Texas Hair Relaxer Breast Cancer Lawyer

Hair relaxers may contain toxic chemicals that increase your risk of breast cancer and other severe health problems, according to recent studies.

Need a Texas Hair Relaxer Breast Cancer Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one used hair relaxers and was diagnosed with breast cancer, uterine cancer, fibroids, or endometriosis, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

Study Links Hair Relaxers and 30% Increased Risk of Breast Cancer

Women who used hair relaxers were 30% more likely to develop breast cancer, according to a study that was published in the International Journal of Cancer in December 2019.

The researchers found a similar risk of breast cancer for all women who used hair relaxers, but they warned that the risk was more serious for black women because they were likely to use hair relaxers.

“We observed a higher breast cancer risk associated with any straightener use and personal use of permanent dye, especially among black women. These results suggest that chemicals in hair products may play a role in breast carcinogenesis.”

Hair Relaxers Linked to Cancer in Another Big Study

In October 2022, a large study involving about 33,000 women estimated that 4% would develop uterine cancer, which was twice the risk of uterine cancer for women who did not use hair relaxers.

The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute by the same team of researchers who found a link between hair relaxers and breast cancer.

What Are Hair Relaxers?

Every year, millions of women use hair relaxers to straighten their hair. These products are heavily advertised toward African American women.

The most popular products are “do-it-yourself” at home kits, similar to hair dye kits, which involve the application of chemicals to the hair every couple of months to straighten hair that was naturally curly.

Hair Relaxers vs. Chemical Hair-Straightening Products

There are also professional hair-straightening products that are applied in hair salons. The stylists typically apply the chemicals to the client’s hair, flatten it with the use of a hot flat iron, and apply a neutralizing chemical to harden the hair into a silky-smooth texture.

Popular Brands of Hair Relaxers

Ultra Precise
Dark & Lovely
Bantu
Optimum
Motions
Just for Me
ORS Olive Oil
African Pride
TCB Naturals
Luster’s
Africa’s Best
Creme of Nature
TCB
Mizani Rhelaxer
Soft & Beautiful
Ultra Sheen Supreme

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass of tissue called a tumor. The cancer can start in different parts of the breast, but most breast cancers start in the milk ducts or lobules. If the breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it has “metastasized.”

Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer

New lump on the breast or armpit
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
Breast or nipple skin is irritated, dimpled (like an orange peel), red, flaky, etc.)
Nipple pulls in or retracts
Abnormal nipple discharge
Change in size or shape of the breast
Breast pain

Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Hair Relaxers

Hair relaxers and chemical hair-straightening products may contain formaldehyde, which is a chemical that is known to cause cancer. Formaldehyde can be released into the air or absorbed through the skin when it is applied during a hair treatment.

Very high levels of formaldehyde have been found in professional keratin hair smoothing treatments, such as Brazilian Blowout (which may contain 12% formaldehyde) and many other products. When stylists apply heat to the hair, formaldehyde is released into the air.

According to the National Cancer Institute, formaldehyde in the air can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, wheezing, nausea, skin irritation, and more.

Need a Hair Relaxer Breast Cancer Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.