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Healthy Hair Act: What it Means for You



The Healthy Hair Act was implemented by members of congress in response to verified evidence that links formaldehyde containing products to an assortment of diseases and illnesses. Formaldehyde is a common agent that is used in relaxers and hair straightening treatments.  Black women are more likely to develop uterine cancer and twice as likely to die from cancer after prolonged exposure to hair products with the carcinogen containing ingredient.  Exposure to formaldehyde products have also been linked to respiratory illness and reproductive harm.

The three congresswomen spearheading the Healthy Hair Act are Congresswomen Nydia Velasquez, Congresswoman Shontell Brown and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. Under the Healthy Hair Act, the sale and distribution of formaldehyde containing products are prohibited within the United States.  

What Does the Healthy Hair Act Bill Mean for You?

Individuals or women who frequently resort to straightening their hair using formaldehyde-based relaxers and keratin straightening treatments will need to begin using non-chemical alternatives for straightening their hair.  Methods such as blowouts and pressing are suitable alternatives however, frequent usage of heat on the hair can lead to excess damage to the hair strands and shaft.  

This may be a key time for women to reacquaint themselves with their natural hair and texture and learn how to care for it without reliance on dangerous chemical processors and straighteners.  Not only are the women using these toxic straighteners at risk, the health of stylists and women who frequent salons where they are used are also at risk. Formaldehyde treatments and straighteners permeate the air Black women are the group most exposed to chemicals from straighteners and this is due to a variety of factors.

Societal pressures, Eurocentric beauty ideals and workplace demands can affect the hair styles that black women choose for themselves.  Black women have been conditioned to deny their natural beauty to appear more acceptable within prioritized or ideal beauty frameworks.  With the introduction of the Healthy Hair Act, women and black women specifically—will need to prioritize the textures they were born with.


Exploration of Wigs for Straight Looks

Exploration of wigs or extensions may also be a suitable alternative for women who desire straight looks that are fitting for their afro or curly textured hair.  The ease and speed of achieving a straight look by the simple placement of a straight wig is a much more sensible solution than applying gobs of a toxic formaldehyde based straightener all over the head and hair! When all is said and done, why would someone want to risk their health just to get their hair to look a certain way? 

Essence Wigs provides a wide range of straight looks in a myriad of colors for women with afro textured hair.  Explore our yaki and kinky straight wigs which is a much better alternative than using chemical straighteners and treatments with carcinogens such as formaldehyde. It’s time black women prioritize their health and the health of their hair.  Now that the Healthy Hair Act is in place, the FDA is expected to take the necessary steps to complete their proposed ban of relaxers that was created in 2023.

Explore yaki and kinky straight wigs in the Essence Wigs Store

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