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CARE OF THE HAIR

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 16, 1901

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 29.

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CARE OF THE HAIR.

By Luella B. Pruddy

MRS. LUELLA B. PRUDDY.
(Berlin, Wis.)
The Lord takes such particular care of, His children that even the hairs of their head are all numbered. Matt. 10:30. He has told us this to show us how highly we are valued in His sight. He has also given us the promise, “But there shall not an hair of your head perish.” Luke 21:18.
If the Lord is so particular and careful to regard even the hair of our heads, it is worth while for us to give it a little attention.
Many otherwise neat people give their hair so little care that it becomes a rank, sour-smelling mass, offensive to all who come near. The owner, being accustomed to it, may not notice the odor which is so noticeable to others. Such a mass of filth is certainly not conducive to health.
It is folly to let a child’s hair go uncombed from one week’s end to another, until the dirt accumulates on the head in scales, and the hair becomes stiff and harsh, and expect the child to have a glossy head of hair when grown. In this matter, as well as in everything else, the sooner we begin right, the better.
The hair needs to be thoroughly combed and brushed, as a great deal of dirt is removed in this way, and the friction serves to keep the pores open, and the skin of the head in a healthy condition. Combing and brushing bring out the oil, which adds greatly to the appearance of the hair.
Every intelligent horse-owner knows that he cannot have a healthy, fine-looking horse unless the animal is carefully brushed and curried, to keep the skin in proper condition.
The skin that is covered with hair cannot be washed as often as other parts of the body; and to a certain extent, the combing and brushing take the place of washing; but the head should be washed at frequent intervals. If the hair is long, this can be more easily done if it is parted down the back, having one side braided or pinned up while the other side is being washed. It will not tangle in this way, and the woman can easily wash it herself. Always use a good quality of soap, and soft water. Rinse thoroughly enough to remove all traces of soap, and wipe as dry as possible with a soft towel. Let the hair hang loosely until dry. Combing frequently to let the air through it, will cause it to dry quickly. If the hair seems sticky or tangles easily, it needs washing.
The fact that a shampoo causes one’s thoughts to be clearer, and often relieves a headache, is evidence that the condition of the hair has more to do with our health than we are apt to imagine. We should be especially careful not to be exposed to cold while the hair is wet. Wet the hair but lightly when combing it. Hair kept continually wet is apt to be sour.
The hair needs particular attention after fevers and contagious diseases, as it furnishes a convenient harbor for germs.
At the beginning of an illness, if the hair is parted down the back, and braided in two braids, it can be more easily cared for, and often a fine head of hair can thus be saved. The hair should be combed every day if possible, and if carefully done, will prove refreshing.
The patient may lie on the back while her hair is combed, one side at a time. After unbraiding the hair, the attendant should begin at the ends, and comb carefully, at the same time grasping the hair between the comb and the head in such a way that, if tangled, it will not pull from the roots. It is well to remember that the hair should never be pulled from the roots, even in health, as it loosens the roots, and breaks off the hair, making it uneven.
If the hair has been neglected, and allowed to become matted, and there is much fever or congestion in the head, it may hasten recovery to have it cut off. Under such circumstances it is likely to come out. But with proper care from the beginning, the hair may often be saved.
We are a busy people in a busy age, and these little things take time, but our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. We would not like to ask our Heavenly Father to dwell in an unclean place.
We have been told that the body does not receive the care that it ought to have. The engineer daily cleans, polishes, and oils his engine, because he knows that if it is neglected, it will soon clog up, run harder, and wear out faster than it would if properly cared for. Our bodies are a most complicated piece of machinery, and no part can be neglected without damage.
One should make a presentable toilet before beginning other duties. With most persons the morning is a busy time, and often the toilet has to be a hasty one. But just before retiring the hair may be taken down, thoroughly combed, and loosely braided; then it will be more easily combed in the morning.
Do not put onto the hair every nostrum recommended by misguided friends. The hair does not need to be oiled. Nature attends to that if the pores are kept open, and the skin clean and healthy.
Sharp, pointed hairpins cut the hair; blunt ones are better. The hair should not be braided or coiled tightly enough to strain on the roots.
“If a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.” 1 Cor. 11:15.