The Tennessee hair relaxer lawyers at Fob James Law Firm represent women in Nashville, Memphis, and across the state who were diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer after years of using chemical hair relaxer products. These cases are consolidated in federal court as MDL 3060, and new claims are still being accepted.
If you used relaxers such as Dark & Lovely, Just for Me, Motions, ORS Olive Oil, or Optimum and later received a cancer diagnosis, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our biggest concern is making sure you get the justice and the compensation that you deserve.
Contact our experienced hair relaxer cancer attorneys serving Nashville, Memphis, and all of Tennessee at 866-837-1010 for a free case evaluation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Tennessee deadline warning: Tennessee generally allows only one year from the date you discovered your injury to file a hair relaxer lawsuit (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104). This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country. If you have been diagnosed, call 866-837-1010 now so we can protect your claim.
Tennessee Hair Relaxer Lawsuit: At a Glance (July 2026)
- Who qualifies: Women diagnosed with uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer after regular use of chemical hair relaxers. Uterine fibroids with hysterectomy may qualify through state court programs.
- Litigation status: 11,877 cases pending in MDL 3060 as of the July 1, 2026 JPML report. Daubert briefing on causation experts is underway, and the first bellwether trials are expected in 2027.
- Settlements: No settlements or verdicts yet. Our attorneys project strong uterine cancer cases in the $150,000 to $1,000,000+ range (attorney estimate, not a guarantee).
- Tennessee deadline: Generally one year from the date you discovered your injury (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104), with limited exceptions. Act quickly.
- Cost: No upfront fees. We charge a 33-40% contingency fee, and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.
- Talk to a lawyer: Call 866-837-1010 for a free, confidential case review.
Who Qualifies for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit in Tennessee?
Any woman in Tennessee who used chemical hair relaxer or straightener products for an extended period and was later diagnosed with uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer may qualify for compensation. Women who were diagnosed with uterine fibroids and underwent a hysterectomy after long-term relaxer use may also qualify, primarily through state court programs.
You may have a Tennessee hair relaxer claim if:
- You regularly used a chemical hair relaxer or straightener (many claims involve use several times per year over multiple years); and
- You were diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer; or
- You developed uterine fibroids that required a hysterectomy after long-term relaxer use.
Not sure whether you qualify? Contact us and we will review your case for free. Because of Tennessee’s one-year deadline, do not wait.
Salon professionals are an emerging group of plaintiffs in this litigation. Cosmetologists and stylists who spent years applying relaxers in Tennessee salons, often without gloves or adequate ventilation, experienced some of the heaviest chemical exposure. If you worked in a salon and later developed a qualifying cancer, our attorneys want to hear from you.
An estimated 90 percent of Black women in the United States have used a chemical hair relaxer at some point, and many started as young girls. Manufacturers marketed these products heavily to Black women for decades without warning about cancer risks. That failure to warn is the heart of the lawsuit.
What Is a Chemical Hair Relaxer?
A chemical hair relaxer is a product that permanently straightens curly or textured hair by breaking down the protein bonds in each strand. The product is applied to the hair, left in place for several minutes, and then rinsed and neutralized.
To do this, relaxers rely on harsh chemicals, including sodium hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate, guanidine carbonate, lithium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium thioglycolate, and Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (“DEHP”). Many of these ingredients are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, meaning they interfere with the body’s hormone systems. Scalp burns and lesions caused by relaxers make it easier for these chemicals to be absorbed into the body.
In short, long-term use of hair relaxers exposes consumers to chemicals that are linked to cancer and other serious injuries. If you think you may have been injured by long-term hair relaxer use, call us at 866-837-1010 to schedule your free consultation with a hair relaxer attorney in Tennessee.
What Cancers Are Linked to Hair Relaxer Products?
The hair relaxer lawsuit currently focuses on three hormone-driven cancers, plus one related injury:
- Uterine cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine fibroids requiring hysterectomy
The MDL court has limited the bellwether trial pool to uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancer cases. Fibroid and hysterectomy claims are being pursued primarily in state court programs, including the Philadelphia mass tort docket. The science connecting relaxers to other injuries is still developing, so this list may expand.
Which Hair Relaxer Products Are Linked to Cancer?
The lawsuits name most major relaxer brands sold in the United States over the past several decades. Products commonly identified in MDL 3060 include:
- Dark & Lovely, Optimum (Optimum Care), and Ultra Sheen by SoftSheen-Carson, a division of L’Oréal USA
- Just for Me and TCB Naturals by Strength of Nature / Godrej Consumer Products
- Motions, Soft & Beautiful, and African Pride by Strength of Nature Global, LLC
- ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer by Namaste Laboratories, LLC
- Africa’s Best by House of Cheatham
- Crème of Nature and other Revlon relaxers (recovery on Revlon products is limited by the company’s bankruptcy)
These are name-brand products, and the same formulas were often sold under different labels. If you are unsure whether your product qualifies, contact our firm and we will investigate free of charge.
Does Hair Relaxer Cause Cancer? What the Science Shows
Multiple large, peer-reviewed studies have linked chemical hair relaxers to uterine and ovarian cancer. The evidence connecting relaxers to cancer is still developing, and we expect it to continue to grow as the litigation moves forward.
One chemical of particular concern is DEHP, a phthalate found in many relaxer products. DEHP is considered a probable human carcinogen and is associated with significant adverse health effects. Formaldehyde, another known carcinogen, can also be released when certain straightening products are heated during use.
Uterine Cancer
The landmark National Institutes of Health “Sister Study” found that women who frequently used hair straightening products (more than four times per year) were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. The NIH estimated that 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners would develop uterine cancer by age 70, but for frequent users that risk rose to 4.05%.
Likewise, Boston University’s Black Women’s Health Study published findings in 2023 showing that postmenopausal women who used relaxers more than twice a year, or for more than five years, had a 50% or greater increase in uterine cancer risk.
Ovarian Cancer
The National Center for Biotechnology Information released Sister Study data reflecting that frequent use of straighteners and relaxers was associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 50%.
What Can I Recover From a Tennessee Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
A successful hair relaxer lawsuit can recover compensation for all past and future costs associated with your cancer diagnosis. Every case is unique, but recoverable damages generally include:
- Past and future medical bills, including medication, hospital stays, and in-home care
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Loss of fertility and related life impacts, such as hysterectomy
- Funeral expenses in the event of a loved one’s death
To discuss the potential value of your case, schedule a free consultation with our hair relaxer attorneys.
Hair Relaxer Settlement Projections (2026)
Status of Settlements & Verdicts (as of July 2026)
- No hair relaxer cases have been publicly confirmed as settled or resolved by a jury verdict.
- The primary litigation is consolidated in MDL No. 3060 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois before Judge Mary Rowland.
- 11,877 claims were pending in the MDL as of the July 1, 2026 JPML report, with additional cases in Philadelphia, Illinois, Georgia, and New York state courts.
- General causation Daubert briefing is underway. The court’s ruling on which causation experts may testify is the next major inflection point in the litigation.
- The first bellwether (test) trials are expected in 2027, and Special Master Ellen Reisman continues to oversee settlement discussions.
- Because this is still a pre-verdict mass tort, all published figures are attorney estimates, not real payouts.
Current Projected Settlement Ranges
In cases involving uterine cancer with strong proof, we currently project settlement ranges from $150,000 to $1,000,000+ in many instances, and potentially higher in especially strong factual scenarios. Cases with less compelling proof, fewer damages, or weaker documentation may fall well below these ranges.
What Drives Variation in Case Value
- Strength of scientific causation and expert testimony. Whether the plaintiff can prove that specific relaxer products or chemicals contributed to her cancer heavily influences value.
- Severity and permanence of injury. Cases involving advanced cancer, fertility loss (such as hysterectomy), ongoing medical care, or death demand higher valuations.
- Duration, frequency, and product documentation. Better documentation of long-term usage and product brands enhances credibility and value.
- Economic and non-economic damages. Past and future medical costs and lost income, plus pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, push case values upward.
- Defendants’ liability exposure and ability to pay. Well-capitalized manufacturers such as L’Oréal may support higher settlements than smaller entities. Recovery against Revlon is limited to insurance because of its bankruptcy.
- Timing and settlement leverage. Plaintiffs positioned after favorable Daubert rulings or bellwether verdicts may gain leverage to negotiate higher amounts.
- Administrative and litigation costs. Judge Rowland has set the MDL common benefit assessment at 11% (8% fees, 3% expenses), which is deducted in addition to individual attorney fees in MDL settlements.
How Long Do I Have to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you generally have one year from the date you discovered your hair relaxer related injury to file a lawsuit. Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104. That is one of the shortest personal injury deadlines in the country. Wrongful death claims are also generally subject to a one-year deadline.
Tennessee’s discovery rule can extend your deadline in some circumstances, because the clock generally starts when you knew or should have known your injury may be connected to hair relaxer products. There are exceptions in both directions, so do not assume you are too late (or that you have time to spare) without talking to an attorney. A short, free phone call can protect your claim.
How Tennessee Law Applies to Hair Relaxer Claims
Although hair relaxer cases are litigated in the federal MDL, Tennessee substantive law can govern the claims of Tennessee women. Three features of Tennessee law matter most in these cases:
- The one-year deadline. Tennessee’s one-year statute of limitations (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104) is far shorter than the two-year deadlines in neighboring Alabama and Georgia. Tennessee women lose viable claims every month simply by waiting too long to call a lawyer.
- The Tennessee Products Liability Act. Hair relaxer claims for Tennessee women proceed under the TPLA (Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-28-101 et seq.), which covers defective and unreasonably dangerous products and failure-to-warn claims, and adds its own repose periods that an attorney can assess quickly.
- Where your case is filed. Tennessee hair relaxer cases are filed directly into MDL 3060 in the Northern District of Illinois. If a case does not resolve in the MDL, it can be transferred back to federal court in Tennessee for trial.
We represent women throughout Tennessee, including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. If you are in the Memphis area, you can also visit our dedicated Memphis hair relaxer lawyer page.
How Do I Join the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit in Tennessee?
It is simple to join the hair relaxer lawsuit. Here is how the process works:
- Free consultation. Call us or submit your contact information, and one of our attorneys will discuss your case with you.
- Case investigation. We confirm your product use and gather your medical records at no cost to you.
- Filing. We file your individual lawsuit directly into MDL 3060 in federal court and handle every deadline, including your Plaintiff Fact Sheet.
- You focus on your health. We handle the litigation and keep you updated at every stage.
We represent hair relaxer victims in all 50 states. It does not matter where you live, and you will not need to travel to Illinois in the vast majority of cases.
What Are the Attorney Fees to Hire a Hair Relaxer Cancer Attorney in Tennessee?
Fob James Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid a percentage of the recovery if we successfully resolve your case. Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket. Importantly, if we do not obtain a recovery, you owe us nothing.
Many clients have told us that other firms are charging a 45% contingency fee in the hair relaxer lawsuit. Fob James Law Firm charges hair relaxer clients a 33-40% contingency fee, meaning our fee is 33-40% of the total amount recovered in your case.
To speak with one of our experienced hair relaxer lawyers in Tennessee, call us today at 866-837-1010.
When Will the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Be Settled?
Realistically, we do not expect a global hair relaxer settlement before 2027, and 2028 is possible. Mass torts of this size almost never settle until the science has been tested in court. The MDL is now in its expert phase. General causation Daubert motions were filed in April 2026 and are being briefed, case-specific Daubert and summary judgment motions are due November 16, 2026, and briefing runs into January 2027.
The first bellwether trials are expected in 2027. These test trials give both sides a barometer on the value and strength of hair relaxer cases. If plaintiffs win favorable Daubert rulings and early verdicts, pressure on the defendants to negotiate a global settlement will increase substantially. Special Master Ellen Reisman has already been appointed to coordinate settlement discussions, which tells you the court is keeping that path open.
One important note for Tennessee women: the settlement timeline does not extend your one-year filing deadline. Women who file now will be positioned ahead of any settlement framework. Waiting can cost you both your claim and your place in line.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates
At Fob James Law Firm, we closely track the hair relaxer lawsuits against L’Oréal, Revlon, and other manufacturers. Below are the most recent updates from the multidistrict litigation (MDL 3060) and related state court cases. For in-depth coverage, visit our Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Blog.
📅 Last updated: July 10, 2026
July 10, 2026 – MDL Passes 11,877 Cases as the Daubert Fight Takes Center Stage
The July 1, 2026 JPML report shows 11,877 pending cases in the Hair Relaxer MDL, an increase of 154 cases over the past month. Filings remain steady even as the litigation moves deeper into its expert phase.
The central battle right now is Daubert. Both sides have filed motions challenging the other’s general causation experts, and Judge Rowland’s ruling on which experts may testify about the link between relaxer chemicals and uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancer will shape everything that follows: bellwether trials, settlement leverage, and case values.
At the July 2 status conference, the Court also addressed a discovery dispute involving RNA Corporation, a second-wave defendant that several bellwether defendants have pointed to as a necessary party. Plaintiffs are seeking expedited discovery from RNA, and the Court ordered short briefs on the issue. Plaintiffs are separately challenging L’Oréal’s attempt to rewrite portions of its corporate witness’s deposition testimony through the errata process.
Looking ahead: additional bellwether fact discovery closed June 10, case-specific Daubert and summary judgment motions are due November 16, 2026, and the first bellwether trials remain on track for 2027. Remember: none of this extends Tennessee’s one-year filing deadline.
June 1, 2026 – The Battle of the Experts Is Underway as Bellwether Discovery Nears Its Close
The Hair Relaxer MDL is approaching 12,000 filed cases, and a mini mass tort in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas has gained momentum with 25 cases now pending. We are just one week away from the close of case-specific bellwether discovery, and the battle of the experts is officially underway.
The central question before the Court is whether Plaintiffs’ expert testimony on causation will survive Daubert scrutiny for all three cancer types: uterine, ovarian, and endometrial. The answer will shape the trajectory of the entire litigation moving forward.
We do not expect many significant developments over the summer months, but we predict the MDL will surpass 15,000 filed cases before the end of 2026. With the MDL created in February 2023, the first bellwether trial will likely be set roughly 4.5 years later. While not quite as fast as the Depo-Provera rocket docket, considering the number of defendants and the multiple injury categories at issue, this timeline is about what we expected for a litigation of this scale.
April 1, 2026 – Hair Relaxer MDL Enters Critical Phase: Daubert and Bellwether Selection Front and Center
Three years after MDL No. 3060 was formed, the litigation is heating up. The Court and parties are now focused on two of the most consequential aspects of any MDL: expert testimony and bellwether selection.
The all-important Daubert hearing, where Judge Rowland will decide which experts come in and which get excluded, is approaching. A favorable ruling for Plaintiffs on causation could build significant pressure on Defendants toward settlement.
With expert discovery largely complete, attention has shifted to bellwether selection. In a recent filing, Defendants identified 12 Plaintiffs they believe should serve as the bellwether cases. Notably, 11 of the 12 were diagnosed with endometrial cancer. The remaining Plaintiff had ovarian cancer, but Defendants flagged that she also used J&J Talcum Powder, a fact that could complicate causation arguments against the hair relaxer manufacturers.
The Court has not yet made its final selections, but Defendants’ filing makes their strategy clear: they believe endometrial cancer cases give them the best shot at a defense verdict.
November 1, 2025 – Depositions Scheduled in the MDL Bellwether Cases
The next phase in the Hair Relaxer MDL is underway as depositions are being scheduled in the 32 bellwether cases. We expect the majority of depositions will be completed over the next three months.
January 2026 is shaping up to be a critical month in the litigation. Judge Mary M. Rowland has scheduled a “Science Day” for that month, where Plaintiff Leadership will educate Judge Rowland, and attending state court judges, about the scientific evidence linking chemical hair relaxer products to cancer.
October 6, 2025 – What to Expect Next in the Hair Relaxer Litigation
Bellwether Trial Preparation. Initial bellwether trials are being prepared. These test cases will play a pivotal role in shaping settlement strategies and providing insight into potential jury reactions.
Expert Discovery Deadlines. Critical deadlines were set for expert disclosures: Plaintiffs’ expert reports due by October 31, 2025; Defendants’ expert reports due by December 1, 2025; Plaintiffs’ rebuttal reports due by December 15, 2025.
Science Day Scheduled. A “Science Day” was planned for January 2026, where both parties present scientific evidence regarding the link between hair relaxer products and various cancers.
Defendants’ Legal Challenges. Several defendants, including John Paul Mitchell Systems, Wella Operations US LLC, and Advanced Beauty, Inc., sought to dismiss the lawsuits against them. Judge Mary M. Rowland denied these motions.
Projected Settlement Outlook. While no settlements had been finalized as of October 2025, industry estimates suggest that individual payouts could range from $150,000 to $1,000,000+, depending on the severity of the injury and the strength of the evidence.
2024-2025 Archive: Earlier Hair Relaxer Litigation Updates
September 4, 2025. The MDL includes 10,858 pending cases. Major companies such as L’Oréal and Revlon face allegations of failing to warn consumers about cancer risks.
August 1, 2025. Filed cases in the Hair Relaxer MDL crossed 10,000. Additional cases are pending in Philadelphia, Atlanta, and New York.
July 3, 2025. The MDL Court scheduled a Science Day for January 2026 on whether hair relaxers cause uterine and ovarian cancer.
June 1, 2025. A mass tort was established in Philadelphia state court, separate from the federal MDL, allowing claims for uterine fibroids with hysterectomy.
May 7, 2025. Judge Rowland appointed Ellen Reisman as Special Master to oversee settlement discussions.
April 3, 2025. Each side will select 20 cases (reduced to 32) by April 30, 2025. Only ovarian, uterine, or endometrial cancer cases will be considered for the bellwether pool.
February 25, 2025. The Court entered a scheduling order setting the stage for bellwether trials in 2027, including the Daubert motion deadline (April 1, 2026) and the end of motion practice briefing (January 6, 2027).
December 3, 2024. State court filings suggest fibroid/hysterectomy cases may be viable despite being excluded from the MDL’s initial scope.
October 2, 2024. Cases have been filed in Illinois, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New York state courts. Plaintiffs believe state courts may offer faster timelines and more favorable jury pools.
April 19, 2024. A woman from Memphis, TN filed a lawsuit against the makers of several hair relaxer products alleging the chemicals caused her ovarian cancer. The case will be transferred to the MDL Court overseeing the hair relaxer litigation. If the case is not resolved through the MDL, the case may get transferred back to federal court in Memphis.
Read Our Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Blog For Detailed News And Updates ➞
Why Our Hair Relaxer Attorneys Are the Top Choice in Tennessee
For more than 40 years, the attorneys at Fob James Law Firm have been fighting for victims of fraud and injuries across the country. Managing attorney Fob James, IV is licensed in Tennessee and has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and SuperLawyers, and our firm actively litigates mass tort cases in federal courts across the country.
- We work closely with each of our clients, ensuring they receive personalized attention. With our firm, you will actually speak with your dedicated lawyer, not an assistant. You will have your attorney’s phone number, email, and text.
- We do not take so many cases that we lose time to get to know our clients on a personal basis. Knowing what our clients are going through helps us advocate more effectively on their behalf.
- We move fast, which matters in a one-year deadline state. When we take your case, we aggressively work it from day one to ensure you get the compensation you deserve as soon as possible.
- We are not afraid to take your case to trial. As trial lawyers, we love to litigate cases in courthouses across the country.
- We never charge fees up front. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
Our case results and client testimonials speak for themselves. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and case review.
Tennessee Hair Relaxer Lawsuit FAQs
How long do I have to file a hair relaxer lawsuit in Tennessee?
Generally one year from the date you discovered your hair relaxer related injury, which is one of the shortest deadlines in the country. Tennessee’s discovery rule can extend that window in some circumstances, but the safest move is to call an attorney as soon as you are diagnosed.
Is it too late to file a hair relaxer lawsuit in Tennessee?
Maybe not. The one-year clock generally starts when you knew or should have known your injury may be connected to hair relaxer products, not necessarily the day of your diagnosis. Because the analysis is fact-specific, have an attorney review your timeline before assuming your claim is barred.
How much is the hair relaxer lawsuit settlement per person?
No hair relaxer settlements have been paid yet. Based on comparable litigation, our attorneys project strong uterine cancer cases could resolve between $150,000 and $1,000,000 or more, with weaker cases falling below that range. These are attorney estimates, not guarantees, and no amount is certain until cases resolve.
What proof do I need for a hair relaxer claim?
You need proof of regular hair relaxer use, such as receipts, photos, salon records, or a sworn statement identifying the brands you used, plus medical records confirming a diagnosis of uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer. Our firm gathers and organizes this evidence for you at no upfront cost.
Do I have to travel to Illinois for the hair relaxer MDL?
No. Hair relaxer cases are filed directly into MDL 3060 in the Northern District of Illinois, but virtually all client work, including paperwork, records collection, and depositions if needed, is handled from your home state. We manage the entire process for Tennessee clients.
Which cancers qualify for the hair relaxer lawsuit?
The MDL bellwether cases focus on uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Women who developed uterine fibroids requiring hysterectomy after long-term relaxer use may also qualify, primarily through state court programs such as the Philadelphia mass tort docket.
How much does a Tennessee hair relaxer lawyer cost?
Nothing upfront. Fob James Law Firm handles hair relaxer cases on a contingency fee of 33 to 40 percent of the recovery, below the 45 percent some firms charge. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
When will the hair relaxer lawsuit be settled?
Most likely 2027 or 2028. First bellwether trials are expected in 2027, and mass torts of this size usually settle after early trial results give both sides a clearer picture of case values. Special Master Ellen Reisman is already coordinating settlement discussions.
Contact a Hair Relaxer Lawyer Near Me in Tennessee for Help
At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you have suffered cancer as a result of using hair relaxer or straightener products, you should contact our hair relaxer attorneys immediately, especially given Tennessee’s one-year filing deadline. We can determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit, and it will not cost you anything to speak with us. You will never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case.
Our Tennessee hair relaxer lawyers serve clients throughout the state, including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro, and we accept hair relaxer cases nationwide. We treat every client exactly how we would want our own family members to be treated.
Contact us right now at 866-837-1010 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.
More hair relaxer resources: Memphis Hair Relaxer Lawyer | Alabama Hair Relaxer Lawyers | Georgia Hair Relaxer Lawyers