Bills · HR 7685
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7685Health
Healthy Hair Act
INTRO FEB 25· LAST ACTION FEB 25
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
18
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill addresses public health concerns related to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which is often found in hair straightening and smoothing products. Many people, particularly salon workers, are exposed to these chemicals, and there have been reports and studies suggesting links to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
If this bill becomes law, consumers and salon professionals could expect safer hair product options and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals, potentially lowering health risks. If it doesn't pass, products containing formaldehyde would likely continue to be sold, leaving users and workers to face potential health hazards associated with these chemicals. The mandated study would also provide more official data on these health impacts, guiding future regulatory decisions.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Prohibits the sale and distribution of hair straightening or smoothing products, including keratin treatments, that contain any amount of formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing substances.
This directly removes a known hazardous chemical from cosmetic products available to the public and salon professionals.
PROVISION 02
Requires the FDA, in partnership with NIOSH, to conduct a study on the short-term and long-term health impacts of exposure to these products, including effects on salon workers and links to cancer, respiratory, and endocrine issues.
This provision aims to gather comprehensive scientific data to inform future public health decisions and regulations regarding hair product safety.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the FDA and NIOSH to submit initial and final reports to Congress detailing the study's findings and offering recommendations for further regulatory actions.
This ensures accountability and provides Congress with crucial information to potentially enact additional protections or adjust existing policies based on scientific evidence.
PROVISION 04
Defines "hair straightening or hair smoothing product" to clearly include any product meant to straighten, relax, smooth, or otherwise change hair texture.
This clarifies which products are subject to the ban, ensuring consistent application across the industry.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 18
D· Ohio
YRS IN OFFICE
4
BILLS LED
25
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 18 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 25
Introduced in House
FEB 25
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7685
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 25, 2026
Last actionFeb 25, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 25, 2026
House BillHR 7685Health
Healthy Hair Act
INTRODUCED FEB 25, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 25, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
18
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
