diagnosed with uterine cancer or another type of female cancer.

Hair Product Chemicals Linked to Cancer

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2019 found that women who used hair straightening products were at a higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who did not use these products. The study also found a possible association between the use of these products and an increased risk of uterine cancer.

Most recently in October 2022, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a study that found women who use chemical hair straightening more than four times in the previous year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to women who didn’t use them.

The association between cancer and chemical hair straighteners is believed to be caused by certain chemicals in these hair products, such as parabens, bisphenol A, metals, and formaldehyde, that may disrupt hormones or be potentially carcinogenic. In addition, these chemicals may be more readily absorbed by the scalp. This absorption may be worsened due to the abrasions and inflammation they can cause to scalp skin.

African American Women at Risk

According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in 2016, about 75% of black women in the United States use hair relaxers or other types of chemical hair straighteners. This study was based on a survey of more than 1,000 black women who were asked about their hair care routines and product use.

The study also found that black women are more likely to use hair products that contain potentially harmful chemicals such as parabens and phthalates. This includes hair straightening chemicals that have been linked to a variety of health concerns, including hormone disruption and uterine cancer. Therefore, African American women may be more at risk for these unfortunate findings.

Are You Entitled to Compensation from Your Hair Product Company?

If you or someone you love used a chemical hair straightener and was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer or another type of female reproductive cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. Our personal injury lawyers at Harman Law Firm will work tireless to ensure you get the money you deserve from your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and more.

Cancer is a serious and life-changing diagnosis that should never come at the expense of your hair care products. Let our Chemical Hair Straightener Attorneys in Atlanta represent you today. Our attorneys have a keen awareness of the latest lawsuits surrounding chemical hair straightening products, and we proudly represent victims diagnosed with cancer due to defective or damaged products. Call Harman Law Firm today to schedule your consultation.