THE RESISTANCE OF HAIR TO CERTAIN SUPPOSED GROWTH STIMULANTS

Abstract

There is a popular belief, apparently shared by not a few physicians, that the amount of hair growth is readily influenced by external factors. For example, it is commonly supposed that cutting the hair makes it grow better, that cold cream is likely to cause an excess development of hair, and that sunburn and tan are also very favorable to hair growth. It is difficult to find in the literature records of definitely controlled data either in support or in refutation of such views. This study was undertaken for the purpose of testing the validity of some of these current ideas. Suitable material for such tests must necessarily be living persons, and I am greatly indebted to several friends who willingly acted as subjects and thus made the study possible. <h3>NORMAL RATE OF GROWTH</h3> It was necessary at the start to have some information as to the normal character and