WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 13, 2024 — Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who represents Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District, has intensified her campaign against harmful chemicals in hair relaxers, underscoring the intersection of health, identity, and systemic racism. Speaking exclusively with BET.com at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference, Pressley detailed her efforts to protect Black women from the health risks associated with these products.
The Personal Is Political
The conference, themed “A Call to Strengthen American Democracy and Protect Essential Liberties,” served as a fitting venue for Pressley’s discussion on how personal choices, such as hair care, are often deeply political for Black women. “For Black women, the personal is political, and how we wear our hair and how we show up in the world is certainly no different,” Pressley stated. She highlighted the long history of systemic racism and anti-Black sentiment that has led to the politicization of Black hair.
Pressley, who lives with alopecia totalis—a condition resulting in complete hair loss—emphasized the broader implications of hair care practices. “As a Black woman living with alopecia, I’m acutely aware of how my presence and appearance can be perceived. I want everyone to be able to present themselves authentically without fear of discrimination,” she said.
Health Risks and Systemic Racism
Pressley’s push to ban harmful chemicals in hair relaxers is fueled by growing evidence linking these products to serious health issues. Hair relaxers often contain chemicals like formaldehyde-releasing agents and phthalates, which disrupt hormones and are suspected carcinogens. A landmark National Institutes of Health (NIH) study revealed that women using hair relaxers have an 18% higher risk of breast cancer—a statistic disproportionately affecting Black women, who frequently use these products from a young age.
“Systemic racism has driven Black women to use hair relaxers in pursuit of social and economic mobility,” Pressley explained. “However, no one should have to risk their health to fit into societal norms. Manufacturers must be held accountable for their products’ impact on our health.”
Advocacy and Legislative Efforts
Pressley, alongside Congresswoman Shontel Brown of Ohio, has been actively pushing for the FDA to ban the harmful chemicals found in hair relaxers. Despite progress, she has expressed frustration over delays in the rulemaking process. “I appreciate the FDA’s responsiveness, but the rulemaking has been extended twice,” Pressley noted. She has also enlisted Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez of New York to join the effort, seeking more information on the delay and urging the FDA to expedite the process.
A Broader Vision
For Pressley, the fight against harmful chemicals is part of a larger mission to ensure Black women can embrace their natural hair without fear of judgment or health risks. “This is not just about banning chemicals; it’s about ensuring that everyone, particularly Black women, can show up as their true selves without jeopardizing their health,” Pressley affirmed. “We need to finalize this rule and prioritize health for everyone—whether it’s the consumer or the administrator. Everyone deserves to be safe.”
Rep. Pressley’s continued advocacy highlights the crucial intersection of health, identity, and systemic equity, aiming to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all individuals.
