Healthy Hair Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7685

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-05-21T08:07:51Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Healthy Hair Act (H.R. 7685) aims to protect public health by regulating certain hair care products. It specifically targets hair straightening or smoothing products that contain formaldehyde (a chemical preservative) or substances that release formaldehyde, due to potential health risks like cancer and respiratory issues. The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) to classify these products as unsafe and requires a federal study on their health effects.

Key Provisions

• Classification as Adulterated Products: Adds a new rule to the FD&C Act stating that any hair straightening or smoothing product (including keratin treatments) containing any amount of formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing substances is considered "adulterated." Adulterated cosmetics are prohibited from being sold or distributed in interstate commerce (across state lines).
• Definition of Affected Products: Defines a "hair straightening or hair smoothing product" as any cosmetic intended to straighten, relax, smooth, or alter hair texture.
• Effective Date: The adulteration rule takes effect 180 days after the bill becomes law, giving manufacturers time to adjust.
• Required Health Study: Directs the FDA Commissioner, in consultation with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), to study short- and long-term health impacts of exposure to these products or similar risky chemicals. The study must cover:
• Effects on salon workers (who may face higher exposure during application).
• Links to cancer, breathing problems, and hormone disruption (endocrine issues).
• Reporting Requirements: FDA must submit:
• An initial report to Congress within 1 year of enactment, summarizing early findings.
• A final report within 2 years and 2 months, including full study results and recommendations for regulations, enforcement, and further research to limit health risks.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The FD&C Act already deems cosmetics adulterated if they contain harmful substances that could injure users under normal use. This bill adds a specific, zero-tolerance rule for formaldehyde in hair straightening/smoothing products, closing a potential gap where low levels might have been allowed if not proven immediately harmful.
• It introduces a new definition for these products in the FD&C Act, clarifying what falls under the regulation.
• For the first time, it mandates a targeted federal study and congressional reporting on chemical exposures in cosmetics, particularly for occupational groups like salon workers.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Reduces health risks for consumers, especially frequent users of these products (e.g., for cultural or aesthetic reasons), by banning potentially toxic items. Could lead to safer alternatives in the market.
• On Government Agencies: Increases FDA's enforcement duties, including inspections and recalls of non-compliant products. NIOSH provides expertise but no new funding is specified. Congress receives data to inform future laws.
• On Salon Workers and Businesses: Protects workers from routine exposure during hair treatments, potentially lowering illness rates. Manufacturers and salons may need to reformulate products or switch ingredients, affecting costs and availability.
• International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on U.S. interstate commerce and domestic health studies.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Consumers: Primarily individuals using hair straightening products, including communities disproportionately affected by health risks from these chemicals.
• Salon Workers and Professionals: Hair stylists and salon owners exposed during product application.
• Cosmetic Industry: Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of hair care products, who must comply with the ban and may face reformulation expenses.
• Government Entities: FDA (leads enforcement and study) and NIOSH (provides occupational health input); Congress (receives reports for oversight).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens FDA's authority under the FD&C Act to regulate cosmetics as public health measures, potentially leading to lawsuits against non-compliant companies or challenges from industry on the "any amount" threshold (which could be seen as stricter than prior risk-based standards).
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce and protect public health (under the Commerce Clause), with no apparent free speech or due process issues.
• Political: Sponsored by a group of Democratic representatives focused on health equity, the bill highlights concerns about chemical safety in beauty products without broader partisan framing in the text. It could spur additional research funding or regulations if reports recommend action.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

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

Cosponsors (17)

Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-02-25: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-25: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Healthy Hair Act — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (4 pages)