New Rules for Restarting Hair Relaxer Cases
On March 31, 2025, a new court order set rules for restarting cases in the Hair Relaxer MDL after being dismissed without prejudice. Plaintiffs who want to continue their lawsuits must act quickly and refile in federal court. Those with the same lawyer can file a motion to restart their case, but they need to submit detailed paperwork about their claims within ten days. Plaintiffs with a new lawyer have to start fresh by filing a new case.
While companies being sued won’t block cases filed on time, they can still argue against them using legal defenses like expired deadlines. If there’s an issue with how a case was dismissed, plaintiffs must seek a solution with the defendants first before asking the court for help..
Plaintiffs Deadline Passed in February 2025
Plaintiffs who filed their initial lawsuits on or before February 1, 2024, must have completed and submitted their plaintiff fact sheets (PFSs) by February 28, 2025. These fact sheets contain detailed information about each plaintiff’s injuries and are vital for the pre-trial discovery process. Plaintiffs should collaborate with an attorney to ensure their PFSs are accurate and accepted by the court. The oral discovery deadline is set for September 30, 2025.
New Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Filed
On April 27, 2025, an Illinois woman filed a lawsuit in the Hair Relaxer MDL, alleging that years of using chemical hair relaxers caused her to develop cancer. The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of Illinois, names L’Oréal USA, Avlon Industries, and other manufacturers as defendants.
The plaintiff claims she regularly used these products over several years, unaware of the potential health risks. She argues that the companies failed to warn consumers, leading to her injuries and extensive medical treatment.
On May 1, 2025, a Michigan woman filed a complaint in the MDL, claiming that long-term exposure to chemical hair straighteners led to her ovarian cancer diagnosis.
New Scientific Studies Examine Link Between Hair Products and Cancer
A 2024 study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology observed associations between chemicals found in hair relaxers and certain cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer.
The study points to chemicals such as aromatic amines, parabens, formaldehyde, resorcinol, and ammonia as major contributors. These substances can enter the human body through the scalp and are known endocrine disruptors. This means they interfere with hormones and could increase the likelihood of cancer and other health problems.
A new study from January 2025 examined the scientific studies and literature available to look for evidence that hair relaxers, commonly used by Black women in the US, increase cancer risk. After reviewing nearly 1,400 studies, researchers say they have not found compelling evidence that hair relaxers are linked to breast, ovarian, or uterine cancers. However, researchers did find a possible connection to uterine fibroids.
The review also noted that none of the studies analyzed the chemical makeup of hair relaxers