Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/44

 BEAUTY acute angle, so that when it contracts it pulls on the base of the hair-sac. These muscles are not controlled by the will, but are brought into play by various emotions, such as fear or horror, or by shock caused by sudden cold. This explains the condition known as " goose skin " and sudden erection of the hair. In animals these muscles are more active than in human beings. The structure and method of growth of the hair having now been explained, it will be readily understood how easily the condition of the hair responds to attention or neglect. How Often to Wash the Hair Cleanliness is of first importance, since the secretions from the perspiratory apparati, the sebaceous glands, and other waste pro- ducts of the skin constantly collect upon the scalp. It is not, however, suggested that, in order to maintain cleanHness, the head should be constantly washed. Too frequent washing of the head is not advisable, as too much of the natural oil is thus removed, and, under the constant action of water, the bulb which is at the extremity of the hair-root swells, and the hair becomes Ufeless, dry, easily broken, and falls out. Once a month, therefore, is often enough to wash the head. In the meantime, both scalp and hair can be kept clean and healthy by the daily action of the brush. This should not be too hard, and should have moderately long bristles. The brush will have a stimulating tonic action upon the skin, and a cleansing effect not only upon the scalp, but upon the hair itself, because it will help to free it from the dust and dirt of the atmosphere. The hair, therefore, should be well brushed night and morning, and, if possible, once during the day. Strong soaps, soda, or cheap shampoo powders, containing injurious substances, should not be used for washing the head! All these things have an irritating effect upon the scalp. They certainly cleanse the hair for the time being, leaving it very dry and generally fluffy in appearance lor three or four days. A strong reaction of the skm then sets in, and the hair frequently becomes exceedingly greasy moist, and lax. Gradually the hair loses its vitality, and begins to fall. The best shampoo that can be used for cleansing the scalp and keeping the hair in good condition is the yolk of an egg. When the hair is thick, more than one ySlk of ess I M^'^?""^'^'^' ^^^ y°^ks of two eggs should be beaten up with a little hot water l^enle'7Me± ^' '^^^" ^^^^^^ -^^ After wetting the head thoroughly with be ;uhbl7^iV'^" yolk-of-egg mixture may DC rubbed well into the scalp. 26 Finally rinse the hair again and again with clear, tepid, soft water until all trace of the egg shampoo has disappeared ; dry thoroughly, and brush for ten minutes with a perfectly clean brush. Figure II. How to Clean Hair Brushes One of the secrets of keeping the hair in a healthy condition is to make a point of perfect cleanli- ness with regard to the hair brush. This should be washed at least 1 ^& ? °^^^ ^ week, and never with hot 5 S f water or soap, or the bristles will Pith of human bccome Very soft and yellow, hair, showing The proper method of cleaning .rscomposmon ^^^^ brushes is as follows : Have ready two shallow pans of tepid water — pie-dishes will answer the purpose. To one of these add about a tablespoonful of liquid ammonia. After freeing the brush from hair, dip the bristles up and down in the ammonia solution, taking care not to immerse the back of the brush in the process, and continue until the bristles look perfectly clean and white. Then proceed in the same way with the brush in the pan of clear water, so that the ammonia is rinsed away. Shake the brush well, and set it on a rack to dry. '' Figure III. Hair Oils Hair oils and pomatums have gone out of fashion, and it is certainly a good thing that they have been discouraged, as the continual application of them has the effect of choking up the pores, and leaving an unpleasant resinous substance on the scalp, which may become rancid, and which is uncleanly and irritating. When the scalp, however, is of an unusually dry nature, and the hair exceedingly brittle, the occasional use of an emol- lient preparation is sometimes advisable. Curling and crimping the hair by means of hot irons should be discouraged. The intense heat is exceedingly harmful to the hair, and the irons also pull and break it. The heat abstracts the natural moisture, and causes the hair to become brittle, dry, and to break off. There are so many methods of curling the hair other than by the use of hot irons, thai the employment of curling-tongs is by no means a necessity, even when the fashioa demands waves, curls, puffs, or ringlets. The following are good firms for supplying materials mentioned in thif section : The Misses Allen Brown, F.K.H.S. (Scented Baskets); Messrs. Thomas Belvoir & Co. (Toilet Preparations) ; Edwards Harlene Co. (Hair Tonic) ; Icilma Co., Ltd. (Toilet Preparations) ; Oatine Co. (Toilet Preparations); A. & F. Pears, Ltd. (Soap); Potter & Clarke (Asthma Cure) ; Mrs. Pomeroy. Ltd. (Beauty Specialist) ; Messrs. The Royal Worcester Corset Co. (Kidfitting Corsets) ; Whelpton & Son (Pills) ; Wright, Layman & Umney, Ltd. (Coal Tar Soap). Highly magnified hair, showing the cells overlapping each other T/iis aicthoritative series will be conti fined in Every Woman's Encyclopedia.