@thehairhistorian: This handwritten Victorian recipe for lead-laced liquid hair dye came from Frederick Browne, who was a hairdresser and perfumier based in London around 1850. Using lead in your hair dye might seem ill advised, but it dates back to ancient civilisations (who were just as obsessed as us with covering greys); lead salts react with sulphur in the hair’s keratin to eventually produce black lead sulphide for an effective, if not entirely safe result. It’s the same concept that was used in many “progressive” consumer dyes – those which gradually darken grey hair – throughout the 20th century. Obviously, obviously, do not try this at home, but here’s the recipe: Liquid Hair Dye for 3 Colours 40 lb Slack Lime 28 lb Litharge Powder 36lb Carbonate of Lead 14lb Putty Powder 2lb Starch do- 1/2lb Orris Powder 2 Ditto Mix the above to the consistence of thin paste and this will produce Black Hair. Than fill out one third and this will produce by adding 2 pts. Solution of Iron. Dark Brown than fill out one third and add 1pt more solution of Iron and this will produce Light Brown. To make solution dissolve in 3pts hot water 2? of (continued on the reverse) green Sulferate of Iron. All the powder must be well rubbed together and passed several times through a wire sieve and then to be made to the consistence of thin paste with aqua, then add solution. #Victorians #LeadHairDye #History #HairHistory
