Science.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 358, 19 March 1903, Page 2

Science.

CABE OF THE HAIBJ J/S ILKY, glossy hair, and ef abundant quantity both in length and thidkJfcSpl H6BB, is a rare and enviable possession. ' Many are the processes used to beautify, restore, and increase its growth, yet a really luxuriant head of hair is seldom seen. The reason is at once clear, for whilst ' lotions,'. ' washes,' and ' restorers' are increasingly used, most persons appear to hold a great aversion to real trouble in the dare, of the hair. A wash that is warranted to cleanse the scalp and result in the increased growth, thickness, and silkiness of the hair is so easy to apply, whilst regular brushing; shampooing, and cleansing are much more real trouble; therefore the majority prefer the former plan, too often causing the hair to become, coarse and wiry, choking up the pores and thus pre disposing it. to fall and perish. Ancient history proves beyond doubt that women in former times possessed that abundant and beautiful hair which it is the object of most women to cultivate in the present century. Those correspondents who have recently written for advice as to the most beneficial means of improving the hair will find the following rules, if strictly adhered to, productive of real and lasting benefit.

Firstly, the brush and comb must be considered; a scratchy comb is detrimental to the scalp, and consequently to the growth of the hair. A brush of the very finest. bristles and sufficiently long to penetrate the hair to the scalp must be used; the length of the bristles must depend upon the thickness of the hair. Unbleached brisiles are best, but they must not be'mounted too closely together. Never maltreat the hair with a steel comb or wire brush, that is, unless the latter be really an electric brush with battery attached. In cases where the hair in : falling rapidly from ill-health an electric brush may be used with advantage, but it requires to be carefully selected by an experienced person, otherwise the electric current—which is supplied by means of a generator—may be found altogether deficient. The comb should be used only for the purpose of disentangling knots and in the arrangement of the hair % the biueh is all that is necessary for other pu-poses, and no amount of combing will produce the same glossy effect. If a person be in the enjoyment of good ! health, the scalp should not be smeared either with pomatum or grease, as nature will supply the necessary lubricant from the roots, to which are attached the glands for the secretion of oily matter. Too much washing is as injurious as too little, I as it renders the hair harsh, dry, and brittle, often causing the ends to split. Hair that receives a good brushing, lasting a quarter of an hcur, night and morning, will only require washing once a fortnight. . When the ends become forked they should be carefully clipped, as it is impossible for it to grow whilst in that condition. In any case the ends should be regularly clipped once a month. For washing the hair lukewarm water with a few drops of ammonia is best, and Castile soap. After thoroughly washing, shampoo the head with a soft nail brush, kept for the purpose; it should then be well rinsed in clear, lukewarm water, to which may be added a teaspoonful of crushed borax, and if the hair be of a dry nature, a tablespoonful of glycerine to each quart of water. Dry thorouglly with a coarse but not fluffy towel, then brush it with a soft brush, and allow it to hang loosely till entirely dry. Never uaa cold water for washing the nair, it only causes it to thin rapidly and become scanty. In cases where the hair is thinnings rosemary is among the simple, though efficacious, remedies employed, and mixed with bay rum it forms aa excellent application. It may be prepared as follows:—Take half a pound of rosemary and half a pint of bay rum, dimmer the rosemary in a quart of water for five hours, strain, add the bay rum, and bottle for use. Apply to the roots of the hair daily. BATHING THE FEET. Wbile a nightly bath is excellent for the feet, tley should not be soaked of toner than once a week—unless, indeed, they are sore from walking or standing In that case dissolve a small piece of washing soda the size of a walnut in a basin of water, as hot as can be borne. Soak the feet in this for ten minutes, tinse in clear hot water, wipe dry and rub with the bare hand for five minutes. For perspiration —especially offensive perspiration—never let hot water touch the feet. Bathe nightly in cold water, with a little chloride of lime in it For tender or burning feet, nothing is better than a strong sea-salt bath, either hot or cold. BUTTEEMILK A S A JDOSMETIC. There is nothing that equals fresh buttermilk for removing tan, freckles, sunburn or moth sp->ts. It has the great advantage that it does not injure the Bkin, but renders it soft like a little child's. Take a soft cloth or sponge and bathe the face, neck, and arms thoroughly with buttermilk before retiring for the night; then wipe off the drops lightly. In the morning wash it thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft towel. Two or three such baths will take off all the tan and freckles. It will keep the hands soft and smooth. The acid of the buttermilk answers a far better purpose than any powder or paste. It is a simple remedy, but effectual. THE HANDS. "£ Firstly, always wear gloves when domestically occupied—large, easy gloves when at your work. Y<uc hmbandte or brother's gloves will be best. Gloves save the hands from dirt, dust, sciatches, &o. Use on'y the very best soap, and always use meal or bran in the water when washing the nands. Glycerine and rose water is good, but honey is much better. Lemon j nice and salt will remove all Btain3 from the hands. At night, rub a little stale milk or cream on the hand 3. A teaspoonful'will be sufficient. Do not dry the miik off. The nails mu?t not ba longer than the fingers, and of the' same shape. Lemon juice is indispensable to remove stains from the nails. It also prevents the cuticle from growing over the nails.