Should Hair Relaxers Be Used on Children?

Chemical hair relaxers have been used for decades for coarse, curly, unmanageable hair, and typically lye relaxers are used. Lye is sodium chloride, and it can be effective in straightening and relaxing hair, but its use is discouraged because it can damage hair and burn the scalp and skin. It is mostly adult women who chemically relax their hair, but it seems more and more children are having the process done. This practice is not safe, and children should use only natural products on their hair. Children should also not be expected to risk their health for vanity purposes.