Gustavis Rauchfuss was first listed as a Hairdresser at 13 Chambers, New York City in the 1850 NY City Directory. Advertising in 1890 indicated that the business was established in 1849. From 61 to 68, Gustavus was listed as a Hairdresser and a "Wigmaker" at 52 (58) Chatham Street. Starting in 1873, he called his occupation "Hair". In 74 his primary location became 44 E. 12th. In 76, he was listed in Wigs with John G. Ibe at 374 Bowery. From 75 until 79, Louis Rauchfuss, his son, was listed as Wigs at 44 E. 12th. The final listing for Gustavus was in 1883, when the business was listed as G. Rauchfuss & son, Hair, 44 E. 12th. In 1884, Gustavus died, and Louis took over the business. Madeline was listed as Gustavus' widow in 1885. Louis continued to run the Wig business until around the turn of the century.
The Eureka Hair Invigorator was probably invented around 1860. Since the earliest known variants of the bottle were iron pontils, it is unlikely that it was on the market much earlier. Rauchfuss "Famous Aramiraculous Hair Dye" was advertised from 1897 until 1923. The business was called "Rauchfuss & Co." by that time, and they were located at 1620 3rd Avenue.