Page:Personal beauty how to cultivate and preserve it in accordance with the laws of health (1870).djvu/322

 any idea of advancing and explaining this theory. Far from it. We have already disclaimed any intention to be reformers. It is not a trade to our taste. Nevertheless, in a gentle and modest way, we would like to offer a few hints on this matter, and won't feel in the least offended if they are passed over with quiet nonchalance, for that is a fate we expect for them.

These are to the effect that in the selection of a frisure, as in that of colors, a lady should take into account her complexion, her stature, her features, and her expression, and so arrange the hair as to heighten and give greater prominence to the most favorable parts of these, and conceal or diminish any defect which they may present. Precisely in the same manner as two clever artists have spoken of the law of hues when adapted to dress, so would we speak of the hair. If we are asked to apply these principles, and state exactly which modes of arrangement are most becoming, we hesitate to do so, partly, perhaps, out of diffidence, partly because we do not think it quite germain to our present theme. We shall not hesitate, however, to express in general terms what in the interest of a sound hygiene should be the characteristics of every coiffure. It should exert no violence on the hairs, but