My late cousin's daughter, who lives with her maternal grandparents and two uncles near my house, is only 12 years old. My aunt, her grandmother, told me that this girl has been going to the salon to "iron" her hair at RM50 each session which takes 2+ hours.

According to the girl, "all" her classmates are doing it and she must do it as well. I balk. 12 years old and so clever to want to look pretty already! I never even "ironed" my hair before and it is not that I don't allow her to do it but she's only 12 and her hair isn't even curly at all. Most Chinese have extremely straight hair already, right?

I was told that the going rate is actually RM60 per session but because she is still a "child", the hair dresser gave her a discount at RM50 per session. Also, for those who are unwilling to pay so much, there is one cheaper package but one wash and it will be gone. Do it for what, then?

I really shake my head. Somebody must teach her the difference between WANT and NEED but the person would not be my aunt who loves her to the point of spoiling her because the girl lost her mother at such a young age. SIGH!