Home StoriesPart of Inside Our Collections

Historical ways to hang on to your hair

The last 150 years have been a busy time for those selling treatments to cure hair loss, dandruff and afflictions of the scalp. Maisie Jenkins unearths the mysterious devices and potions advertised by unscrupulous manufacturers exploiting our longing for luscious locks.

Words by Maisie Jenkins

  • In pictures

About the author

Maisie Jenkins

Maisie is a graduate trainee at Wellcome. Prior to joining Wellcome, she studied Politics at the London School of Economics and worked at NHS Providers.