Hair Relaxer Class Action Lawsuit Guide 2025: Eligibility, Settlements & Filing Steps
Written and reviewed by: Ashley MilanoLast Updated: August 28th, 2025
Thousands of lawsuits allege that long-term use of chemical hair relaxers and straighteners has been linked to uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. This guide explains who qualifies, recent lawsuit updates, expected settlement factors, and how the legal process works in the Hair Relaxer MDL and related state court programs.
Who Qualifies for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
- Regular or long-term use of chemical hair relaxers or straighteners;
- Diagnosis of uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer;
- Medical records confirming diagnosis and treatment;
- Use of brands including Dark & Lovely, Optimum, Just for Me, SoftSheen-Carson, L’Oréal, Revlon, Strength of Nature, Namaste, and others;
- Within your state’s statute of limitations to file a claim.
Hair Relaxer Injuries & Cancers Linked
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Uterine fibroids
- Hormonal disruption / endocrine system effects
Hair Relaxer Settlement Ranges & Factors
Settlements are not yet available. Based on other cancer-related mass torts, average payouts may vary depending on:
- Type of cancer diagnosed (uterine, ovarian, endometrial);
- Age of plaintiff and long-term impact;
- Frequency and duration of relaxer use;
- Medical expenses and lost income;
- Venue & jury verdict history.
Disclaimer: Settlement ranges are educational only and not guarantees. Compensation depends on case-specific facts.
Deadlines for Filing a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
Deadlines (statutes of limitation) vary by state, often 2–3 years from diagnosis. Some states apply a statute of repose that may bar claims after 10 years of product use. Consult an attorney quickly to preserve your rights.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates™
Last updated 2025.
- July 27, 2025: Judge Rowland denied Revlon’s subpoena for NIH files, protecting scientific deliberations.
- July 22, 2025: Settlement progress slowed; no meaningful negotiations expected before late 2026.
- July 15, 2025: L’Oréal ordered to produce U.S. regulatory Product Information Files (PIFs) by July 31.
- July 4, 2025: “Science Day” set for Jan 8, 2026, for experts to present hair relaxer cancer science.
- July 1, 2025: MDL case count at 10,282, slightly down from June due to consolidations.
- June 24, 2025: Walgreens dismissed as a defendant; claims against it lacked specificity.
- June 23, 2025: Philadelphia consolidates hair relaxer cases into a mass tort program (~25 cases).
- June 22, 2025: Georgia Supreme Court reviewing statute of repose for long-term use claims.
- June 20, 2025: MDL trial prep phase begins; bellwether trials scheduled for 2027.
- June 18, 2025: Settlement not imminent; litigation remains in discovery stage.
We update this section monthly with MDL activity, notable filings, and verdicts.
How the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Process Works
- Free consultation: confirm eligibility and product use;
- Case filing: short-form complaint in federal MDL or state program;
- Discovery: exchange medical records, expert evidence, and company documents;
- Bellwether selection: test cases scheduled for early trials;
- Settlement or trial: compensation negotiated or determined by jury.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit FAQs
What cancers are linked to hair relaxers?
Studies link chemical relaxers to uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, as well as fibroids.
Which brands are named?
L’Oréal, Revlon, SoftSheen-Carson, Strength of Nature, Namaste, Godrej, and others.
When will settlements happen?
No settlements yet. Bellwether trials are scheduled for 2026–2027; settlements may follow after expert rulings.
Sources & Scientific Research
