p. 8 | The Proper Care of the Hair

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 16, 1911

The Proper Care of the Hair

By Eulalia S. Sisley-Richards

EULALIA S. SISLEY-RICHARDS, M. D.

The hair grows from the skin somewhat as plants grow from the soil. Each hair springs from a single follicle, or root, which is nourished by tiny blood-vessels passing through the deeper structures of the skin. In connection with the hair-roots there are also small glands, secreting an oily substance, which makes the hair glossy, and keeps the skin soft and pliable.

As the gardener would not expect fine plants to grow from a poor soil, so we must not expect beautiful hair to grow from an unhealthy skin. Again, since a healthy skin is dependent upon a healthy body, the person who would have fine hair must first of all give attention to the general health. Fresh air, sunshine, nourishing food, abstinence from stimulants and narcotics, proper dress, exercise, sufficient sleep, personal cleanliness,—none of these essentials must be neglected.

Then, too, ‘some attention must be given to the hair itself. Those who are so fortunate as to possess good hair, are not infrequently apt to neglect it, one charm after another departing, until what was once their “crown of glory” becomes only a source of annoyance and anxiety. In order to keep the hair beautiful, the circulation of the scalp must be rendered active by the daily use of comb and brush. It is also an excellent practice occasionally to dip the fingers into cold water, and rub the scalp vigorously, until it is all aglow with a healthy flow of blood. This one measure, if faithfully employed, will make hair-tonics unnecessary.

Cleanliness of the scalp must also be maintained. Persons with short hair will experience little difficulty in doing this, but not so those whose hair is long and heavy. It is impossible to say just how frequently a woman’s hair should be washed; often enough to keep it clean, is the only rule that can be given. One shampoo a month may be sufficient in some localities; but in dusty, smoky cities, once a week or once a fortnight is none too often. Whenever the hair becomes oily, so that it clings together, one may be quite safe in resorting to soap and water, knowing that oily hair always catches and retains whatever dust may be flying in the air.

In the ordinary cleansing of the hair and scalp, it is best not to use borax, ammonia, or other similar substances frequently advised. Good soap and plenty of water are all that are required. Always rinse the hair thoroughly, so that all the soap is removed. Have two or more soft linen towels, and dry the hair as well as possible with these. Complete the process in the sunshine or before an open fire. Shaking the hair occasionally will hasten the drying. The busy woman, who feels impatient of delay, may improve the time of waiting by reading, writing letters, or even darning stockings. No attempt should be made to comb or brush out tangles until the hair is dry, as the effort only breaks the hair, and makes the tangles more obstinate.

Falling Hair and Baldness

Dandruff, though such a common condition, should never be neglected; for if unconquered, it is certain in the course of time to cause falling of the hair, or even permanent baldness. Dandruff is now recognized as a parasitic disease, the parasites thriving upon an unhealthy scalp. As the disorder progresses, the nutrition of the hair-follicles is interfered with. The hairs become harsh and dry, and if the disease is not arrested, they subsequently die and are shed. The treatment of dandruff must be both general and local. Careful attention must be given to the bodily health. The patient usually has some digestive disorder, in which case every effort should be made to improve the general nutrition, and that of the skin in particular. As a tonic for the scalp, nothing is better than frequent cold salt-water frictions. Since the disease is a parasitic one, a disinfectant lotion of some kind should be used on the scalp.

Remedies for Dandruff

One most effective remedy is crude petroleum in alcohol (one teaspoonful to the ounce). Use sufficient to thoroughly wet the scalp, rubbing it well into the roots of the hair. A soap wash may follow, as the lotion has rather a disagreeable odor. This treatment should be employed twice a week, until the condition is relieved. After two or three applications there is often marked improvement. In order to insure a permanent cure, the treatment should be continued once a week for some little time after the disease has apparently disappeared.

Many persons fail because they discontinue treatment as soon as the unpleasant symptoms disappear.

Resorcin in alcohol is another excellent remedy for dandruff, and may be used in place of petroleum. Fifteen to twenty grains of resorcin to the ounce of alcohol is the correct strength. A few drops of olive-oil or castor-oil may with advantage be added to the solution. Two or three times a week, after washing the hair, rub the lotion thoroughly into the scalp.

It seems almost needless to say that heavy non-ventilated hats are not conducive to a healthy condition of the scalp, and should not be worn.

Hair-dyes or so-called “hair-restorers” or preservatives should under no circumstances be used by those who desire really beautiful hair. These preparations frequently contain substances which are very injurious not only to the hair itself but also to the scalp. In some cases constitutional symptoms have followed the use of poisonous hair-dyes.

Wahroonga, New South Wales.