WVE’s Beautiful Hair Without the Scare National Day of Action!

On June 11th, 2025, Women’s Voices for the Earth joined forces with advocates, experts, organizers, and everyday changemakers from across the country for a National Day of Action to tell the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) loud and clear: Ban formaldehyde in hair straighteners once and for all!  

Why? Because formaldehyde is a toxic chemical and known carcinogen used in the beauty industry, putting  salon workers and communities of color at serious health risk. We’re talking  about straighteners, relaxers, and other so-called “beauty” products loaded with health hazards—cancer, respiratory issues, hormone disruption, and more.  

That’s why we rallied, shared stories, and showed up with purpose and power.  

Watch the recording from our National Day of Action Rally here:

A few highlights from the rally include: 

Powerful testimony from environmental health leaders and advocates, such asAmani Allen-Beale, Program Coordinator at Girls + Environment:  

“I want to take back control of my health and my body… There are a lot of women in my community dealing with this. These products are marketed heavily towards Black women—relaxers, edge controls, leave-ins. This isn’t by accident—it’s intentional. We’re told to be polished, professional, and presentable—but at what cost? These chemicals are disrupting our hormones and our health.”  

Personal storytelling and reflections from salon professionals and those on the frontlines of the toxic chemical ban movement, who’ve been personally impacted by the harmful effects of formaldehyde exposure:  

We wrapped the rally by taking collective action — delivering hundreds of personalized emails directly to  FDA Commissioner, Dr. Martin Makarey. Because public pressure works, and we’re pushing the FDA to meet our July 14th deadline to release the proposed ban. 

There’s still time to join the movement and make some noise! Take action today as we countdown to July 14th! 

• Email the FDA TODAY and tell them to prioritize health over profit.  
• Share the video, tag your reps, and keep the convo going.  

Together, we’re building a future where our beauty doesn’t come at the cost of our health. Let’s keep that energy going!