In a significant development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is poised to enforce a recommended ban on formaldehyde in hair-straightening products as early as April. The prospect of this ban has brought to light concerns about the cancer risks associated with such products, driving a growing movement towards natural, chemical-free hairstyles.
Stylist Phyllis Gbedemah, an influential figure in the Harlem hair care scene, has consciously begun to reduce the use of straightening and smoothing chemicals on her clients. Her decision stems from the alarming discovery that formaldehyde, a chemical found in some hair products, has been linked to breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers.
Gbedemah emphasizes the importance of opting for temporary hair straightening methods rather than permanent ones, highlighting the potential health risks involved. The proposed formaldehyde ban is seen as a catalyst for a conversation she has been passionately advocating for over a decade.
Stylist Keisha Renee, who started using hair relaxers at just 9 years old, reflects on her own experiences. In hindsight, she regrets using these products during her formative years, noting the negative impact on her health and development.
Medical experts have consistently affirmed that formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, causing both short- and long-term health effects. Dr. Christina Zhang of MiDoctor Health emphasizes the necessity of the FDA’s ban, stating, “We already know that there is a direct correlation between formaldehyde and certain types of cancer. Also, we are concerned about the health of workers in hair salons.”
Notably, award-winning playwright Jocelyn Bioh has found success and freedom in embracing her natural hair. Bioh’s play, “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” which celebrates natural hair, has become a critical hit on Broadway, resonating with audiences to the extent that it has been extended.
The FDA’s impending ban on formaldehyde aligns with a broader effort to promote the adoption of a Federal Crown Act, similar to those passed in many states. This legislation aims to combat hair-based discrimination, protecting individuals regardless of their hair texture or style when it comes to employment and education opportunities.
Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, a co-sponsor of the bill, underscores the importance of these measures in ensuring that everyone can claim their rights to health, respect, and the freedom to be themselves.
Formaldehyde exposure can lead to various short-term health issues, including headaches, respiratory symptoms, skin irritation, difficulty breathing, and a runny nose. The pending ban on formaldehyde in hair products is expected to provide a significant step toward safeguarding the well-being and choices of individuals in the realm of hair care.
