Hair Straighteners and Health: Unveiling the Hidden Risks of Chemical Hair Straighteners

By: Buffy Martines

I've had curls all my life, and like countless other women, I often found myself wanting what I didn't have—straight hair.

Around 15 years ago, I turned to chemical straighteners to achieve the sleek look I desired. I religiously maintained this routine until the onset of COVID, which prevented me from visiting my stylist.

During the pandemic, my natural curls made a comeback, bringing with them a heightened awareness of the toll my years of straightening had taken on my hair. What was once thick and healthy hair had become thinner and more brittle. I even noticed small burns on my scalp, not debilitating, but certainly not normal.

Reflecting on this, I now realize how fortunate I am. The chemicals I subjected my hair to hadn't caused any permanent damage. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of women across the country weren't as lucky as I was.

Little did I know that my pursuit of a more traditional standard of beauty had unknowingly exposed me to a serious health risk—cancer.

In 2022, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute revealed a concerning link between the use of chemical hair straighteners and uterine cancer. This study was the first epidemiological evidence of an association between the products and uterine cancer. These findings hold particular significance for Black women, as the increased frequency of hair straightener use contributes to alarming racial health disparities.

This revelation hit me like a ton of bricks. Cancer. All because I wanted straight hair? Had I been aware of the risks, I would undoubtedly have made different choices. However, like many others, I was unaware. The pressing question now is: what did the companies know?

Did the companies manufacturing, marketing, and selling these products possess knowledge of the risks? If they did, shouldn’t they have informed users?

I'm now focused on seeking the truth about these products and the companies responsible for the harm they cause. On February 6, 2023, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation created MDL No. 3060, In re: Hair Relaxer Marketing Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation and transferred all cases nationwide to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Presiding Judge Mary Rowland is overseeing litigation of the case.

Judge Rowland has appointed me to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee, charged with representing all Plaintiffs nationwide. This appointment underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for collective action against those responsible for withholding crucial information.

In addition to my leadership position, our firm is actively accepting cases from individuals diagnosed with uterine, ovarian, and/or endometrial cancer after using chemical hair straighteners for two years or more. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these situations can take on individuals and their families. It's time to hold the manufacturers accountable for the harm they may have caused.

If you have suffered harm from these products, please contact our office  right away to discuss your potential case. Your voice matters, and together, we can bring attention to the hidden dangers of chemical hair straighteners and seek justice for those who have been affected.

For more detailed information, visit our page on Chemical Hair Straightener Product Liability.