Back to Barnesville: Old Time Hair Treatments from Rural Georgia, Part One

Old Time Hair Treatments from Rural Georgia     Part One

Reproduced with permission form the author; www.backtobarnesville.com

From Jim Doggetts Booklet, “Back to Barnesville”, 1977:

“While living in rural Barnesville, Georgia before the back-to-nature movement became popular, I spoke with many senior citizens regarding the various species of medicinal plants in the area, and how the people used them for different remedies.

Realizing the value of this almost lost part of our rich heritage due to certain claims of science, I set out to bring the information into some workable perspective so others could benefit form this knowledge and pass it on to future generations.  Back to Barnesville is the result.  A concise index of home remedies used by our ancestors for hundreds of years with confidence.  It can help you CUT COST by using what you already have.”

HAIR FOOD SHAMPOO

Beat one egg yolk and then add 1/4 to 1 cup warm water.  Amount of mixture depends on length of hair.  Rinse with small amount of lemon juice or vinegar, then towel dry.

DRY HAIR TREATMENT

Heat one ounce of almond oil in a small pot.  When oil is warm, part hair and apply thoroughly to scalp; apply hot towel and when it cools, reheat and continue hot towel treatment for approximately thirty minutes  (then shampoo and rinse as usual).

PROTEIN TREATMENT

Mix 1/2 cup of dried milk with 1/4 cup of water into paste and apply to hair and scalp.  THen allow to dry, followed with usual shampoo.

DRY HAIR TREATMENT # 2

Shampoo your hair, rinse and towel dry.  Apply several teaspoons of mayonnaise (amount depends on thickness of hair) to scalp and work in thoroughly and leave on for at least 1/2 hour; repeat shampoo, rinse and towel dry.

BEER RINSE AND SET FOR FINE HAIR

Pour a glass of beer into your hair after the final rinse, towel dry and set;  this will give fine hair more body and makes it easier to set.  Don’t be annoyed by the prospect of beer odor; it will evaporate.

GREY HAIR

Boil one ounce of sage in one quart of water for fifteen minutes. Allow to cool, and then rinse to darken grey hair.

FALLING HAIR

Boil wild cherry bark and wash hair in decoction.

EGG SHAMPOO

Separate one egg white from the yolk, and beat egg white with one tablespoon of rum or brandy, then wet your hair and work in half  of egg white mixture.  Leave for five minutes, rinse and then repeat massage with other half of mixture.  Leave it

*These recipes are not endorsed or recommended by Atlanta Salon & Spa.  You should consult with a professional and do your own research before attempting the use of any home treatments.