Chemical Hair Straighteners, Smoothers, and Relaxers Are Linked to Cancer
According to government studies published in 2019 and 2022, women who use chemical hair straighteners and other common hair products have an increased risk of developing breast cancer and uterine cancer, a condition closely related to endometriosis. Exposure can occur in the home or salon, or through work in the hairstyling industry. These hair straightening, smoothing, and relaxing products remain on store shelves and are used in salons and at home every day.
Carcinogens and Other Toxic Chemicals
Hair straighteners and other common hair products are known to contain carcinogenic chemicals and other toxins. Here are a few of the most dangerous:
- Formaldehyde
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most hair straightening, hair smoothing, and hair relaxing procedures produce formaldehyde gas. Formaldehyde has been classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can also cause other health issues, like respiratory problems, headaches, skin irritation, and more.
- Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
Commonly known as lye, sodium hydroxide is used in hair straighteners and other common hair products to break down the protein bonds in hair. It is highly corrosive and can cause skin burns, throat irritation, severe eye damage, and other health problems.
- Ethanolamine Thioglycolate (Thioglycoloic Acid)
Also referred to as thioglycolic acid, ethanolamine thioglycolate is used in hair straighteners, smoothers, and relaxers to help break down the protein bonds in hair. It can cause severe chemical burns, eye injuries, and systemic toxicity.
Potential Health Problems
The toxins in hair straighteners and other common hair products can cause the following health problems:
- Uterine cancer
- Breast cancer
- Other cancers
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Asthma and other respiratory problems
- Throat irritation
- Persistent cough
- Nervous system problems
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Eye irritation
- Vision problems
- Chemical burns
- Dermatitis, rashes, and other skin irritations
- And more
Hair Straightener Brands and Products
Here is a partial list of brands and products may contain chemicals known to cause cancer and other serious health problems:
- L’Oréal
- Strength of Nature
- SoftSheen-Carson
- Luster
- Godrej Consumer Products
- Just For Me
- Namaste Laboratories LLC
- Dabur International Ltd.
- And more
Our Record Speaks for Itself
The Roach Law Firm’s attorneys have won judgments and reached settlements totaling billions of dollars over the years, for clients just like you. They have participated in the following landmark cases:
- $730 Million Truck Accident Verdict
In 2021, Roach Law Firm Partner Nelson J. Roach won $730 million in a case arising from a Texas truck accident, the fourth-largest jury verdict in the United States and third-largest in Texas that year. The case was filed by the family of East Texas resident Toni Combest, a 73-year-old great-grandmother who was killed in a collision with an oversize-cargo truck hauling a propeller for a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine.
- The State of Texas Tobacco Litigation
In 1995, Roach Law Firm Partner Nelson J. Roach and his former law firm were among a group selected by the State of Texas to prosecute the state’s claims against the tobacco industry. Roach and his team members won $17 billion for the state, setting a record for the largest settlement of a single legal case in U.S. history.
- Lone Star Steel Litigation
Roach Law Firm Partner Nelson J. Roach represented thousands of steel workers at the Lone Star Steel Mill when they began to suffer from breathing problems and cancer. Roach successfully prosecuted the Lone Star Steel Litigation against some of the most skilled and expensive lawyers in the country for over a decade, ultimately winning $90 million for the plaintiffs.
- Red River Army Depot Litigation
When workers at the Red River Army Depot in Northeast Texas began to suffer from diseases caused by exposure to rubber products in the workplace, Roach Law Firm Partner Nelson J. Roach fought for their rights and recovered $47 million on their behalf.
No Fees Unless You Win
The Roach Law Firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning we are paid only if we win your case. We charge no upfront fees for filing your hair straightener case, and we will not bill you for any expenses while it is pending.
Next Steps
If you or one of your loved ones have suffered a serious injury or death related to hair straighteners, hair smoothers, or hair relaxers, call us at (903) 645-7333 or fill out the electronic form on this page. One of our hair straightener lawyers will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
