What Is Children's Hair Texturizer?
A texturizer is a type of hair relaxer that loosens the hair's curl without completely straightening it. There are many different brands of texturizers for children, however most children's texturizers have essentially the same ingredients as the adult varieties. Does this Spark an idea?
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Uses
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Children's hair texturizer is typically applied to the hair of African-American or racially mixed children with a kinky or curly hair texture. Because it chemically loosens the curl or partially straightens the child's hair, many parents believe a texturizer will increase the hair's manageability and make it easier to style.
Application
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While a stylist can apply a texturizer, you can purchase a children's texturizer in an at-home kit. It is important to read the instructions that come with the texturizer. Put on latex or rubber gloves before beginning the process. Stir the texturizer cream to activate. Part hair and apply Vaseline or oil to the scalp or hairline to avoid scalp burn. Apply cream to part of hair closest to the scalp first, and work through to ends. Leave on hair for the amount of time suggested based on kit instructions. Once the time has elapsed, rinse with neutralizing shampoo and follow with conditioner.
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Brands
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The most popular brand of children's texturizer is Soft and Beautiful Just for Me Texture Softener. The company markets the product to both African-American mothers and white mothers of biracial children looking to make their children's hair more manageable. A children's hair texturizer kit costs around $6.
Misconceptions
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Many parents will choose to texturize a child's hair instead of using a traditional relaxer because of concerns over the type of chemicals used in a traditional chemical relaxer. In actuality, a texturizer is a chemical relaxer and uses the same ingredients as a mild chemical relaxer. The main difference is that you leave a texturizer in a child's hair for less time than you would a traditional relaxer.
Care
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Add water to your child's texturized hair daily for curl definition. Be sure to keep hair thoroughly moisturized to define curl. You do not need to reapply texturizer every six to eight weeks as with a traditional relaxer. Reapply to roots as needed.
Considerations
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Some potential side effects include breakage, dryness and scalp burns. There is controversy over the use of chemical straighteners in children's hair due to the potential potent nature of the chemicals.
Because a texturizer permanently changes the texture of the hair it is applied to, there is no way to reverse the process once you use it. To return hair to its natural state, you will need to cut off the texturized portion.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Rolands Lakis
