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119-hr-7685119th CongressWALLET

Healthy Hair Act

Sponsored By: Representative Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]

Introduced

Summary

The Healthy Hair Act would declare any hair straightening or smoothing product that contains formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing substances as adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It also requires a government study of the health effects of those products on workers and users.

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  • Consumers: Products that contain any amount of formaldehyde would be treated as adulterated and could not be introduced into interstate commerce on or after 180 days after enactment, reducing legal availability.
  • Salon workers: The required health-impact study must examine short- and long-term effects, including links to cancer, respiratory problems, and endocrine disruption, focusing on worker exposures.
  • Federal agencies and research: The Food and Drug Administration Commissioner must consult with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to produce an initial report within 1 year and a final report within 2 years and 2 months with regulatory, enforcement, and research recommendations.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Ban on formaldehyde hair products

This bill would treat hair straightening or smoothing products with any amount of formaldehyde as adulterated. It would define these products as those meant to straighten, relax, smooth, or change hair texture. If enacted, covered products could not be sold across state lines starting 180 days after enactment. That would protect salon workers and consumers but may force makers and salons to stop selling some products.

Study of formaldehyde hair products

The FDA would study health effects of hair straightening or smoothing products that contain formaldehyde or similar agents. The study would focus on salon workers and look at cancer, breathing problems, and hormone disruption. The FDA must give Congress an initial report within 1 year after enactment and a final report within 2 years and 2 months. Reports must include findings and recommendations for regulation, enforcement, and more research.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]

OH • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30]

    TX • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3]

    OH • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7]

    AL • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

  • Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20]

    FL • D

    Sponsored 3/5/2026

  • Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]

    OH • D

    Sponsored 3/24/2026

  • Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5]

    MN • D

    Sponsored 3/25/2026

  • Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6]

    GA • D

    Sponsored 5/20/2026

  • Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 8/31/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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