Legal Alert: Arkansas Advances Consumer Safety with New Hair Relaxer Product Labeling Law

We recently had the opportunity to speak with the bill’s primary sponsor, State Senator Fredrick Love, who has a close personal connection with a woman who suffers from an illness that may be caused by these products. He is concerned for his daughter and other young girls and wants to ensure that all consumers know the risks before they use potentially dangerous products on themselves or their children.

Senator Love shared that although Arkansas state legislators did not have the appetite for a full ban on these products, he was able to gain support for the labeling requirements, particularly because hazardous ingredients are so widespread.

New York’s recently passed S6723/A1797 is awaiting a signature from the Governor, and aims to impose similar requirements. These developments highlight the growing role of state-level regulation in bridging gaps in consumer protection. Proposals can go easily unnoticed, particularly in jurisdictions with less media coverage.