tant part of the lady's-maid's
office. If ringlets are worn, remove the curl-papers, and, after
thoroughly brushing the back hair both above and below, dress it
according to the prevailing fashion. If bandeaux are worn, the hair is
thoroughly brushed and frizzed outside and inside, folding the hair back
round the head, brushing it perfectly smooth, giving it a glossy
appearance by the use of pomades, or oil, applied by the palm of the
hand, smoothing it down with a small brush dipped in bandoline. Double
bandeaux are formed by bringing most of the hair forward, and rolling it
over frizettes made of hair the same colour as that of the wearer: it is
finished behind by plaiting the hair, and arranging it in such a manner
as to look well with the head-dress.

2249. Lessons in hairdressing may be obtained, and at not an
unreasonable charge. If a lady's-maid can afford it, we would advise her
to initiate herself in the mysteries of hairdressing before entering on
her duties. If a mistress finds her maid handy, and willing to learn,
she will not mind the expense of a few lessons, which are almost
necessary, as the fashion and mode of dressing the hair is so
continually changing. Brushes and combs should be kept scrupulously
clean, by washing them about twice a week: to do this oftener spoils the
brushes, as very frequent washing makes them so very soft.

To wash Brushes.

2250. Dissolve a piece of soda in some hot water, allowing a piece the
size of a walnut to a quart of water. Put the water into a basin, and,
after combing out the hair from the brushes, dip them, bristles
downwards, into the water and out again, keeping the backs and handles
as free from the water as possible. Repeat this until the bristles look
clean; then rinse the brushes in a little cold water; shake them well,
and wipe the handles and backs with a towel, _but not the bristles_, and
set the brushes to dry in the sun, or near the fire; but take care not
to put them too close to it. Wiping the bristles of a brush makes them
soft, as does also the use of soap.

To clean Combs.

2251. If it can be avoided, never wash combs, as the water often makes
the teeth split, and the tortoiseshell or horn of which they are made,
rough. Small brushes, manufactured purposely for cleaning combs, may be
purchased at a trifling cost: with this the comb should be well brushed,
and afterwards wiped with a cloth or towel.

A good Wash for the Hair.

2252. INGREDIENTS.