FDA Proposes Ban on Hair Straightening Products Containing Formaldehyde, Sparking Debate on Natural Hair Care
The pursuit of straight hair has long been a goal for many individuals, with various methods and products available to achieve the desired look. However, the use of chemical relaxers and straightening treatments has raised concerns about their impact on both hair health and overall well-being. This is especially true for Black women, who often face discriminatory beauty standards that favor straight hair over their natural curls. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now taking steps to address these concerns by proposing a ban on hair straightening and smoothing products that contain formaldehyde or release it when heat is applied.
Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, has been linked to serious health consequences when used repeatedly over many years or inhaled regularly. The proposed rule aims to protect consumers from these potential risks by removing products that contain formaldehyde from the market. However, some stylists argue that the ban is insufficient and long overdue.
In the past, lye-based chemical relaxers were popular despite their negative health impacts, such as skin burns and hair loss. These products have since fallen out of favor as their risks became more widely known and beauty standards began to shift towards embracing natural hair. However, the desire for straight hair remains, leading to the development of new products that use alternative chemicals like keratin. These are the products targeted by the FDA’s proposed ban.
Dr. Christopher Bunick, an associate professor at Yale University specializing in dermatology, highlights the potential risks associated with keratin-based straightening treatments. While the amount of formaldehyde released during each treatment may be small, repeated use over many years or regular exposure for stylists can have severe consequences. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that women who used chemical hair-straightening products were at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer. This is particularly relevant for Black women, who are not only more likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer but also more likely to die from it compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
The FDA’s slow response to addressing these risks has been criticized, with evidence suggesting that the agency has been aware of the issue since at least 2016. It wasn’t until the inquiry by two Black congresswomen in March that public efforts were made to propose a ban. Currently, it is up to stylists and consumers to carefully read product ingredients to determine if formaldehyde or other harmful chemicals are present.
While a ban may provide more transparency, some stylists express skepticism about its real-life impact. They worry that the ban may simply lead to the emergence of new products with unknown risks. Additionally, the desire for straight hair may drive individuals to seek these products through unofficial channels, creating a black market.
Despite these concerns, there is a growing movement towards embracing natural hair textures, particularly among Black women. Stylists specializing in natural hair care, such as Tori Branham, are helping clients learn how to care for and style their natural curls. Branham emphasizes the importance of educating clients on proper hair care, as many have been taught to eliminate their curl texture through relaxing and straightening treatments. For those who still desire straight hair, she suggests exploring chemical-free options like wigs.
Overall, the FDA’s proposed ban on hair straightening products containing formaldehyde has sparked a debate on natural hair care. While the ban aims to protect consumers from potential health risks, there are concerns about the emergence of alternative products and the effectiveness of such a ban. The shift towards embracing natural hair textures is gaining momentum, with stylists and individuals alike recognizing the importance of proper hair care and self-acceptance.
