Long hair is the better of being trimmed at the ends once every two or three weeks to pre vent splitting. The practice of girls wearing short hair is one greatly to be encouraged. The crimping and plaiting of hair requisite for those who wear it long is injurious, and is likely to lead to weakness and thinning especially at the parts where the greatest strain is exerted, very often the very front of the head.
Hair-dyes consist as a rule of a salt of lead or silver. Both are injurious, the former much more so than the latter, and all should be avoided. The idea conveyed in the term " Hair Restorer," that a chemical preparation will restore colour to the hair without dying it, is a delusion.
Nails should be cleansed with soap and water applied by a brush. A knife should not be employed to remove dirt from under the free edge, since it scratches the nail, and foreign matter getting into the scratch will be removed with difficulty. The brush is, therefore, the best agent. Nails should not be so far cut, when being trimmed, as to prevent them affording protection to the finger-tips. The
soft prolongation from the surface of the skin on to the back of the nail at the root ought to be kept down by using an ivory presser, and not by means of a knife. If it is allowed to grow it becomes rugged and unsightly, and also painful by being torn and bleeding. • The hands require frequent washing. Those persons the skin of whose hands is dry and harsh will derive benefit from rubbing with glycerine or vaseline. The use of the same sub stances will prevent hacks in the skin, which, if not attended to, may become extremely painful.
The feet require as much attention as, indeed more than, the hands. They also should be frequently washed with soap and water, and the nails trimmed. They should not be pinched up in narrow boots. The boots ought to have broad low heels, and ought to be broad enough in front to give the toes freedom. Those who are troubled with blistered feet after walking any considerable distance will find great benefit from rubbing some soft soap over the inner surface of the stocking in contact with the parts usually inflamed.