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August 2026 - Hair Relaxer
We have important news to share about your hair relaxer lawsuit. Please take a few minutes to read this update - it covers where the case stands, what to expect next, and what we need from you.
TRIALS ARE COMING SOONER THAN EXPECTED
Good news: the judge overseeing this case recently indicated she expects the first trials to happen as early as 2027. Earlier estimates had pointed to 2028 - so this is ahead of schedule.
These first trials are called "bellwether trials." Think of them as test runs. A small group of cases go before a jury first. The results help everyone - including the companies being sued - understand what your case might be worth. They almost always lead to settlements for the thousands of other clients waiting in line.
With nearly 12,000 people in this lawsuit, these first verdicts will be a very big deal.
Where things stand right now:
- The Judge presonally hand-picked the first trial cases - a sign she is serious about staying on schedule.
- Key legal deadlines are set for late 2026, leading into the 2027 trials.
- A neutral settlement negotiator (called a Special Master) has already been appointed to work toward a resolution for all clients.
PLEASE KEEP US UPDATED ON YOUR HEALTH
If anything has changed with your health since you last spoke with us, please contact our office right away. This includes new diagnoses, new treatments, hospitalizations, or if your condition has gotten worse. Your medical records are a key part of your case, and we need them to be current.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE CASE RIGHT NOW
The case is in what lawyers call the "discovery" phase. This is when both sides dig into the evidence and prepare for trial. Here is what is happening:
Battle of the experts
Scientists on both sides are fighting over the evidence that links hair relaxers to cancer. A landmark study from the National Institutes of Health found that women who used hair relaxers frequently were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. The defendants will try to challenge that science in court. The judge will decide which experts the jury gets to hear from. These rulings are expected by November 2026.
More companies being brought in
Some hair relaxer companies had their cases put on hold while settlement talks were happening behind the scenes. Those talks stalled. The judge stepped in and said, "It is time to litigate" - meaning those companies must now participate fully and hand over their documents. This is good news for our clients.
Your paperwork matters
The court requires every client to have a completed Plaintiff Fact Sheet on file. This is a detailed form about your product use and medical history. If you are not sure yours is complete or up to date, contact us now. Missing or incomplete forms can put your case at risk.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO RIGHT NOW
- Call or email us with ANY changes to your health.
- Hold on to all medical records, bills, and treatment summaries.
- Save anything related to the hair relaxer products you used - old packaging, photos, salon receipts.
- Reach out if you have questions. We are here for you.
We know waiting is hard - especially when you are dealing with a serious illness. We want you to know that this case is moving forward, the judge is keeping it on track, and we are fighting for you every step of the way.
Thank you for trusting us with your case. Please don't hesitate to call.
November 2025 - Hair Relaxer Update
Dear Client,
We want to update you on the progress of the hair relaxer litigation pending before Judge Mary Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois. With over 10,000 plaintiffs, this case is one of the largest multidistrict litigations in the country, and Judge Rowland continues to balance steady progress with the practical realities of large-scale discovery.
One of the most important upcoming events is Science Day, which the Court has set for January 2026. Science Day is a special hearing where both sides' experts and counsel present the current state of scientific research to the judge. The goal is not to argue who is right but to give the Court a neutral overview of the medical and scientific issues at the heart of the litigation. In this case, that means presenting research on whether chemical hair relaxers can cause uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancers. Science Day is especially important in cases like this because the Court will rely heavily on science to decide whether expert testimony will be admitted and, ultimately, whether juries will be allowed to hear certain arguments. It sets the tone for how the litigation will unfold.
Judge Rowland recently adjusted the expert disclosure deadlines, giving plaintiffs until December to submit their general causation reports. Defendants now have until January to serve their own reports, and plaintiffs will respond with rebuttals later that same month. This adjustment gives plaintiffs more time but also signals the Court's focus on keeping scientific issues front and center. The Court also made clear that rebuttal reports will be strictly limited in scope.
Written discovery is now complete beyond some Defendants who requested additional time due to extenuating circumstances. Additionally, oral discovery is coming to a close in the coming months. Plaintiffs have taken the depositions of key players in the industry that might be able to offer further clarification into what these defendants did or did not know. The information gathered will be valuable in making a case to the Court. Judge Rowland has also required both sides to provide a joint update on deposition progress each month, showing that she intends to keep the litigation moving without unnecessary delay. The Court is also addressing housekeeping matters such as duplicate filings and unresolved substitution motions, which is standard in a case of this size but still important for efficiency.
Looking ahead, expert discovery will conclude in March and Daubert briefing, which concerns challenges to expert testimony, will follow in April. Bellwether trials are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. These first trials will act as test cases to help shape future outcomes and possible settlement discussions.
We are also finalizing Plaintiff Fact Sheets, which are detailed questionnaires that provide essential information about your case, including medical history and product usage. These documents are mandatory for moving your case forward. If an ELG representative contacts you, please respond promptly so we can meet the Court's deadlines. Continue to keep all medical records, track new doctor visits or treatments, and maintain documentation, including photos, of your hair relaxer use if possible.
We will continue to keep you updated as this litigation develops, especially as we approach Science Day and the start of bellwether trials. Please contact our office if your contact information such as phone number, email address or mailing address change so we can update our records. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving season.
Sincerely, Environmental Litigation Group
October 2025 - Hair Relaxer Update
We want to update you on the progress of the hair relaxer litigation pending before Judge Mary Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois. With over 10,000 plaintiffs, this case is one of the largest multidistrict litigations in the country, and Judge Rowland continues to balance steady progress with the practical realities of large-scale discovery.
One of the most important upcoming events is Science Day, which the Court has set for January 2026. Science Day is a special hearing where both sides' experts and counsel present the current state of scientific research to the judge. The goal is not to argue who is right but to give the Court a neutral overview of the medical and scientific issues at the heart of the litigation. In this case, that means presenting research on whether chemical hair relaxers can cause uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancers. Science Day is especially important in cases like this because the Court will rely heavily on science to decide whether expert testimony will be admitted and, ultimately, whether juries will be allowed to hear certain arguments. It sets the tone for how the litigation will unfold.
Judge Rowland recently adjusted the expert disclosure deadlines, giving plaintiffs until December to submit their general causation reports. Defendants now have until January to serve their own reports, and plaintiffs will respond with rebuttals later that same month. This adjustment gives plaintiffs more time but also signals the Court's focus on keeping scientific issues front and center. The Court also made clear that rebuttal reports will be strictly limited in scope.
Written discovery is now complete beyond some Defendants who requested additional time due to extenuating circumstances. Additionally, oral discovery is coming to a close in the coming months. Plaintiffs have taken the depositions of key players in the industry that might be able to offer further clarification into what these defendants did or did not know. The information gathered will be valuable in making a case to the Court. Judge Rowland has also required both sides to provide a joint update on deposition progress each month, showing that she intends to keep the litigation moving without unnecessary delay. The Court is also addressing housekeeping matters such as duplicate filings and unresolved substitution motions, which is standard in a case of this size but still important for efficiency.
Looking ahead, expert discovery will conclude in March and Daubert briefing, which concerns challenges to expert testimony, will follow in April. Bellwether trials are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. These first trials will act as test cases to help shape future outcomes and possible settlement discussions.
We are also finalizing Plaintiff Fact Sheets, which are detailed questionnaires that provide essential information about your case, including medical history and product usage. These documents are mandatory for moving your case forward. If an ELG representative contacts you, please respond promptly so we can meet the Court's deadlines. Continue to keep all medical records, track new doctor visits or treatments, and maintain documentation, including photos, of your hair relaxer use if possible.
We will continue to keep you updated as this litigation develops, especially as we approach Science Day and the start of bellwether trials. Please contact our office if you have any questions about your claim or need assistance with documentation.
September 2025 - Hair Relaxer Update
We want to update you on the progress of the hair relaxer litigation pending before Judge Mary Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois. With over 10,000 plaintiffs, this case is one of the largest multidistrict litigations in the country, and Judge Rowland continues to balance steady progress with the practical realities of large-scale discovery.
One of the most important upcoming events is Science Day, which the Court has set for January 2026. Science Day is a special hearing where both sides' experts and counsel present the current state of scientific research to the judge. The goal is not to argue who is right but to give the Court a neutral overview of the medical and scientific issues at the heart of the litigation. In this case, that means presenting research on whether chemical hair relaxers can cause uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancers. Science Day is especially important in cases like this because the Court will rely heavily on science to decide whether expert testimony will be admitted and, ultimately, whether juries will be allowed to hear certain arguments. It sets the tone for how the litigation will unfold.
Judge Rowland recently adjusted the expert disclosure deadlines, giving plaintiffs until December to submit their general causation reports. Defendants now have until January to serve their own reports, and plaintiffs will respond with rebuttals later that same month. This adjustment gives plaintiffs more time but also signals the Court's focus on keeping scientific issues front and center. The Court also made clear that rebuttal reports will be strictly limited in scope.
Written discovery is now largely complete. Plaintiffs are seeking some additional information from certain defendants, but overall the case is moving into the deposition phase. Judge Rowland has also required both sides to provide a joint update on deposition progress in September, showing that she intends to keep the litigation moving without unnecessary delay. The Court is also addressing housekeeping matters such as duplicate filings and unresolved substitution motions, which is standard in a case of this size but still important for efficiency.
Looking ahead, expert discovery will conclude in March, and Daubert briefing - which concerns challenges to expert testimony - will follow in April. Bellwether trials are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. These first trials will act as test cases to help shape future outcomes and possible settlement discussions.
We are also finalizing Plaintiff Fact Sheets, which are detailed questionnaires that provide essential information about your case, including medical history and product usage. These documents are mandatory for moving your case forward. If an ELG representative contacts you, please respond promptly so we can meet the Court's deadlines. Continue to keep all medical records, track new doctor visits or treatments, and maintain documentation, including photos, of your hair relaxer use if possible.
We will continue to keep you updated as this litigation develops, especially as we approach Science Day and the start of bellwether trials. Please contact our office if you have any questions about your claim or need assistance with documentation.
April 2025 - Hair Relaxer Update
The hair relaxer litigation is advancing under Judge Mary Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois. As mentioned in past updates, the lawsuit focuses on three specific types of cancer: uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancer.
Currently written discovery has come to a close. Plaintiffs are still seeking some additional information regarding specific defendants, but we are slated to begin depositions soon for both sides. Once the depositions are completed, both written and oral discovery will have finished, marking a major milestone in the litigation process.Discovery is an important part of all litigation, and with major companies involved in this case, it is taking more time. Judge Rowland understands these delays and is doing her best to move the case forward.
Looking ahead, Judge Rowland aims to begin bellwether trials in late 2025 or early 2026 at the conclusion of discovery. These initial trials will serve as test cases to help determine how future trials might proceed and potentially guide settlement discussions.
Finally, we are currently finalizing plaintiff fact sheets, which are detailed documents that provide specific information about each person's case, including medical history and product usage. These documents are crucial for moving the litigation forward. Thus, if an ELG representative contacts you, it is imperative that you return these calls promptly to ensure that we can submit all required information to the court. Otherwise, please keep all medical records related to your condition, track any new doctor visits or treatments, and maintain documentation (including photos) of your hair relaxer usage if possible.
Please contact our office if you have any questions about your specific claim or if you need assistance with documentation.
February 2025 - Hair Relaxer Update
The hair relaxer litigation is advancing under Judge Mary Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois. As mentioned in past updates, the lawsuit focuses on three specific types of cancer: uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancer.
Currently, the case is in the discovery phase, where both sides gather and exchange information to understand the facts and evidence. Written discovery, which involves exchanging documents and written questions between parties, is scheduled to complete by the end of February. The court will then move to oral discovery, where witnesses provide sworn testimony through depositions - formal interviews conducted under oath. Discovery is an important part of all litigation and with major companies involved in this case, it is taking more time. Judge Rowland understands these delays and is doing her best to move the case forward.
Looking ahead, Judge Rowland aims to begin bellwether trials in late 2025 or early 2026 at the conclusion of discovery. These initial trials will serve as test cases to help determine how future trials might proceed and potentially guide settlement discussions.
Finally, we are currently finalizing plaintiff fact sheets, which are detailed documents that provide specific information about each person's case, including medical history and product usage. These documents are crucial for moving the litigation forward. Thus, if an ELG representative contacts you, it is imperative that you return these calls promptly to ensure that we can submit all required information to the court. Otherwise, please keep all medical records related to your condition, track any new doctor visits or treatments, and maintain documentation (including photos) of your hair relaxer usage if possible.
Please contact our office if you have any questions about your specific claim or if you need assistance with documentation.
January 2025 - Hair Relaxer Update: Fast-Paced Progress in Illinois Court
The hair relaxer litigation is advancing under Judge Mary Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois. As mentioned in past updates, the lawsuit focuses on three specific types of cancer: uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancer.
Currently, the case is in the discovery phase, where both sides gather and exchange information to understand the facts and evidence. Written discovery, which involves exchanging documents and written questions between parties, is scheduled to complete in February 2025. The court will then move to oral discovery, where witnesses provide sworn testimony through depositions - formal interviews conducted under oath.
Looking ahead, Judge Rowland aims to begin bellwether trials in late 2025 or early 2026 at the conclusion of discovery. These initial trials will serve as test cases to help determine how future trials might proceed and potentially guide settlement discussions.
The number of toxic hair relaxer lawsuits keeps growing in January 2023
At least five more toxic hair relaxer lawsuits were filed in December nationwide. While four of these cases were brought in the Northern District of Illinois, one was filed in the Southern District of Ohio. Two of these lawsuits allege uterine fibroids as the primary injury, and the others allege uterine cancer. If people continue filing hair relaxer lawsuits at this pace, there should be roughly 25 pending by the time the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decides on the multidistrict litigation in February. As for the settlements, for endometriosis cases, plaintiffs could receive between $100,000 and $300,000 in compensation, whereas for those suffering from uterine cancer, the sum of money could range between $400,000 and $1.75 million.
L'Oréal and SoftSheen Carson opposed the consolidation of the lawsuits in December 2022
L'Oréal and SoftSheen Carson filed a response to the plaintiffs' motion of transfer on December 7. The companies oppose the consolidation of the lawsuits in multidistrict litigation. L'Oréal argues that consolidation is not appropriate because the hair relaxer cases do not involve common allegations or questions of fact. However, if the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation grants the request and consolidates the hair relaxer lawsuits, L'Oréal will strive to have the Southern District of New York, where the company is headquartered, as the forum for the litigation, as opposed to Illinois, according to the company.
A woman filed a lawsuit against seven hair relaxer manufacturers in November 2022
Alleging her use of chemical hair relaxers is to blame for her endometriosis and uterine cancer, a woman filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against seven manufacturers, among which are L'Oréal, and Strength of Nature. The complaint alleges that "phthalates and other endocrine disrupting chemicals" in the hair relaxers caused her to develop endometriosis and uterine cancer. Furthermore, the lawsuit names the products the woman used – Dark & Lovely, and Just for Me.
The woman alleges the defendants were engaged in deceiving marketing that gave the impression their hair relaxers were made from "natural" ingredients instead of "harmful chemicals." Moreover, the complaint alleges that many women on hair relaxer packages actually used hair straightening tools instead of chemical hair relaxers to achieve the look displayed on the boxes, which is a fraudulent practice. The plaintiff started using hair relaxers at 10 and used these products for 30 years until 2017. She was diagnosed with endometriosis and uterine cancer in July 2017 at 39, undergoing a full hysterectomy in September 2017.
The lawsuit argues that the defendants should be found strictly liable for the plaintiff's damages because they knew or should have known that their hair relaxers could cause cancer but failed to warn about this risk on the package of the products. According to the complaint, the defendants also knew or should have known that their products could cause uterine cancer due to "scientific knowledge dating back for decades." The plaintiff is seeking compensation for the following:
- severe pain
- suffering
- disability
- infertility
- loss of enjoyment of life
- impairment
- loss of care
- loss of comfort
- economic damages
Plaintiffs sought to consolidate toxic hair relaxer lawsuits in multidistrict litigation in November 2022
A group of plaintiffs injured by chemical hair relaxers filed a motion of transfer with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to centralize all lawsuits brought through the federal court system before one judge. They allege that the products they used contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, which are highly toxic. Moreover, the plaintiffs claim that while the manufacturers were aware of the health risks linked to the use of their products, they failed to warn consumers and continued to market the hair relaxers to Black women. There are at least nine hair relaxer lawsuits pending across the country involving claims on behalf of 13 different plaintiffs. It is expected that the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation will decide whether to consolidate the lawsuits in multidistrict litigation during a hearing session on January 26 in Miami, Florida.
A Missouri woman filed a lawsuit against five cosmetics companies in October 2022
On 21 October 2022, a hair relaxer lawsuit was filed in Chicago. Plaintiff Jenny Mitchell is a Missouri resident who began using chemical hair relaxers when she was eight years old. She claims the hair relaxer products marketed to African American women have led to the development of her uterine cancer. Cosmetics companies, including L'Oreal, are named as defendants in this hair relaxer lawsuit.
Study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in October 2022
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in October 2022 found that about 4.05% of women who used chemical hair relaxers would develop uterine cancer by the age of 70.
Campaign group Level Up launched a petition in 2021
Campaign group Level Up has launched a petition calling on cosmetics giants such as Revlon and L'Oréal to remove toxic ingredients from their chemical hair relaxer products.
Class action lawsuit against L’Oréal in 2016
Two women filed a class action lawsuit in Los Angeles alleging that L’Oréal’s chemical hair relaxer has left them with bald patches and scalp burns. The SoftSheen Carson Optimum Amla Legend Relaxer Kit targeting African-American women was promoted by celebrities such as Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland.
The plaintiffs represented by Mark J. Geragos were seeking compensation on the grounds of:
- false advertising
- consumer fraud
- deceptive business practices
- breach of express warranty
- breach of implied warranty of merchantability
- fraud and negligence
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