Life — March 20, 1931 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Hair-Raising Tales Page Analysis This page satirizes conflicting hair-care advice popular in the early 20th century. The "Hair-Raising Tales" section presents exaggerated, contradictory recommendations from different supposed experts—one advocates olive oil daily, another condemns grease entirely and recommends water massage, a third warns that vigorous massage causes hair loss and prescribes violet ray lamps and tonics. The cartoons mock this confusion: "Escape Artist" shows someone tangled in hair-care implements; "Could I interest you in an oil burner?" depicts a dubious salesman at a "Police Booth" storefront. The accompanying poem "Lusty Answer" by E.L. appears unrelated—romantic/fantastical verse about cosmic adventures. The final cartoon shows a frustrated public servant dealing with transit complaints, illustrating everyday urban frustrations.