Quick Status: Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuits (December 2025)

The lawsuits alleging that chemical hair straighteners cause uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer continue to grow, with over 10,800 cases now consolidated in the federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL 3060).

Here is a breakdown of the current litigation:

1. The Science is Next

The biggest event on the calendar is January 8, 2026, when the Court is scheduled to hold a hearing in which experts from both sides will present evidence to the judge on the scientific link between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the products and cancer diagnoses.

Why it Matters: The judge's perception of this scientific evidence is crucial and will determine which expert testimony is allowed at trial.

2. High Stakes & High Case Count

• Total Cases: The MDL includes over 10,800 pending lawsuits against major manufacturers like L'Oréal and Revlon.

• Case Filtering: The court is actively dismissing cases where plaintiffs have failed to provide required medical documentation, ensuring the remaining claims have strong evidentiary backing.

• Focus: The litigation is primarily focused on uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer claims, as these have the strongest scientific support.

3. Timeline for Trial (and Settlement)

• Bellwether Trials: The first "test trials" are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. These trials will be critical for both sides to assess jury reactions and determine case values for potential settlement.

If you have a claim the time to act is now!