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July 10, 1937. Washington, D.C. "Testing cosmetics for the government. Mrs. R. Goodman is shown sitting with Mrs. C.R. West applying dye for the hair. Some dyes contain lead and the poison in the dye may lead to chronic poisoning. The Department of Agriculture is continually on the lookout for false labels and advertising." Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative. View full size.
I mean, everyone knows not to drink Worcestershire Sauce while you're getting a perm.
How would one go about advertising for people to be a part of this study?
"Wanted: Young women, preferably with no family, to take part in government study. Free cosmetics makeover for those involved. May experience brain damage, scarring, burning, respiratory distress, or death. Or not.
Serve your country in a fashionable way!"
looks as though she's been inhaling a few too many of those chemical treatments.
That's one way to wash that grey right outa her hair.
I'm surprised to see that by the mid 30's the government was already starting to crack down on quack and dangerous beauty products.
People used to apply some pretty scary stuff back in those days.
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