Health and Beauty

Southland Times, Issue 21607, 20 January 1932, Page 3

Health and Beauty

HINTS ON HAIR So important is it for every woman to have a glossy well-cared-for head of hair, that one cannot be too liberal with advice. Here are some scraps that she would do well to mark, learn and inwardly digest. The tissues of the head are so closely connected with the facial muscles, that scalp massage and brushing not only improves the health of the hair, but also helps to keep the complexion clear and soft. Hair that is neither too greasy nor too dry should be shampooed about every 10 days. Greasy hair can stand it once a week, and dry hair can go a fortnight wilhout washing.

We use the word "shampoo” advisedly, as soap is exceedingly hard Io get out of the hair, and it is fatal to leave any in. That is why a shampoo or a soap jelly is so much better than rubbing the cake on the head. Even with a shampoo the hair should be rinsed and re-rinsed until it makes a little squeaking noise in the hands. Only then can one be sure that every particle of soap is out.

An oil bath is the best tonic of all, and should be given every four weeks. For this a pure olive oil, or better, a balsamic oil, should be used. Warm the oil and massage it well into the scalp, rubbing it down each strand of hair. To get the best results, a succession of hot towels should be wound round the head. This opens the pores of the skin and allows the oil to soak in. Tie up the head in a silk handkerchief or slip on a boudoir cap, and sleep with the oil on the head. Next day shampoo the hair.

Hairbrushes must be scrupulously clean. If not washed every day they should be dipped in a bowl filled with bran. Hair should never be brushed downwards, but upwards and outwards.