THE CARE OF THE HANDS
Many a woman who gives time and thought to the art of pleasing, who bemoans natural shortcomings or physical defects, is unconscious of the power and fascination that a well-developed and well-cared-for hand wields in a most subtle fashion. Very often the soul speaks through the hand when a halting tongue refuses speech. Conceal natural instincts as you will, the hands ofttimes betray them. Hide them, transform them, the hand, still true to nature, defies your efforts.
Lavater says: “The hand, whether in motion or repose, has an expression of its own that is not to be mistaken. When in perfect rest it shows what are our traits of character; its flexions betray what are our actions and our passions.” In all ages homage has been paid to the hand, and its study was held in honor by the wisest philosophers of ancient Greece. Italy’s great poet Petrarch confessed that Laura’s “beautiful hand made captive his heart.”
To the student or one blessed with natural discernment, the shape, texture, and color of the hand reveal the secrets of the soul. Good blood and breeding are to be discovered, and, though the poise of head and grace of carriage be acquired, the contour of wrist, palm, and finger remains obstinately natural.
What the mind conceives the hands put into execution, and what the heart wills the hand makes possible. Upon the palm are found more or less indications of the physical and mental attitudes of men—their appetites, instincts, and ambitions. A narrow palm suggests feeble temperament, lacking force of imagination, while too broad a one denotes egotism and sensuality. A nature capable of great enjoyment and the possessor of a lively imagination develops a supple and fairly generous expanse of palm; but the hard, thick hand ofttimes lacks intelligence.
Knotty fingers, when not the result of gout, indicate originality; the smooth taper finger means love of art and a predominance of sentiment over reason. Square fingers denote method, and the spatulate show ability, tact, and action. Very rare is the psychic hand with its slim tapering fingers, its snowy texture and wonderful softness. Well for the world that it is uncommon, lacking as it does usefulness and industry.
That the hands are capable of improvement, so far as texture is concerned, is demonstrated by the secrets of my lady’s boudoir. There are different exercises for relaxing and contracting the muscles, which unite in imparting suppleness and expression. Given over to contact with everything that can spoil, soil, and deform them, how shall one keep their beauty? Cleanliness is the first and most important factor, and pure castile soap is always reliable, but frequent washings are unnecessary for softening the skin. The hands should be washed only when necessary, in neither very hot nor very cold water. Avoid all extremes of temperature. Soft water is imperative, however, and wheat, bran, or almond meal thrown in the basin will be found beneficial; after which rub the skin with almond oil, cold cream, or some simple lotion. There is an old-fashioned but safe method of whitening the hands. Take some horse chestnuts, peel, dry, and then pound them in a mortar until they become a fine powder. A pinch of this flour thrown into a pint of water and stirred will make it white and milky, a delicious substitute for soap on a cold day, when the skin is apt to chap unless great care be given to drying the hands.
Milk is also marvelous for bleaching, but it is a luxury not suited to all purses. Lemon juice may be used to remove stains from the hands. Tomatoes will produce the same effect. For a stubborn mark, rub gently with a piece of fine toilet pumice; but beware of injuring the texture of the skin.
After a thorough cleansing comes the manicuring of the nails, which with a little experience may be accomplished at home with excellent results. The flesh surrounding the nails should be pressed back very gently to its proper place. Be careful not to tear or bruise it, else a jagged appearance will result, necessitating clipping, which always encourages growth. An orange stick is a necessary adjunct to the toilet; by its aid the nails can be probed and cleaned without fear of injury. A white crescent at the base, a rosy tint in the middle, and a white transparent border with a polished (not too highly) surface are the marks of well-cared-for nails.
Do not have them too long, else they are liable to break; curve on either side, with the deepest portion projecting just far enough to protect the ball of the finger. Do not scrape with pointed instruments of steel. It takes a long time for a bruised surface to resume normal conditions. Gloves, worn when unpleasant work is necessary, should be loose. Before putting them on it is a good idea to cover the hands with a light layer of oil of sweet almonds or vaseline. This prevents callous spots, and the process of softening will be in progress during the occupation.