AWKO Files Class Action Lawsuit Regarding Alleged Cancerous Hair Relaxing/Straightening Products


This is a pivotal moment for all of the women who trusted these companies and used their hair relaxers year after year based on the belief that they were safe to use.

On November 3, 2022, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC (“AWKO”) filed the first class action lawsuit against L’Oréal USA, Inc. and Softsheen-Carson, Inc. for alleged toxic and dangerous hair relaxers and/or straighteners that are directly marketed to women of color. These products contain hazardous endocrine disrupting chemicals and other toxins that are known to contribute to and/or cause devastating and irreversible injuries.

AWKO filed this class action lawsuit in response to recent studies finding that Black women who use hair relaxing products develop cancers, like uterine cancer, at a disproportionate rate as compared to White women. This is very troubling, as the corporations marketing these products specifically target Black women, as well as Black children, many of whom begin using these products at a young age. This lawsuit centers on consumer claims and a need for medical monitoring of all women who have used these products, particularly as the science underlying its horrible injuries develops and is examined more thoroughly.

Hannah Pfeifler, an associate at AWKO, stated: “This is a pivotal moment for all of the women who trusted these companies and used their hair relaxers year after year based on the belief that they were safe to use.”

For over 20 years, AWKO has been fighting for the rights of women who have suffered devastating, life-altering injuries from defective products and/or dangerous pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, such as hormone replacement therapy drugs, talcum powder, and transvaginal mesh. AWKO is honored to continue fighting for women in this litigation.

United States District Court Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division

Case Number: 1:22-cv-06110

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