Meet Our Hair Dye Lawsuit Attorneys

For professional hairstylists and colorists, exposure to hair dye is allegedly a daily occupational hazard. While many clients see hair coloring as a routine beauty treatment, salon workers face long-term and repeated contact with the chemicals in these products, raising concerns about serious health risks, including cancer.

Hair dyes vary greatly in their chemical makeup. There are 3 main types of hair dyes:

• Temporary Dyes: These coat the hair surface and last 1–2 washes. While less penetrating, they still release fumes that can be inhaled during application.
• Semi-Permanent Dyes: These enter the hair shaft and last for 5–10 washes. They often contain aromatic amines and other reactive compounds.
• Permanent (Oxidative) Dyes: The most commonly used in salons, these dyes cause lasting chemical changes in the hair. They typically rely on colorless substances, such as aromatic amines and phenols, which react with hydrogen peroxide to create long-lasting color. Darker dyes tend to contain higher concentrations of these potentially hazardous agents.

The greatest health concerns for salon workers come from semi-permanent and permanent dyes, especially darker formulations.

Perhaps. Occupational studies have consistently shown that hairdressers and barbers are more likely to develop certain cancers due to prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals in dyes and other hair products. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified occupational exposure of hairdressers to hair dye substances as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”

In particular, professional stylists face higher risks of:

• Bladder cancer
• Lung cancer (from inhaling chemical vapors)
• Skin and nasal cancers
• Blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma

Several ingredients commonly used in professional hair dyes are suspected or confirmed carcinogens:

• p-Phenylenediamine (PPD): A staple in many permanent dyes, PPD is known to cause allergic reactions and is considered a potential human carcinogen.
• Coal Tar Derivatives: Used for pigment, these have been strongly linked to bladder cancer.
• Aromatic Amines: Associated with blood and bladder cancers in both animal and human studies.
• Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: Common in hair treatments and preservatives, these are known human carcinogens.
• Ammonia and Hydrogen Peroxide: Not directly linked to cancer but can irritate skin and respiratory pathways, increasing the risk of chemical absorption.

Scientific research has raised alarms over the potential carcinogenic properties of hair dyes, particularly those classified as permanent or containing darker pigments. The most commonly linked types of cancer include:

• Breast Cancer: Multiple studies, including a 2019 National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, found that women who regularly used permanent hair dye had a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Bladder Cancer: Hairdressers and long-term dye users have shown increased bladder cancer risks, likely due to repeated exposure to aromatic amines found in some dyes.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): Associations have been found between the use of dark-colored hair dyes and an elevated risk of NHL.
• Leukemia: Prolonged exposure to certain chemical components in hair dye has been linked to leukemia, especially among users before 1980.
• Ovarian and Uterine Cancer: More recent research has pointed to a potential connection between frequent hair dye use and reproductive cancers, such as ovarian and uterine cancer.

Establishing a direct link between hair dye use and your cancer diagnosis can be complex, but several factors can help build a strong case:

• Timing: A cancer diagnosis that occurs after years of consistent hair dye use may suggest a connection.
• Type of Cancer: Certain cancers have stronger associations with hair dye exposure.
• Product History: Documenting the specific brands and types of dyes used (especially older formulas) can be key.
• Occupational Exposure: Hair professionals often face a higher burden of proof due to consistent exposure.

If you suspect your cancer is linked to hair dye, you should consult both a medical professional and an experienced personal injury attorney to assess your situation.

Yes. There are ongoing mass tort and class action lawsuits against major hair product manufacturers. Plaintiffs allege that the companies failed to warn consumers about the cancer risks associated with long-term use of their hair dyes and chemical relaxers.

Companies named in lawsuits include but are not limited to:

• L’Oréal
• John Paul Mitchell
• Dark & Lovely
• SoftSheen-Carson
• Just For Me
• Revlon
• Clairol
• Garnier Nutrisse
• African Pride
• Optimum Salon Haircare
   

These cases are often consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline the legal process while allowing each plaintiff to present individual damages.

Determining causation in a cancer diagnosis can be challenging, but several factors may support a link:

• Long-Term Occupational Exposure: Daily contact with hair dyes over years strengthens the case.
• Type of Cancer: Bladder, lung, and blood cancers are most commonly associated with hair dye exposure.
• Product Use History: Identifying the brands, types, and duration of dye use can help trace exposure.
• Workplace Conditions: Poor ventilation, lack of protective gear, and direct handling of dyes without gloves may increase liability.

To file a successful lawsuit, you will need compelling documentation, including:

• Medical Records: A confirmed cancer diagnosis and treatment history.
• Product Use History: Details on hair dye brands, colors, and frequency of use over the years.
• Receipts or Photos: Any evidence showing product purchases or use (optional but helpful).
• Employment Records: For professionals, employment verification as a stylist or barber.
• Expert Testimony: Medical and scientific experts may be needed to link your cancer to hair dye exposure.
• Timeline of Events: A clear timeline from product use to diagnosis strengthens your case.

An attorney can help gather and organize this evidence to build a strong claim.

Yes. Even if you worked in a salon with hair dye products years ago, you may still be eligible to file a claim. Cancer often takes years to develop, which courts recognize in the statute of limitations for product liability cases.

The key factor is when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered that your cancer may be linked to hair dye use. This is called the “discovery rule.” If you were diagnosed recently but used these products long ago, the clock may just be starting on your legal window.

Victims of cancer caused by dangerous hair dye products may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future costs of treatment.
• Lost Wages: If cancer prevented you from working.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For lifestyle limitations due to illness.
• Wrongful Death: Surviving family members may file for funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.

Each case is unique, and an attorney can evaluate what damages may apply to your circumstances.

The amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and the specifics of your case. However, some exceptions may apply, such as in cases involving minors, government entities, or when the injury wasn’t discovered right away.

It's important to file your claim as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in your case being dismissed, meaning you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries.

Since deadlines can vary by state and situation, it's best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident to understand the specific timeline for your case. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Several popular brands and products have come under scrutiny or been named in lawsuits, including:

• L’Oréal
• Dark & Lovely
• SoftSheen-Carson
• Just For Me
• Revlon
• Clairol
• Garnier Nutrisse
• African Pride
• Optimum Salon Haircare

While not all products from these brands are under investigation, those containing PPD, coal tar dyes, or formaldehyde have drawn the most concern.

Yes. If a loved one passed away due to cancer potentially linked to hair dye exposure, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.

Eligible claimants typically include:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents
• Estate executors

These claims may seek compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and the emotional impact of your loss.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not issued a blanket ban on hair dyes, but it does regulate the ingredients used in them and has required labeling changes over the years. 

Some key actions include banning certain coal-tar colors suspected to be carcinogenic and requiring warning labels for products containing unapproved colors.

The FDA has continued to investigate the safety of chemical relaxers and other personal care products and encourages consumers to perform patch tests and report adverse reactions, but critics argue that stronger warnings about cancer risks may be warranted based on evolving science.

Pursuing a hair dye cancer lawsuit involves several critical steps to ensure your case is properly evaluated, filed, and represented. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Seek Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

Before anything else, it’s essential to have a confirmed cancer diagnosis from a medical professional. Make sure your diagnosis is documented, including the type of cancer, the date of discovery, and treatment details. Continue to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, as this also supports your health and your legal claim.

2. Document Your Hair Dye Exposure

Start gathering all information about your use of hair dye products. Include:

• Product names and manufacturers (L’Oréal, Revlon, Dark & Lovely)
• Type of dye used (permanent, semi-permanent, relaxers, etc.)
• Color or shade (darker dyes often carry higher risks)
• Frequency and duration of use (especially over several years)
  
   

3. Contact Morgan & Morgan

The next step is to contact an experienced personal injury or product liability attorney at Morgan & Morgan. Our legal team can review your case, help determine if your cancer may be linked to hair dye, and advise you on your legal options. We offer free, no-obligation consultations.

4. Case Evaluation and Eligibility Review

Once you speak with an attorney, they’ll conduct an in-depth review of your:

• Medical history
• Hair dye use timeline
• Occupational exposure (if applicable)
• Family cancer history
• Other environmental or genetic risk factors

If you meet the criteria, you may qualify to join a class action or mass tort lawsuit.

5. Evidence Collection and Investigation

Your legal team will help compile the necessary documentation to build a strong case, which may include:

• Medical records and expert opinions
• Employment or salon work history
• Product purchase records
• Scientific studies linking specific products to cancer

They may also work with medical experts or toxicologists to strengthen your claim.

6. Filing the Lawsuit

If your case meets legal thresholds, your attorney will file a formal lawsuit either individually or as part of a broader mass tort or multidistrict litigation (MDL). This includes drafting and submitting your complaint, notifying the defendants (usually manufacturers), and beginning the pre-trial and discovery process.

 

7. Pre-Trial Proceedings and Discovery

During discovery, both sides exchange evidence, documents, and expert testimony. Your lawyer will also handle depositions and interrogatories. Some cases may be settled at this stage without going to trial.

8. Settlement Negotiations or Trial

Depending on the strength of your case and the defense’s response, your lawsuit could result in:

• Settlement: Many companies opt to settle to avoid trial. Your attorney will negotiate the best possible compensation for your losses.
• Trial: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your case may go to trial. Morgan & Morgan has the resources to take your case all the way and fight for maximum compensation.
  
   

9. Receive Compensation (If Successful)

If your case is successful, you may be awarded damages for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death (if filing on behalf of a loved one)

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a lawyer, you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney who will oversee your case and ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

We love talking to our clients. You will primarily communicate with your Case Manager via telephone and email, and if you would like to speak directly with your attorney via telephone, we will make that happen by scheduling a call.

Morgan & Morgan’s lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of experienced attorneys has successfully represented countless clients in similar situations, securing millions in compensation. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with over 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

Don’t bear the burden of your injuries on your own because of someone else’s negligence. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.