Open AccessThe pH of lye and no-lye hair relaxers, including those advertised for children, is at levels that are corrosive to the skin
Author(s) -
V N B Sishi,
Jennifer C. Van Wyk,
hlanhla P. Khumalo
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
samj. south african medical journal/south african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.527
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 2078-5135
pISSN - 0256-9574
DOI - 10.7196/samj.2019.v109i12.14010
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology , medical emergency
Hair relaxers are used by up to 70% of females of black African ancestry. Occupational safety regulations list a pH ≥10.5 as irritant and a pH ≥11.50 as corrosive to the skin.