Working in the beauty industry can be rewarding, but it also comes with hidden health risks. Recent reports, including a case covered by NBC News, have highlighted the dangers that hairstylists and salon workers face due to long-term exposure to toxic chemicals found in hair dyes, keratin treatments, and other beauty products. One alarming concern is the increased incidence of cancer, particularly bladder cancer, among beauty professionals. If you have developed cancer or another serious illness after working in a salon, you may be wondering: Can I file a workers’ compensation claim in California?
The Link Between Beauty Salon Work and Cancer
Hairdressers, nail technicians, and other beauty professionals are regularly exposed to formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and other hazardous chemicals found in hair dyes, relaxers, and nail polishes. These substances have been classified as carcinogens by organizations like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
A recent lawsuit filed by a hairstylist against major beauty brands brings attention to this issue. The stylist developed bladder cancer after years of working with hair dye products that contained harmful chemicals. While beauty workers are often told that these products are safe, mounting evidence suggests that chronic exposure can lead to serious health complications.
What to Do If You Get Sick After Working in a Salon
If you suspect that your illness, such as cancer, is linked to chemical exposure in a beauty salon, here are some critical steps to take:
Seek Medical Attention – If you have symptoms like unusual fatigue, skin irritation, respiratory issues, or more serious concerns like blood in the urine (a common symptom of bladder cancer), consult a doctor immediately.
Document Your Work History – Keep records of where you worked, the products you handled, and any protective measures (or lack thereof) provided by your employer.
Check for Product Warnings – Research whether the beauty products you used contained carcinogenic chemicals. Some lawsuits have already been filed against beauty brands for failing to disclose health risks.
Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney – California law allows employees who suffer work-related illnesses to seek workers’ compensation benefits, including medical expenses, lost wages, and disability payments. An attorney can help determine if you have a case.
Can You File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Cancer?
Under California’s workers’ compensation laws, employees who develop occupational diseases due to workplace exposure may be eligible for benefits. However, proving that cancer was caused by workplace conditions can be challenging.
To file a successful claim, you must show that:
Your job regularly exposes you to hazardous substances.
There is medical evidence linking your condition to your work environment.
You filed your claim within the required time frame (typically within one year of diagnosis).
If your employer or the workers' compensation insurance provider denies your claim, an experienced workers’ comp attorney can help you fight for your rights. In some cases, additional third-party lawsuits against beauty product manufacturers may also be an option.
Protecting Your Health as a Beauty Professional
While the beauty industry is still catching up in terms of safety regulations, salon workers can take steps to reduce their chemical exposure, such as:
Wear protective gloves and masks when handling chemicals.
Ensuring proper ventilation in salons.
Using formaldehyde-free and low-toxicity products whenever possible.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after working in a beauty salon, you are not alone. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you explore your legal options and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Don’t Face This Alone—Call Us Today
Need legal guidance? Contact our California workers’ compensation firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness after years of working in a beauty salon, you need a dedicated and experienced legal team on your side. Workplace exposure to hazardous chemicals can have life-altering consequences, but you don’t have to fight this battle alone. Call us today at 877-422-4454 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve under California law.
Don’t wait—your health, financial stability, and future are at stake. Let us guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Take the first step toward justice today.
