Hair Relaxer Lawsuit News
Important Legal Update · May 2026

Hair Relaxer Lawsuit News:
What Victims Need to Know

Over 11,500 cases now pending in federal court — MDL 3060 in the Northern District of Illinois is one of the largest active product-liability MDLs in the country. Bellwether trials expected in 2027. Our firm is accepting cases nationwide.

Lawsuits began rapidly accelerating after scientific studies linked long-term use of chemical hair relaxers and straighteners to uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and other reproductive injuries. By May 2026, the litigation had grown into a massive federal proceeding with 11,526 cases pending — and the number continues to rise, making this one of the largest and most important product-liability actions in the United States.
11,526 Cases pending in MDL 3060 (May 2026)
2027 First bellwether trials expected
N.D. Ill. Before Judge Mary M. Rowland
4+ Qualifying cancer & injury types

Federal Litigation

The Hair Relaxer MDL: Latest Developments
(MDL No. 3060 — Northern District of Illinois)

All federal hair relaxer cases are consolidated in MDL 3060 — In re: Hair Relaxer Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation — before Judge Mary M. Rowland. The litigation is now in its highest-leverage phase. The outcomes of the Daubert challenges and bellwether trials will heavily influence future settlement values.

  • Bellwether trial preparation underway — first trials expected in 2027. These early trials will help determine case values and shape future settlement negotiations.
  • Daubert (Rule 702) briefing in progress — both sides are challenging the admissibility of expert testimony on causation, a critical issue in the litigation.
  • Active discovery — depositions of bellwether plaintiffs and production of internal manufacturer documents are ongoing.
  • Filing pace remains strong — tens of thousands of cases consolidated, with additional state-court filings continuing nationwide.

Implicated Products

Which Products Are Involved?

The lawsuits target a wide range of chemical relaxers and straightening products. These products were often marketed for long-term, repeated use — especially to Black women and young girls — increasing cumulative exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Dark & Lovely
Just for Me
Optimum
Motions
ORS / Olive Oil
Soft & Beautiful
Girls’ Hair Relaxer Lines

Eligibility

Who May Qualify for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

You may qualify if you used chemical hair relaxers regularly over an extended period and were later diagnosed with a covered condition. A confirmed diagnosis and the ability to identify the brands used are required.

Qualifying Diagnoses & Injuries

  • Uterine cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Uterine fibroids requiring hysterectomy

Qualifying Exposure History

  • Used chemical hair relaxers at least 4 times per year
  • Used for one year or longer
  • Can identify the brand(s) used
  • Confirmed diagnosis on record
No global settlement has been announced. The litigation is actively progressing toward bellwether trials in 2027. Filing now ensures your claim is preserved and positioned ahead of major rulings that could affect case values.

Our Firm Is Now Accepting Hair Relaxer Cancer Cases

Our attorneys represent women nationwide who developed reproductive cancers after long-term use of chemical hair relaxers. We closely track every development in MDL 3060 — including Daubert rulings, bellwether selections, and emerging settlement discussions — to ensure our clients receive the strongest possible representation.

We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results in prior cases do not guarantee similar outcomes. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Our Firm Is Now Accepting Hair Relaxer Cancer Cases Free & confidential case evaluation — you pay nothing unless we win.
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