A solution of iron for external application to the hair, calls for two drams each of citrate of iron and tincture of nux vomica, and one and one-half ounces each of cocoanut oil and bay rum.  It may be mentioned here, that faithfulness in treatment means even more than the tonic applied.  To gain any real benefit, one must be persistent in application.

Hair often turns gray “in streaks” to the chagrin of the victim.  Or it whitens above the forehead and temples and remains dark at the back.  Nothing can be done for this.

Gray hair should be kept scrupulously clean, and requires more frequent washing than hair that holds its color.  A very little blueing in the rinsing water gives a purer, clearer white.  For this use indigo, not the usual washing fluid which is made of Prussian blue.  Five cents worth of indigo will last a lifetime.

A hair tonic.—­A lotion Dr. Leonard recommends for the hair, especially where it is coming out calls for two drams tincture cantharides, half an ounce nux vomica, one dram tincture capsicum, one and a half ounces castor oil, and two ounces of cologne.  Apply with a bit of sponge twice a day.

A preparation which is tonic in its properties and is also said to darken gray hair, and which certainly contains nothing injurious, calls for one ounce of sage and a pint of boiling water, allowed to stand twenty-four hours in an iron pot, and then filtered through filtering papers.

Digest half an ounce of pine tar in a pint of water for forty-eight hours, stirring occasionally; filter, and put with the other fluid, then add one pint of bay rum, one ounce each of cologne and tincture of cantharides, two ounces of glycerin and ten ounces of distilled water.  Apply daily, using a tonic brush.

The hair and health.—­The condition of the hair is largely predicated on the condition of the general health.  In health, it should be abundant, glossy and bright—­“live”—­in color.  A low physical condition may make it look dry and dead, and induce falling out.  Take care of the general health for the sake of the hair as well as for the sake of the complexion.

[Beauty and the toilet 797]

The hands.—­One of the woman’s continuous tasks is trying to keep her hands clean, and one thing that militates against their good looks is careless washing.  They are washed indiscriminately in hot or cold water, the soap not properly rinsed off, nor the drying complete.  To keep them soft and white, wash in soft, tepid water, dry thoroughly, then rub in a little cold cream or compound of glycerin, or fine cornmeal.  Use rubber gloves in dish washing, and if you must have your hands in soapy water for a long time, after washing them in pure water rub over with a few drops of lemon juice or cider vinegar.  This kills the potash in the soap that has been used.

Care of the nails.—­It is a luxury to have one’s nails done by a manicure, and if one can not afford this, always, it is profitable to have it done a few times and carefully observe the process, because the nails are a very important part of the care of the hands.