Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates
Court Establishes Bellwether Framework for Hair Relaxer Cancer Trials, First Set for 2027
Judge Mary M. Rowland issued a comprehensive case management order (March 5, 2025) setting deadlines for the Hair Relaxer MDL’s initial bellwether trials. These trials will test claims linking chemical hair straighteners to uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancers and are slated to begin in early 2027. The court will select the first pool of plaintiff cases by spring 2025, followed by an accelerated discovery schedule through 2026—including expert disclosures and depositions. This phase will establish critical precedent for thousands of similar cases. For women alleging injuries from long-term product use, this marks a pivotal step toward resolution.
Philadelphia Court Offers Strategic Edge in Hair Relaxer Litigation
The Hair Relaxer MDL saw a modest rise in pending actions in May 2025, increasing from 10,168 to 10,317. While new filings continue, the growth was notably smaller than in prior periods. In parallel, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas has launched a mass tort program for chemical hair relaxer lawsuits, allowing plaintiffs to pursue cancer claims tied to long-term use of products like straighteners. This state court program offers distinct advantages: efficient case management, faster trial timelines, and greater procedural flexibility. Additionally, Philadelphia juries are known for fairness in cases of corporate misconduct, making it a compelling alternative to the MDL for expediting claims and applying strategic pressure
Philadelphia Launches Mass Tort Program for Hair Relaxer Cancer Claims
The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas has introduced a mass tort program for chemical hair relaxer lawsuits, providing an alternative to the Illinois MDL for cancer claims linked to products like straighteners and texturizers. The program offers strategic advantages, including efficient case management, fewer procedural delays, and focused judicial attention due to a smaller docket. State court procedural flexibility allows lawyers more control over litigation strategies, and earlier trial dates are more likely. Additionally, Philadelphia juries are known for fairness in cases involving corporate misconduct, making this venue appealing for attorneys seeking progress and pressure on defendants through state-level trials.
Progress and Deadlines Set in Hair Relaxer MDL Discovery
Judge Mary Rowland has ordered a joint status report on discovery progress in the hair relaxer MDL, involving 32 lawsuits linked to uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Fact discovery is due by February 2026, with general causation discovery closing by March 2026. Disputes remain over L’Oreal's document production, particularly regarding foreign regulatory materials. Parties must meet to resolve issues or address them in the May 22, 2025, status report. The court also requested a deposition schedule and progress report. Bellwether trial selections are slated for February 2026, with the first trial anticipated no earlier than mid-2027, marking a key step in the litigation timeline.
About the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
Hair relaxer lawsuits have been brought by thousands of claimants. Studies have shown a relationship between chemical hair relaxers and cancer. These cancers include ovarian, uterine, and breast cancers. Scientific research suggests that chemicals in hair relaxers may be a contributing factor to uterine fibroids and uterine cancer. According to these studies, women who use certain hair relaxers are more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.
Many big-name companies, such as L’Oreal, are being sued due to the potential harm their products have caused to many women. The Hair Relaxer lawsuit alleges that hair relaxer products contain chemicals that may cause uterine cancer. Hair relaxer products are predominately used by African-American women.
Hair relaxer products contain harmful chemicals known as phthalates, also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which may cause issues with natural hormone production. These chemicals may enter the body when used on the scalp and can alter hormone levels. Using these products may lead to many health issues, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids and different cancer types. The chemical can also harm the immune system and cause ovarian cancer.
What is The Difference Between Class Action Lawsuits and Multi-District Litigation (MDL)?
Class action lawsuits and multi-district litigation (MDL) are both legal mechanisms used to handle a large number of lawsuits that share common issues, but they operate differently.
In a class action lawsuit, a small group of plaintiffs represents a larger group against a defendant. This method is efficient when individual lawsuits would be impractical due to the large number of plaintiffs. The outcome of a class action lawsuit, whether it's a court decision or a settlement, applies to all members.
On the other hand, MDL consolidate individual but related civil cases from different federal districts into a single district for pretrial proceedings. This process is often used in complex cases like product liability suits. In MDLs, like the hair relaxer lawsuit, each plaintiff retains their individual lawsuit, and outcomes or settlements are handled individually even though the pretrial process is combined.
Why Are the Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Consolidated Into an MDL?
The hair relaxer lawsuit is considered an MDL because the varied injuries, potential contributing factors, and unique medical histories of each plaintiff necessitate a more flexible approach. This allows for individualized assessments of damages, liability arguments based on specific cases, and tailored discovery while still achieving efficiency through shared pre-trial procedures.
How to Pre-Qualify for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
To pre-qualify for the hair relaxer lawsuit, individuals must meet specific criteria related to the use of certain hair relaxer products and the subsequent development of certain cancers:
Pre-Qualifying Injuries:
- Uterine Cancer
- Endometrial Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Uterine Fibroids
- & Other Pre-Qualifying Cancers
Hair Relaxer Products Linked:
- Dark & Lovely
- Just for Me
- Motions
- Africa's Best
- African Pride
- Bantu
- Creme of Nature
- Luster's
- Mizani Rhelaxer
- TCB or TCB Naturals
- Ultra Precise
- Ultra Sheen Supreme
- Elite Bristo
- Optimum
- Soft & Beautiful
We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility. Various factors impact eligibility and all cases are unique.
While you will need to speak to an attorney to determine eligibility, claimants must typically provide concrete evidence of their use of one or more of the specified hair relaxer products. This documentation can include purchase receipts, photographs, or testimonies that clearly demonstrate a history of using these products.
Additionally, claimants must typically have a medically confirmed diagnosis of one of the specified cancers: Uterine Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, or Ovarian Cancer. Medical records, such as diagnostic reports, treatment records, and statements from healthcare professionals, are crucial in substantiating this aspect of the process.
The combination of proof of product usage and a relevant medical diagnosis forms the cornerstone of establishing a direct link required for potential eligibility in the hair relaxer lawsuit.
What Brands Are Being Investigated in the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
Several manufacturers and their respective products are commonly implicated in the hair relaxer lawsuit, including:
- L’Oreal - manufacturer of Dark & Lovely, Ultra Sheen, and other chemical hair products
- Strength of Nature Global, LLC - manufacturer of Motions
- Namaste, LLC - manufacturer of ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer
- TCB Naturals/Godrej Consumer Products - manufacturer of Just For Me
What Are Your Next Steps?
If you or a loved one has been affected by Hair Relaxers or other products, now is the time to take action. Thousands of women are seeking justice for the harm they’ve suffered, and you may be entitled to compensation.
Joining a class action lawsuit is about more than obtaining a settlement. It’s also about holding these companies accountable for the products they sell.
Join a Class Action Lawsuit
The potential dangers of Hair Relaxers have left many individuals feeling betrayed and uncertain about their future and health.
If you’ve used Hair Relaxers and are now facing health issues, you’re not alone. Class action lawsuits offer a way to seek justice and compensation for the suffering and associated risks of using Hair Relaxers.
Don’t wait. Consult with your doctor, explore your legal options, and take steps to protect your rights. We encourage you to start the process of finding out if you may qualify for a Hair Relaxer class action lawsuit. We can help you stay informed and provide you with the latest updates regarding the lawsuit. Subscribe to OnlyClassActions for further details.
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