To Cleanse Scalp of Dandruff

Chloral Hydrate 1 ounce.

Rain or Snow Water 32 ounces.

Apply every other day till scalp is cleansed, then occasionally to prevent recurrence.

Source: Tested Formulas and Useful House and Farm Recipes, T. Kenny

The Best Way To Wash Hair

Rub the white of an egg into the roots, making partings for the purpose. Some use yolks and white beaten together. Rub the head all over whilst the egg is about it. Wash well with soap and tepid water. When clean pour some water as warm as can be borne over the head, and immediately afterwards some water quite cold. A pint basin is a good medium for applying this douche. Fill it and empty on the back of the head, holding the face over a large basin. Wring the water out of the hair. Rub the scalp, till it glows, round and round with a rough towel. Roll up the hair next, and tie a towel round the wet head; after awhile take it off. The hair then is nearly dry, and the head warm. Brush the hair with a clean brush, and spread it out. Do not dress it till quite dry.

Source: Cassell’s Household Guide

To Keep The Hair In Crimp

Ladies are annoyed by the tendency of their hair to come out of crimp or curl while boating, or horse-back riding. Apply the following bandoline before putting the hair in papers or irons : A quarter of an ounce of gum-tragacanth, one pint of rose-water, five drops of glycerine ; mix and let stand over night. If the tragacanth is not dissolved, let it be for a half a day longer ; if too thick add more rose-water, and let it be for some hours. When it is a smooth solution, nearly as thin as glycerine, it is fit to use. This is excellent for making the hair curl. Moisten a lock of hair with it, not too wet, and brush round a warm curling-iron, or put up in papillotes. If the curl comes out harsh and stifle, brush it round a cold iron or curling-stick.”

Source: The Housekeeper’s Friend: A Practical Cookbook

Rosemary for the Hair

Rosemary is considered an excellent remedy to increase the growth of the hair. Get a small quantity of the leaves and boil them over a quick fire for a few minutes, strain, add a little cocoanut oil and a few drops of verbena.

Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts

Hair Stimulant

One ounce of spirits of turpentine; one ounce of trotter oil; thirty drops of acetic solution of
cantharides.

To be applied three times a week.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Hair Restorer

One ounce of tincture of cantharides, one ounce of spirits of rosemary, four ounces of olive oil. Well shake every time it is used, and rub a small quantity on the skin of the head every evening before going to bed, and in the morning, after the head has been well washed with cold water, and dried.

Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts

Curling Fluid

A curling fluid which is easily prepared may be made of quince seeds and hot water. Pour a pint of hot water over about three teaspoonfuls of seeds and allow it to stand for several hours. Later it may be thinned by water or cologne. About two tablespoonfuls of cologne will suffice. Moisten the hair with this fluid before curling.

Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts

Rosemary Tea for the Hair

Bruise a branch of rosemary, pour one pint of boiling water over it, and use it warm every morning. This will do for several times.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Baldness – To Cure

One pound pressed hemlock bark. Break in pieces and put into a 3-quart tin-pail. Pour over it 2 quarts boiling soft water, and simmer slowly. When reduced to 3 pints set it aside to cool and pour off the clear liquid for use. Wet the whole scalp thoroughly four or five times a day, rubbing gently with the finger-ends. When the scalp gets healthier and stronger use more friction. One package will generally be all that is required to tone up the scalp. it will not only prevent the hair from falling out, but will bring a new growth of hair if there are any hair bulbs at all.

Source: Mrs Owens’ Cook Book and Useful Household Hints, Frances Owens

To make the Hair Grow

Wash it every night with a strong decoction of Rosemary. Dry it with flannel. Tried.

Source: Primitive Physic: or an easy and natural method of curing most diseases, John Wesley.