Among basic human requirements appear to be the need for food, water, sleep, shelter and a full head of hair. As early as 5000 years ago, wigs became popular among Assyrians, Sumerians, Persians and Creeks, as did herbal remedies for baldness. The ancient Egyptians recorded one of the oldest known treatments on the Ebers Papyrus, 3500 years ago. It consisted of a potion - a mixture of iron oxide, lead, onions, alabaster, honey, and the fat of a snake, crocodile, hippopotamus and lion - together with an incantation to the Sun god. Since then, anti-baldness advice has spanned the full range of embarrassing possibilities. Sleep on a tilted bed. Don't masturbate. Grow your hair long. Don't grow it long. Rub your head with red pepper, kerosene and carbolic acid. Slime with sage oil. Massage with a "Blud-Rub" machine. Wear a vacuum cap. Apply an electric comb. Have hot wax injected under your scalp. Pour cold tea on your pate. Rub your head with lemon juice and dance under a full moon. Pray.
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