Hair Dye Occupational Bladder Cancer Lawsuits

For decades, hairdressers, barbers, and colorists have spent their professional lives surrounded by chemical hair dyes, mixing, applying, rinsing, and repeating the process multiple times a day. Now, a growing body of scientific evidence and early litigation suggests that this daily occupational exposure to hair dyes may lead to an increased risk of bladder cancer among cosmetology professionals.

At The Lovely Law Firm, we are closely monitoring this emerging litigation and the potential for a new multidistrict litigation (MDL) centered on hair dye occupational bladder cancer litigation. Unlike the consumer-based hair relaxer cases already consolidated in federal court, this developing litigation focuses on the professional risks faced by those who work with hair dye products as part of their career.

Who Will Be Included in Bladder Cancer from Hair Dye Lawsuits?

It’s important to note that this potential mass tort does not focus on consumers who occasionally color their hair. Instead, it targets the very specific group of licensed cosmetology professionals who have experienced prolonged exposure to commercial hair dye products in their daily work.

Criteria to Qualify for a Bladder Cancer from Work Lawsuit:

• Occupational Exposure: Hair color professionals performing 3–4 dye applications per day
• Frequency: Working 5–6 days per week
• Duration: Multi-year, often decades-long professional exposure
• Diagnosis: Bladder cancer confirmed by medical diagnosis
• Exclusions: Consumers who have their hair colored occasionally do not qualify

Early lawsuits have already been filed against some of the industry’s largest manufacturers, including L’Oréal, Clairol, Wella, Redken, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Henkel, and Procter & Gamble.

How Hair Dye Causes Bladder Cancer in Cosmetologists

This litigation is being developed due to robust and longstanding scientific research linking hair dye exposure to elevated cancer risk among salon professionals. There have been over 240 studies conducted and reviewed by the International Journal of Epidemiology that showed a 30% increased risk of bladder cancer in hairdressers than in the general public. Research has found that hair dye includes a concentrated amount of 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP), a known human bladder carcinogen, which can be hazardous for individuals even in trace amounts. This convergence of epidemiological, toxicological, and regulatory data forms a powerful foundation for causation arguments in the courtroom.

Current Litigation Status of Occupational Hair Dye Exposure Bladder Cancer Lawsuits

The first wave of lawsuits is already being filed nationwide. In February 2025, NBC News covered one of the earliest high-profile cases: Corvera v. L’Oréal et al.

Hector Corvera, was a licensed cosmetologist with over 40 years of professional hair dye exposure. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2023. When he informed his physician of his profession, the doctor reportedly responded, “That explains it.” His case, filed in Los Angeles, names multiple major hair dye manufacturers as defendants.

These early filings indicate a growing trend that could soon consolidate into a formal federal MDL as more plaintiffs come forward with similar occupational histories and diagnoses.

Why This Litigation Has Strong Mass Tort Potential

Several factors point to strong potential for the formation of a mass tort (MDL) and long-term viability of occupational hair dye cancer claims:

1. Defined Plaintiff Class: Licensed professionals with measurable, repeated workplace exposure.
2. Common Defendants and Products: Industry consolidation among a few major brands simplifies case grouping.
3. Unified Scientific Basis: Decades of peer-reviewed research documenting elevated bladder cancer risk.
4. Regulatory Acknowledgment: IARC and ACS both recognize occupational hair dye exposure as a carcinogenic risk.
5. Strong Causation Argument: Occupational exposure is far more consistent and measurable than consumer exposure.
6. Pattern of Precedent: Occupational toxic exposure litigations (such as asbestos and benzene) provide a clear procedural roadmap.

What Should Cosmetologists with Bladder Cancer Do?

As awareness grows, cosmetologists and colorists diagnosed with bladder cancer should consider whether they meet the exposure and occupational criteria for potential claims. The Lovely Law Firm is actively investigating these cases and can help professionals determine if they qualify.

Early participation is critical. Establishing exposure history, obtaining employment and licensing records, and linking product use to known manufacturer brands will be essential steps in any future MDL or consolidated proceedings.

Contact The Lovely Law Firm About Hair Dye Exposure Lawsuits

If you or a loved one worked as a hairdresser, barber, or colorist and were diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may be eligible to participate in this emerging occupational hair dye litigation.

Our legal team is currently reviewing cases nationwide and can help you understand your rights, evaluate your exposure history, and guide you through the process of joining this potential federal MDL.

Contact The Lovely Law Firm today for a free consultation and case review.