Provided is an iron oxide powder for a brake friction material which can be suitably used in a brake friction material that is less likely to cause problems regarding brake squealing and that provides superior braking performance. The iron oxide powder for a brake friction material according to a first embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having a sulfur content of 150 ppm or less as measured by combustion ion chromatography, and a saturation magnetization of 20 emu/g or less. The iron oxide powder for a brake friction material according to a second embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having an average particle size of 1.0 μm or more, a chlorine content of 150 ppm or less as measured by combustion ion chromatography, and a saturation magnetization of 20 emu/g or less.