Initial Status Conference for Hair Dresser’s Bladder Cancer Lawsuit Set for May 5

Lawsuit alleges that L’Oreal, Redken and other manufacturers of salon products failed to warn hair dressers about the bladder cancer risk from hair dye chemicals.

A California judge will meet with lawyers involved in a recently filed hair dresser’s bladder cancer lawsuit for the first time on May 5, 2025, to discuss the status of a claim that alleges professional hair dye products sold in recent years contain cancer-causing chemicals.

The hair dye lawsuit was first brought by Hector Corvera in the Superior Court of California for Los Angeles County in January, claiming that the licensed cosmetologist developed bladder cancer following years of exposure to salon products sold by L’Oreal, Redken, Clairol and other manufacturers.

The complaint indicates that hair dressers, stylists and other salon workers have been led to believe that the hair dyes are safe. However, as early as 2001, research has suggested that even when the recommended safety precautions are followed, hair dressers face an increased risk of bladder cancer, breast cancer and other injuries.

The case is being closely watched, since it is among the first of what is expected to be a large number of hair dresser bladder cancer lawsuits likely to be filed in the coming months, as awareness grows about the dangers associated with prolonged exposure to hair dye chemicals.

Corvera’s lawsuit has been assigned to Superior Court Judge Samantha P. Jessner, who issued an order (PDF) on February 20, setting an initial status conference for May 5. 

In advance of the initial meeting with lawyers representing the hair dressers and manufacturers, Judge Jessner also issued a stay on all proceedings involving the claims, including discovery.

“The Court issues the stay to provide for an orderly schedule for briefing and hearings on procedural and substantive pleadings challenges,” Judge Jessner wrote. “This stay precludes without limitation the filing of any demurrer, motion to strike, motion challenging the jurisdiction of the Court or cross-complaint until further order of the Court.”

Judge Jessner indicates that the status conference is designed to identify a “fair and efficient way of proceeding with the case,” calling for the parties to confer at least 10 days before the initial status conference to discuss issues involved in the case, and to prepare a joint statement to be filed five days before the conference.

Lawsuit Alleges Hair Dressers Faced Unnecessary Risks

The lawsuit indicates Corvera experienced regular and prolonged exposure to chemicals in hair dye products, including 4-Aminobiphenyl (4-ABP) and Ortho-Toluidine, both of which are classified as Group 1 human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP).

Corvera indicates in the lawsuit that he was exposed to a number of specific hair dye products, which allegedly contributed to his bladder cancer diagnosis, including:

• Matrix
• All-Nutrient
• Paul Mitchell
• Joico
• Wella
• Redken
• Color Gel
• Color Charm
• LumiShine
• Clairol Professional
• So Color
• Color XG
• The Color

These products were manufactured and distributed by multiple defendants, including L’Oréal USA, Redken, Wella Professionals, Clairol, Paul Mitchell and Joico, among others, according to the lawsuit.

2025 Hair Dye Cancer Lawsuits

As additional research continues to emerge supporting the link between hair dye products exposure and cancer risks, licensed cosmetologists and hair dressers nationwide are now pursuing lawsuits against hair dye manufacturers for their failure to adequately inform and protect users from the potential health risks associated with these hazardous substances.

Hair dye cancer lawsuits are being investigated for cosmetologists, hair stylists, hair dressers, hair colorists or other licensed salon professionals that were routinely exposed to chemicals in permanent hair dye, and later diagnosed with any of the following cancers:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer

Hair dye cancer lawyers are providing free consultations and claim evaluations to help individuals throughout the United States determine whether financial compensation or settlement benefits through a hair dye cancer lawsuit may be available.