Black Congresswomen advocating for safety led to the FDA proposing to restrict the use of toxic chemicals in hair relaxers.

After pressure by U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Shontel Brown to make sure the public is safe when using chemical hair straightening products, known as relaxers, the Food and Drug Administration is proposing new legislation that could make a big impact in the hair industry.

The FDA is proposing to crack down on formaldehyde, an ingredient found in many relaxer products, and they are even considering banning the usage of any chemicals that release the toxic gas.

Congresswoman Pressley, who publicly revealed her diagnosis of alopecia in 2020, praised the FDA in a recent statement to The Root for taking a stand against this dangerous chemical which threatens the health and safety of one’s hair and body.

“The FDA’s proposal to ban these harmful chemicals in hair straighteners and relaxers is a victory for public health – especially for Black women who have been disproportionately put at risk by these products because of systemic racism and anti-Black hair sentiment,” said Rep. Pressley.

The congresswoman also noted that this win will greatly impact Black women, who have traditionally undergone chemical procedures on their hair to try to meet Westernized beauty standards.

Pressley and Brown spoke to the news outlet in March about the “extreme politicization” of hair that led to the widespread usage of harmful relaxers to achieve a more socially accepted look.

“As a result of anti-Black hair sentiment, Black women have been unfairly subjected to unfair scrutiny and forced to navigate the extreme politicization of hair. Because of this, generations of Black women have adapted by using chemical straighteners to gain social and economic advancement. But, recent findings have unveiled the potential negative health consequences associated with these products.”

Although no official ban has been enacted, the FDA’s recognition of the toxicity found in relaxers is still a step in the right direction, says Pressley. The harmful chemicals have been linked to cancer and infertility.

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