Page:Personal beauty how to cultivate and preserve it in accordance with the laws of health (1870).djvu/275

 and a few drops of some aromatic oil. Let it stand a few days before using, shaking it occasionally.

Or this:—

Borax in powder     a teaspoonful; Soft water          a quart; Oil of lavender     sufficient to scent.

Or this:—

Aromatic spirits of ammonia, Best olive oil,     of each a tablespoonful.

Mix them well together, then add slowly a pint of rain water, and scent with rondeletia, or otto of roses, or whatever aroma is preferred.

After the scalp has been thus thoroughly cleansed, it is unnecessary to use any oil or pomatum whatever, as the natural secretion of the skin is sufficient. If, however, either of the above washes seems to leave the hair dry and the skin harsh, a few teaspoonfuls of pure glycerine may be added to the receipt.

It is of great importance in washing the head, as well as in brushing or dressing it, not to pull or jerk the hair. Everything must be done gently, as violence breaks, splits, and loosens the hairs, ultimately causing them to fall out and leave bare spots.

There is a precept in hair-dressing which cannot be too widely known. It is this:—

Wash the scalp, but not the hair; comb the hair, but not the scalp.