The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

To Improve Hair Growth

If little children fail to show proper growth of hair
on the head, apply castor oil at night and let the child
sleep in a cap. Rub the oil into the scalp. Do so
thoroughly. In the morning, wash the head of the child
with a good soap. Repeat until hair begins to grow.

Submitter comment: From the doctoring book of Florida Amanda Pearce,
last mistress of Springhill Plantation, kept before
the Civil War. (More at Informant profile.)

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00001940CA