For decades, salon workers and consumers, particularly Black and Latina women, have been exposed to dangerous levels of formaldehyde in hair straightening products. Despite formaldehyde’s known link to cancer, asthma, and other serious health issues, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has failed to take regulatory action.
Women’s Voices for the Earth, with support from leading environmental and public health organizations nationwide, launched this campaign in response to the FDA missing its fourth self-imposed deadline in March 2025 to release a proposed rule banning formaldehyde in hair straightening and smoothing products. In April 2025, we sent a letter urging the agency to take action within 90 days of receipt—meaning we expect the FDA to release the proposed rule by July 14, 2025.
Read our open letter to the FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary outlining our call to action below.
This campaign seeks to:
-
Ban formaldehyde in hair straighteners at the federal level
-
Protect the health and safety of salon workers and consumers
-
Hold companies accountable for knowingly selling products that harm public health
-
Uplift the voices of impacted communities
Read the full letter to FDA Commissioner, Dr. Martin Makary here.
Below are ways you can support this campaign and our goal of getting formaldehyde banned in hair straightening and smoothing products.
National Day of Action: Wednesday, June 11
This National Day of Action takes place just 30 days before the FDA’s response deadline, and we’re turning up the pressure!
Together, we will call on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban formaldehyde in hair straightening products, once and for all! During the rally, attendees will learn about the harmful impacts of formaldehyde exposure, the regulatory landscape, and take LIVE action to contact the agency and demand change. Communities across the nation, especially salon workers, are still being exposed to toxic chemicals in hair products while the FDA delays. Join us in telling the FDA that enough is enough.
Event Details:
-
-
Wednesday, June 11
-
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
Learn more and register!
Share Your Salon Formaldehyde Story
Calling all salon workers and consumers affected by formaldehyde exposure! We want to hear from you. Your experiences can fuel change and support our push for a nationwide ban on toxic hair products. Lend your voice to our campaign by taking action today! Learn more below.
Women’s Voices for the Earth believes everyone deserves the freedom to style their hair how they choose without risking their health. Our “Beautiful Hair Without the Scare” campaign advocates for safer hair options, not shame. Below are resources and hair straightening alternatives to consider for your safety and health.
Natural Hairstyle & Braid Coalition (NHBC): A New York-based nonprofit founded in 2022, NHBC is committed to advancing natural hair care through public education and legislative advocacy.
Oh My Heavenly Hair (OMhh) Sanctuary: A holistic beauty and wellness space focused on natural hair care, scalp health, and self-care practices.
Simplee Beautiful – The CurlyTextured ACADEMY: The educational branch of Simplee BEAUTIFUL Brands, offering virtual and in-person textured haircare training for individuals and professionals. Founded by Diane Da Costa, the academy provides tutorials, DIY sessions, and master classes tailored to natural hair care and styling.
Download our Beautiful Hair Without the Scare Digital Toolkit below!
