Ceramic pot lid for 'Kranol Hair Food'

Ceramic pot lid for Kranol Hair Food, "The Great Hair Food" England, 1870-1910

According to the manufacturer, Kranol Hair Food was ‘unsurpassed for producing a luxuriant growth of hair and preventing baldness.’ The ceramic lid is illustrated with a woman with long flowing hair. This indicates it may have been marketed exclusively at women, or perhaps conversely this made it less embarrassing for balding men to buy.

Pots bearing the name of the manufacturer or supplier firsts appeared in numbers in the early 1800s, becoming especially common from the 1840s. Before this, cosmetics such as ointments, toothpaste and toothpowder were usually sold in stoneware pots covered with paper secured by string. Kranol Hair Food was one of many ‘over the counter’ remedies available without prescription in pharmacies. This was the case until well into the 20th century.