Loss of Hair
The most simple remedy for loss of hair, is friction to the scalp of the head, using for the purpose an old tooth-brush, or one of which the bristles have been softened by soaking in boiling water. The shape of the instrument adapts it to be inserted readily and effectually between the hair, where it should be rubbed backwards and forwards over the space of an inch or so at a time. In addition to the friction, which should be used once or twice a day, the head may be showered once a day with cold water, carefully drying it with soft, spongy towels.
Source: The Ladies’ Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness, Florence Hartley
Arnica Hair Wash
When the hair is falling off and becoming thin, from the too frequent use of castor, Macassar oils, &c., or when premature baldness arises from illness, the arnica hair wash will be found of great service in arresting the mischief. It is thus prepared: take elder water, half a pint; sherry wine, half a pint; tincture of arnica, half an ounce; alcoholic ammonia, 1 drachm — if this last named ingredient is old, and has lost its strength, then two drachms instead of one may be employed. The whole of these are to be mixed in a lotion bottle, and applied every night to the head with a sponge. Wash the head with warm water twice a week. Soft brushes only must be used during the growth of the young hair.
Source: Our Knowledge Box, ed. G. Blackie
To Thicken The Hair
Simmer 1/2 lb. of the best lard in a tea-cupful of olive oil half an hour, scumming all the time: add 9 drops of any scent. Rub it in three times a week.
Source: The English Housekeeper, Anne Cobbett
Pomatum (Elder-Flower)
Melt together over a slow fire two ounces of marrow, and the same amount of refined lard, then add four ounces of elder-flower oil and stir till it is nearly cold.
Source: Recipes for the Million
Hair Wash
One penny worth of borax, half a pint of olive oil, one pint of boiling water. Pour the boiling water over the borax and oil; let it cool; then put the mixture into a bottle. Shake it before using, and apply it with a flannel. Camphor and borax, dissolved in boiling water and left to cool, make a very good wash for the hair; as also does rosemary water mixed with a little borax. After using any of these washes, when the hair becomes thoroughly dry, a little pomatum or oil should be rubbed in to make it smooth and glossy — that is, if one prefers oil on the hair.
Source: The Canadian Family Cookbook, Grace E. Denison
To Increase The Hair In The Brows
Clip them and anoint with a little sweet oil. Should the hair fall out, having been full, use one of the hair invigorators.
Source: The Canadian Family Cookbook, Grace E. Denison
Hair Tonic
Tincture of cantharides one-half ounce, glycerine one-half ounce, lime water three ounces, distilled water one ounce, eau de cologne one-half ounce. Mix and bottle. This is from a famous English chemist.
Source: The Canadian Family Cookbook, Grace E. Denison
Bandoline: or, Hair Fixature
Gum tragacanth, one dram ; water, half a pint ; proof spirit, three ounces ; otto of roses, ten drops. Soak for twenty-four hours, then strain.
Source: Recipes for the Million
Dye for White or Light Eyebrows
Boil an ounce of walnut bark in a pint of water for an hour. Add a lump of alum the size of a filbert, and when cold apply with a camel’s hair brush.
Source: The Canadian Family Cookbook, Grace E. Denison
Hair Invigorator
Bay rum, two pints; alcohol, one pint; castor oil, one ounce ; carb. ammonia, half an ounce ; tincture of cantharides, one ounce. Mix well. This compound will promote the growth of the hair and prevent it from falling out.
Source: The Canadian Family Cookbook, Grace E. Denison