You may need a hair straightener lawyer. That’s because multiple studies show that chemical hair straighteners, relaxers, and similar hairstyling products can cause cancer and other serious health problems in the women who use or are exposed to them.

Performed either at home or in the salon, there are three common types of hair straightening procedures:

  • Hair relaxation
  • Keratin/Brazilian straightening
  • Japanese heat straightening (also known as thermal reconditioning)

These processes often involve products that can contain the following toxins:

  • Formaldehyde
  • Sodium Hydroxide (lye)
  • Ethanolamine Thioglycolate (thioglycoloic acid)
  • Cyclosiloxanes
  • Parabens
  • Diethanolamine
  • Phthalates
  • Benzophenone-3
  • Triclosan
  • And more

Hair Straighteners Are Tied to Multiple Forms of Cancer

In 2019, a study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who regularly use or are exposed to chemical hair straighteners are 30% more likely to develop breast cancer.

Three years later, another NIH study found that women who use these products are twice as likely to develop uterine cancer as those who do not.

Other Health Problems

Chemical hair straighteners don’t just cause cancer. According to a report by the California Environmental Protection Agency, exposure can lead to a wide range of other conditions:

  • Asthma
  • Endocrine disruption
  • Respiratory problems
  • Developmental and reproductive toxicity
  • Skin problems
  • Diabetes
  • Early menstruation
  • Hormone imbalances

Chemical Hair Straightening Is Big Business

If chemical hair straighteners are so dangerous, why are they still on the market?

The answer is simple: money. Dominated by global behemoths like Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal, and Unilever, worldwide sales of hair straighteners and hair relaxers topped $760 million in 2021. These companies are reluctant to pull such profitable products off store shelves.

Have You Been Harmed by Chemical Hair Straighteners?

If you or a loved one has experienced a health problem you believe was caused by exposure to chemical hair straighteners, it is important to seek legal help.

At the Roach Law Firm, an experienced hair straightener lawyer will handle your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. They can help you gather evidence, such as medical records and expert testimony, and negotiate with the manufacturer or insurance company on your behalf.

Time is often of the essence in these types of cases, so it is important to act quickly to protect your rights and recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.