Congresswomen Urge FDA on Delay of Proposal to Ban Hair-Straightening Chemicals

Two U.S. House representatives are urging the Food and Drug Administration to expedite its investigation into the health risks associated with hair straighteners, particularly those commonly used by Black women. The lawmakers have expressed concern over the agency’s repeated postponements regarding a proposed ban on products containing formaldehyde, a chemical linked to an elevated risk of cancer.

Democratic Reps. Ayanna Pressley from Massachusetts and Shontel Brown from Ohio have reached out to the FDA, calling for the swift finalization of a proposed ban on certain salon-grade and home-use hair straighteners. They were joined by Rep. Nydia Velazquez of New York in this push, as indicated in a letter dated this Tuesday.

The FDA initially announced a possible regulatory rule in 2023, with an original deadline set for April. However, this date was subsequently shifted to July, only to be delayed again until September.

In their letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, Pressley, Brown, and Velazquez requested explanations for the ongoing delays. They are particularly concerned about the impact these postponements could have on vulnerable communities.

Pressley emphasized the societal pressures that often force Black women to seek hair straightening solutions. She noted that hair discrimination plays a significant role in this issue.

“If you search for unprofessional work hairstyles, you will find a plethora of images of Black women,” Pressley shared. She fears that further delays could exacerbate health problems in communities already facing discrimination. “I want everyone to be able to express their true selves, whether through protective styles, braids, afros, or locs, without fear of judgment,” she added.

It’s not unusual for the FDA to keep certain items on its regulatory agenda for extended periods. For instance, the proposed ban on menthol cigarettes has faced delays since its draft introduction in 2022, with the finalization of the rule now indefinitely postponed.

Responding to inquiries about the letter, an FDA spokesperson assured that the agency would communicate directly with the lawmakers. Previously, the FDA had stated that the proposed ban remains a priority and is undergoing the necessary regulatory processes, but they could not provide details regarding its timeline or content.

Many Black women, along with women from various ethnic backgrounds, have turned to chemical hair-straightening methods for years. These treatments often include relaxers, creams, and keratin products, many of which contain formaldehyde, a compound also utilized in pesticides and for embalming purposes.

Research has raised significant concerns around these products. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health in 2022 indicated a higher risk of uterine cancer among individuals who use hair straighteners. Furthermore, a 2023 Boston University study found that postmenopausal women who frequently used relaxers faced more than a 50% increased risk of developing uterine cancer compared to those who rarely used such treatments.

In light of these findings, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against beauty companies accused of misleading consumers about the health impacts of their hair straightening products. Plaintiffs claim they were exposed to harmful chemicals that contributed to increased risks of uterine and ovarian cancers, with some asserting they experienced infertility after using these products.

In a recent social media message, the FDA reiterated that no formal ban has been implemented yet. The agency also aims to collaborate with the cosmetics industry to encourage the development of safer alternative hair straightening products.