Domestic

New Zealand Tablet, 3 December 1908, Page 33

Domestic

By MAUREEN

Hair that Splits.

Many girls are troubled with the splitting of the ends of the hair. This a lack of vitality, and such hair is almost invariably dry. These ends should be clipped, but never singed. The old idea that the hair when cut ' bleeds ' is a very foolish Qne, and deserves no attention., Some hairdressers will tell you that ' singeing closes up the " tube " of the hair, and thus prevents it bleeding.' Much harm has been done by such unscientific treatment, for the hair is not a hollow tube; neither does it 'bleed.' In clipping uneven and split ends of hair the most thorough method consists in taking a strand at a time, twisting it tightly, and then, while holding it at its tip with one hand, rough it up by running the finger' tip and thumb quickly up toward the scalp. In this way nearly all of the hair ends will be made to stand up, and can then be clipped wWh the scissors. Many hairdressers clip the ends of new hairs all over the scalp. This greatly strengthens tlieir growth after a few months.

Ironing.

Handkerchiefs are ironed all over on both sides till- quite dry, exactly folded so as to bring the mark on the top fold and well pressed. Iron very straight by the hem or selvedge, not across from the corners, press out the corners carefully 3a\d square. Small things, such as table napkins or tra) cloths, must be ironed all over on both sides, beginning with the right. Th» pressure of the iron on the damp linen will polish it and raise a bright gloss which must be on the upper surface. If the wrong side is ironed first it will be glossy and the right side dull. To remove blisters from stiffened linen press with a clean wet rag, place the iron on the spot, remove it and^ne blister will have disappeared. Blisters arise generally from imperfect starching, so care should be taken that every portion of the fabric gets well starched.

Keeping the Teeth White.

The best of dentistry cannot make teeth pretty, or preserve them, without unremitting care at home, as for instance, the use of simple cleansing • powders and mouth washes that are better in effect than the occasional application of strong bleaches, which cannot fail but injure the enamel. Once this happens the teeth crumble to ruin in spite of the best care. An excess of lime in the system is as bad as the lack of it. In both conditions the teeth are soft. An experienced dentist knows immediately what the tooth structure is, and his advice shou'.d be followed absolutely. Rinsing the mouth frequently with lime water, and even taking a little internally, is advised in thi absence of that mineral in the system. The habit some women have of cleaning their teeth occasionally with pumice powder "ts more apt to do harm than good, for unless they are experienced in the proper way of using this the enamel will be scratched. The seriousness of this may be understood when it is known that the tooth itself is a frail and porous structure, depending for strength and existence upon the enamel, which is hard and non -porous.

Hints to Nervous Women.

There are so many things a nervous woman can do which will mitigate the severity of her symptoms, and perhaps, if ih» disease is slight, she may recover without the intervention of her physician. In the first place (says a wiiter in Harper's Bazaar), the original trouble, work or anxiety which was responsible for .her nervous breakdown must be done away with,' or, if this is .impossible, she must school' herself to new scenes and surroundings where her mind will not be harassed. Peace ' of mind* will do more to restore shattered nerves than almost anything else. The next thing is to make the bodily health as good as-it'ean be made under the existing circumstances and surroundings. Steep and rest are absolutely essential to recovery, and -jthe sufferer should do all she can to secure both; Narcotics, to .produce are not to be thought of. ' They- do not cure anything, and their continual use can only be productive of harm! ' ' • . ■