Holding Hair.

[Carolann Schmitt]

Re: Holding Hair.

I've seen that illustration, Hank, and a similar illustration in another period publication (Harper's?). I've always wondered if they ever made it into common use. I think putting one on without disturbing your hair style could be interesting.

As you've mentioned, it's not the same net that Mike asked about, but it is interesting; and I'd love to know if anyone knows of an original bonnet with this feature.

[Chessa]

Re: Holding Hair.

I have very thick wavy hair. When I go to an event, I usually put a little pomade it it and use these pins: http://tinyurl.com/2rosbq

Even though they are platic, they look like tortise shell. Carolann Schmitt mentioned on another forum that she has a box of originals that look exactly like them (but in real tortise shell of course ;) )

[motozulli]

Re: Holding Hair.

The following quote suggests that a period solution to holding difficult hair was tying the ends with a piece of thread:

When they are about eleven or twelve, the hair should be twisted into a coil not too tight, nor tied at the end with thin thread, but with a piece of ribbon. Godey's Lady's Book Sept 1859 p. 270

full quote posted here: Hair of Children

As for pomades, there are a bunch of recipes here. Pomatum

As you can see, many of the recipes there are not really feasible for reenactors because the ingredients are difficult to get. I did make the following recipe, and got mostly good reviews from the re-enactors who were kind enough to test it for me. (an article on this is in the works!)

To Make Soft Pomatum.-- Beat half a pound of unsalted fresh lard in common water; then soak and beat it in two rose-waters, drain it, and beat it with two spoonfuls of brandy; let it drain from this; add to it some essence of lemon, and keep it in small pots.- Petersons 1861, p. 314

[58th C]

Re: Holding Hair.

Regarding the recommended hairpins- I became acquainted with these a number of years ago when an Amish grandmother I had met used them to pin up my daughter's very long hair. When she was done that child's hair was not moving. She poked them into the bun at the very edge going outwards, then turned them inwards into the rest of the hair. If you live near an Amish community you should easily find these pins available. I've found that when these pins get used a bit and the finish wears off it makes them a bit rough and then they hold much better. As Anne said, not washing your hair so often makes a big difference. Try to stretch out the number of days between washing and you will find that in time you won't need to wash as often. You can scrub your scalp with a bit of baking soda instead of using modern shampoo and your scalp will be clean. If you stimulate your scalp with daily washing, you produce more oil, which forces you to continue daily washing. There is a long hair forum online where there are other natural shampoo and conditioner recipes available.

Lauren Kaye

[xamier]

Re: Holding Hair.

Hi:
This is a related thread having to do with hair and period hair styles. You might find it of interest.

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10776

Betty Morgan