William L. Crooks of Sonoma, CA. and Thimotha Robin of San Francisco registered a Patent for a Hair Restorer on Feb 18, 1890 (#421,675). Their formula consisted of:
2 ounces of coal tar,
2 ounces of soft soap,
1/2 ounce of washing soda,
2 ounces of beef grease,
8 ounces of beef gall,
1 1/2 ounces of water,
Some suitable scent
Apparently, the beef gall was the unique key ingredient.