Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates
Court Blocks Revlon’s Subpoena for NIH Internal Files in Hair Relaxer Litigation
Judge Mary Rowland denied Revlon’s motion to enforce a subpoena against the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which sought internal communications, drafts, and work papers behind hair relaxer cancer studies—including exchanges between NIH scientists and plaintiffs’ lawyers. Revlon aimed to challenge the science underpinning the MDL, but the NIH invoked deliberative process privilege. The court ruled Revlon failed to justify overriding this privilege, noting the NIH’s non-party status and Revlon’s adequate access to raw study data. The denial prevents defense discovery into agency deliberations, preserving focus on published science. Revlon, in bankruptcy since its 2023 Chapter 11 restructuring (which eliminated $2.7B+ debt), relies on insurers as the real parties in interest for these claims.
Court Orders L’Oréal to Produce EU Regulatory Files in Hair Relaxer Litigation
On Friday, Judge Jantz ordered L’Oréal SA to produce EU-mandated Product Information Files (PIFs) for U.S.-marketed hair relaxers by July 31. This batch includes 19 PIFs covering 29 product formulas. PIFs are comprehensive technical dossiers detailing formulations, safety assessments, and manufacturing standards. For an additional 25–30 PIFs tied to international-only products, the Court directed parties to confer by July 21 to prioritize disclosures. These must be produced by September 12.
Hair Relaxer MDL Progresses Toward Late 2026 Settlement Window Amid Trial Delays
Discovery in the federal Hair Relaxer MDL continues advancing, though delayed bellwether trials have reduced immediate settlement pressure. Meaningful resolution typically requires court rulings on expert challenges and evidence admissibility to create settlement leverage—milestones not expected until late 2026 under the current schedule. Defendants are unlikely to engage in substantive negotiations before these developments occur. Despite this timeline, plaintiffs maintain confidence in the evidentiary strength of these claims. Significant liability exposure suggests defendants may face heightened trial risk if cases proceed before a global settlement is reached.
Court Schedules Science Day in Hair Relaxer MDL for January 2026
Judge Mary Rowland has scheduled a Science Day for January 8, 2026, in the Hair Relaxer MDL. This educational proceeding allows both parties to present scientific and medical information to the court on complex issues, without testimony, cross-examination, or sworn evidence. Plaintiffs' experts will present research in the morning session, followed by defendants' experts in the afternoon. Topics will focus on evidence linking chemical hair relaxers to uterine cancer, fibroids, and other hormone-related injuries. Attending state court judges may observe. Though non-binding, Science Day significantly informs the court’s understanding of the foundational science as litigation progresses. This event precedes upcoming expert discovery deadlines.
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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