INDIANAPOLIS — Permanent chemical hair relaxers remain popular, despite studies linking usage with uterine and other cancers. Two studies supported by the National Institutes of Health show a higher risk of developing uterine cancer among Black women and post-menopausal Black women who used the products extensively.
More than 9,800 people are suing beauty companies, as part of a federal class action lawsuit. Women have also taken legal action at the local level in California, Illinois, Georgia and other states. In court filings a number of manufacturers issued a joint statement which said in part, “Defendants deny that their hair relaxer products are toxic and/or defective in any manner. Defendants further deny that they engaged in wrongful practices and/or misconduct of any kind.”
The women’s story
One of those women suing the cosmetic companies is retired stylist Irene Sanderson.
A love of hair resulted in her working as a kitchen beautician before becoming a licensed stylist…