Current Advocacy Efforts

Several organizations are actively working to promote safer salon environments:

Women’s Voices for the Earth –
This organization has been instrumental in pushing for the Safer Beauty Bill Package, which aims to eliminate toxic chemicals from beauty products.
Women’s Voices

Professional Beauty Association (PBA) –
PBA engages in advocacy to inform legislators about the importance of regulating the beauty industry to ensure safety and professionalism.
Pro Beauty

Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP) –
BCPP focuses on reducing breast cancer risk by addressing environmental factors, such as toxic chemicals and endocrine disruptors. Since its founding in 1991, BCPP has advocated for stronger chemical safety regulations.
BCPP

Your voice can influence legislative change. Here’s how to reach out to your elected officials:

1. Find Your Representative:
   Use the House of Representatives’ tool to locate your representative by entering your zip code.
2. Contact Information:
   Once identified, you can find their phone numbers, mailing addresses, and often online contact forms on their official websites.
   

Once you have located your local representative and are ready to make your voice heard, be sure to communicate effectively with these helpful tips:

1. Be Clear and Concise: State the issue, your position, and the action you wish them to take.
2. Share Personal Stories: If you have personal experiences related to salon safety, sharing them can make your message more impactful.
3. Request a Response: Ask for your representative’s stance on the issue and what actions they plan to take.

Various advocacy endeavors have led to significant progress in the hair and beauty industry:

Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 – Signed into law, this act requires professional salon products to meet the same disclosure requirements as retail cosmetics by December 31, 2024.
Safety+Health Magazine

State-Level Initiatives – For example, New York State introduced the Nail Salon Minimum Standards Council Act to establish industry-wide standards for nail salon workers.
Center for American Progress

By participating in advocacy efforts and communicating with your representatives, you contribute to creating a safer and healthier environment for all salon professionals.

Salon professionals are often exposed to hazardous chemicals, leading to significant health risks. Recognizing these dangers, several legislative efforts have been initiated to enhance safety and transparency within the beauty industry. Here’s an overview of key legislative actions:

1. The Safer Beauty Bill Package- Introduced in July 2021, this comprehensive package comprises four bills aimed at improving cosmetic safety: Schakowsky’s House
2. Toxic-Free Beauty Act – Proposes banning 11 of the most harmful chemicals, including mercury, formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and certain hair dye chemicals. These substances are already prohibited in the European Union but remain legal in U.S. cosmetic products.
3. Cosmetic Safety Protections for Communities of Color and Salon Workers Act – Focuses on protecting women of color and salon workers, who are disproportionately exposed to toxic chemicals. The bill allocates funds for research, education, and the development of safer alternatives.
4. Cosmetic Fragrance and Flavor Right to Know Act – Mandates full disclosure of all fragrance and flavor ingredients in cosmetics, addressing the current loophole that allows companies to withhold this information.
5. Cosmetic Supply Chain Transparency Act – Requires upstream suppliers to provide ingredient information to cosmetic companies, ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain.
6. California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative – This initiative advocates for the health and safety of nail salon workers, focusing on reducing toxic chemical exposures.
   CA Healthy Nail Salons
7. California Bill on Salon Worker Chemical Exposures – A pioneering bill aimed at providing salon workers with information about the ingredients in the products they use daily, marking a significant step toward transparency and safety.
   Environmental Working Group
8. Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2019 – This act sought to (a.) Phase out harmful chemicals linked to cancer and reproductive harm. (b.) Encourage the development of safer alternatives. (c.) Address the disproportionate exposure faced by communities of color and professional salon workers.
   BCPP
9. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Guidelines – While not legislation, OSHA provides guidelines to protect salon workers from chemical exposures, including recommendations on ventilation, personal protective equipment, and safe handling practices.

Current Status and Advocacy

Many of these legislative efforts are ongoing, with advocacy groups pushing for their passage and implementation. Salon professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with these initiatives, support advocacy efforts, and stay informed about legislative developments to ensure a safer working environment.

Note: Legislative processes are dynamic. For the latest updates, consult official legislative tracking resources or relevant advocacy organizations.