THE HUMAN HAIR. 79 



One of the most common forms of hair-dye, as 

 found in the shops, is prepared from nitrate of 

 silver, as follows : 



Nitrate of silver, 1 oz. 



Rose-water, 7 oz. 



Dissolve the nitrate in the rose-water. 



This is the dye. Previous to applying it, the 

 hair must be wet with the following solution : 

 Sulphuret of potassium, 1 oz. 

 Water, 6 oz. 



After the hair is dry, the silver solution is applied 

 with a brush. The odor of the mordant is very 

 disagreeable ; and this dye, although very quick 

 and certain in action, cannot be regarded as ver} r 

 desirable. An inodorous silver dye is prepared as 

 follows : Dissolve one ounce of nitrate of silver in 

 six ounces of water, then add liquid ammonia by 

 degrees, until the solution becomes cloudy from the 

 formation of oxide of silver ; continue to add ammo- 

 nia until it becomes clear again from the redissolv- 

 ing of the oxide of silver. This is the dye. Before 

 applying it, the hair must be washed in a solution 

 of pyrogallic acid, made by dissolving sixty grains 

 of the acid in eight ounces of rose-water. This is 

 an excellent and safe dye ; but its employment is 

 attended with some trouble, and care must be used. 

 A large number of other formulas for hair-dyes 

 might be given, but these are sufficient. Their na- 

 ture and methods of use will be readily understood. 



