Vair Clirehugh was first listed as a New York City Hairdresser in the 1835-6 Longworth's Almanac. He was listed as Hairdresser, Wigmaker, Tricopherous (53-55), Perfumer, and Barber from 1836 until 1857. Susan J. Dorey did some geneology research that included the Clirehughs (Clirehugh Family of Susan J. Dorey). She said that Vair Clirehugh was born in Edinburg Scotland in 1798, and that he immigrated to the United Stated in 1834. He apparently wrote a treatise on the hair in 1835. The publication is listed on amazon.com, but it's unavailable. Dorey also said that Vair Clirehugh died in 1860 on a trip to Scotland.
Clirehugh registered a Patent for his "Tricopherous" on April 11, 1842 (Patent #2551). It was a preparation for "promoting the growth of hair, for restoring it when it has fallen off, for preventing it turning gray, and for removing scurf or dandruff." The preparation was composed of 70% alcohol, 14% caster oil, 10% muriate of ammonia, 2% cantharides, 2% iodine, and 2% essence of bergamot. The composition was mixed and agitated and apparently no heat was applied. The primary ingredients according to Clirehugh were the alcohol, the cantharides, and the iodine.
By 1848, Vair claimed he ran an "Institute for the Cure of Baldness, Gray Hair, Dandruff, & Cutaneous Diseases." William S. Clirehugh (Vair's son), joined him in 48. Each year they had different listings, but at the same address. In 1854-55, William was listed as "Wigmaker," and Vair as "Tricopherous and Soaps." The business was clearly a father and son operation until 1858-9, when only William was listed as a Barber. Their main location was on Fulton Street at the corner of Broadway and Fulton. William continued to maintain his Barber Shop until 1863. From 1864 until 1878, William was again listed like his father, under "Wigs," and at a Broadway address. According to Putnam, Clirehugh's Tricopherous was advertised in 1850. I found a reference in 1858, indicating that William was the Proprietor, and that 207 Broadway was the Depot for his Tricopherous. I also found out of state Agents listing the product in 1856. Four sizes of the bottle were listed at that time.