South Carolina Hair Relaxer Injury Lawyer
Hair relaxers are used by many people to chemically straighten hair. Unfortunately, these products have recently been linked to many adverse health conditions, with the most notable of them being uterine cancer. If you have used a hair relaxer and became sick shortly afterwards, it is important to know you can file a claim against the manufacturer for compensation. Below, our South Carolina hair relaxer injury lawyer explains what you need to know before you file your claim.
What are Chemical Relaxers?
Chemical relaxers are products for the hair used by men and women with curls to permanently straighten their hair. The straightening can be done by a licensed cosmetologist, barber shops, and even at home with kits available to the public.
As the hair continues to grow, another application is needed, usually about every six to eight weeks. This means that people are exposed to the harsh chemicals these relaxers contain over an extended period of time. Once the relaxer is applied to the hair, it needs to sit for a certain amount of time before it is rinsed out of the hair. This means that people also sit with these toxic chemicals on their scalp for a long time.
Hair relaxers are often marketed to and used by the African-American community. In fact, 60 percent of hair relaxers are purchased by African-American men and women. As such, members of this community are affected at a much higher rate than other individuals.
A Study Linking Hair Relaxers to Cancer
It was in October of 2022 that a study was released by the National Cancer Institute showing that hair relaxers contain toxic chemicals. The research found that the harmful chemicals were carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting. Previous studies have supported the idea that hair relaxers cause breast and ovarian cancer. The latest study showed that these products can also cause uterine cancer.
Due to the fact that the research has come out only in recent months, these lawsuits are still very new. It also means that hair relaxers may cause many other types of cancers, as well. If you have used a hair relaxer and have received a cancer diagnosis, it is critical to speak with a South Carolina personal injury lawyer who can advise on whether you are eligible for compensation.
What Hair Relaxer Products are Dangerous?
Most hair relaxing products contain the same dangerous chemicals, so the vast majority of them are unsafe. Currently, the manufacturer L’Oreal is one of the main manufacturers being investigated, as their Dark & Lovely product has been shown to cause harm. Other products that are currently at the center of litigation include:
- Just for Me
- SoftSheen Carson
- Motions
- Namaste
- Olive Oil Girls
- Optimum
- Soft & Beautiful
- Strength of Nature Global LLC, and
- TCB Naturals
Our Personal Injury Lawyers in South Carolina Can Advise You of Your Legal Options
If you have used a hair relaxer and then became sick, our South Carolina hair relaxer litigation lawyer at The Stanley Law Group can provide the sound legal advice you need. We can identify if the product is to blame for your condition and if so, advise on whether to file your own lawsuit, or to join a class action. Call us now at 803-799-4700 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
