12 Hair Dye Lawsuits Over Bladder Cancer Risks Assigned to One Judge in California State Court

Judge will meet with lawyers involved in the bladder cancer lawsuits filed by hair dressers and cosmetologists, for an initial status conference on July 21.

Over the last few months, at least a dozen hair dye lawsuits have been filed in California state courts by cosmetologists and hairdressers, each raising similar allegations that years of exposure to chemicals in widely used professional hair coloring products caused them to develop bladder cancer.

The litigation emerged after a series of studies were published, which found that prolonged contact with certain chemicals in hair dye increases the risk of bladder cancer by up to 30%. Researchers warn that these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled over time, making occupational exposure a significant risk factor for those in the industry.

One of the first known hair dye bladder cancer lawsuits was filed by Beatrice Singleton in late April, indicating that 40 years of exposure to popular hair dyes as a career cosmetologist led to her diagnosis. 

That claim has been followed by at least 11 other lawsuits brought in California state courts, each indicating that various different cosmetics manufacturers failed to warn cosmetologists and salon workers about the risks they faced from hair dye exposure, even when wearing gloves or taking other precautionary measures.

Singleton’s lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County and is being overseen by Judge Samantha Jessner, who scheduled an initial status conference last month.

However, just a few days after the meeting was scheduled, Judge Jessner issued a notice of court order (PDF) on June 26, consolidating the 12 related hair dye lawsuits brought in California state courts for coordinated pretrial proceedings. The consolidation came in response to a petition filed by Hector Corvera, another plaintiff pursuing claims over hair dye injuries.

A second status conference involving all newly related cases has been scheduled for July 21. Judge Jessner directed the parties to submit a joint status conference statement at least five days prior to the hearing.

Hair Dye Bladder Cancer Lawsuits

Now that the cases have been consolidated under one California judge, additional hair dye bladder cancer lawsuits are expected to be filed in the coming weeks and months, as salon workers continue to learn about the connection between their bladder cancer and hair dye products they regularly used.

The lawsuits allege that bladder cancer risks are caused by repeated and prolonged exposure to carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in various hair dye products. These include formaldehyde, 4-Aminobiphenyl (4-ABP), and Ortho-Toluidine—substances classified as known human carcinogens by both the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP).

Judge Jessner is expected to establish a coordinated pretrial schedule to oversee the discovery process and outline a framework for preparing individual claims to go before a jury. These early trials will help determine how juries may respond to key evidence and expert testimony that could be central to resolving hundreds of similar claims, and may promote potential settlement negotiations.

Hair dye bladder cancer lawyers are actively investigating cases for individuals diagnosed with bladder cancer following long-term use of permanent or semi-permanent hair dye products. Individuals who believe their cancer may be linked to chemical exposure from hair dye are encouraged to request a free consultation to see if they may qualify for a bladder cancer lawsuit settlement.