Fashions and Furbelows.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18642, 20 December 1928, Page 13

Fashions and Furbelows.

Notes by Special Contributors ■

FOR EVENING WEAR

Chiffon frocks are fashioned with quite long trains. Lame frocks are often edged with chiffon frills. Handsome brocaded lame frocks . are trimmed with a collection of gaily floating panels of exactly matching chiffon. Cired chiffon is a bizarre new material. A design made with a tiered skirt, swathed at the waistline with a navy cired chiffon handkerchief, was fastened with a silver dagger. A black chiffon model, with a handkerchief skirt that brushed the ground in four points, was made over a gold tissue foundation. A black taffeta design with a magni* ficently fitted tight bodice, had a skirt which burst forth in a shower of petalshaped panels, each one being finished with a row of shaded roses. A pale eau-de-nil* tulle frock was made with four tiers of gradually widening frills. The bottom one must have been several yards in circumference. The neck was swathed with tulle which was held in place with a necklace of glittering paste daisies. TO IMPROVE THE HAIR. TONICS. MASSAGE AND SHAMPOOS. The ultra-small, tight-fitting hats, which have been our favourites for so long, must be held responsible for many of our hair troubles. When the Hair Falls. In summer the hair naturally falls a little, but at any other time an excessive fall is a sign that something is

wrong, and that the scalp needs attention if the hair is not to be allowed to become impoverished permanently. A hair tonic, suited to the special needs of each individual head, should be used, for dry hair and greasy require totally different tonics if the best results are to be obtained. But, whatever type of tonic is employed, the scalp should be thoroughly massaged before it is dabbed on. Half the benefit obtained from the use of a tonic is due to the massage given when applying it.

Why Hair Falls. Loss of hair may be due to manydifferent reasons, generally health being one amongst the many. But the most frequem cause nowadays is nervous strain, and it is when this is the case that massage is of so great benefit. Massage stimulates the bloodvessels beneath the scalp, which have become weakened through nerve strain, and so strengthens the hair roots. The condition of the hair, like the state of the coat of a horse or dog, is invariably an indication of one’s general health. Neglected teeth and pyorrhea are, though seldom suspected, a frequent cause of loss of hair. When this is so nothing will really benefit the hair till the cause has been removed, and a dentist should be consulted before the advice of a hair specialist is sought. , The Treatment for Dry Hair. Hair that has become too dry is not only liable to excessive falling, but there is sure to be a pronounced ten- , dency towards premature greyness. If your hair is dry and becomes harsh and brittle a few days after it has been shampooed, you may be sure that it stands in need of a hot oil treatment. Every time you shampoo it give a hot oil massage before you 'start. Olive oil is best for the purpose, and it should be thoroughly heated. Rub it well into the scalp and allow to remain for at least fifteen minutes before shampooing. The object of the oil application is to minimise the drying effect of the champoo. The old-fash-ioned egg shampoo is ideal for dry hair, and a teaspoonfui of white wine vinegar should be added to the last rinsing water.

Points on Shampooing. Very greasy hair should be treated with a spirit lotion before shampooing. Always give at least £hree rinsings after the shampoo and have the water for each slightly cooler than the last until the_ third is merely lukewarm. Never wring the water out of the hair, sop it out with a towel. The very best thing with which to dry the hair is a piece of silk stockinette. It is far better than a towel, for there is no “ fluff ” to rub off on the hair, and it leaves it very soft and silky-looking, and in a far more satisfactory condition for re setting the waves.