Shampooing

Shampooing is the process of cleaning the hair and scalp with shampoo, a cleansing preparation designed to remove oil, dirt, and cosmetic buildup. It typically involves wetting the hair, applying shampoo, massaging to create a lather, rinsing, and repeating as needed.

Shampoos are water-based emulsions whose primary cleansing agents are surfactants. Commonly used surfactants include anionic detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, often paired with conditioning or amphoteric components. Formulations may contain conditioning agents, thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, and pH adjusters. Sulfate-free options use milder surfactants. There are also medicated shampoos with active ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid, and dry shampoos that absorb oil with powders.

Shampoos are marketed for various needs, including clarifying or buildup removal, moisturizing for dry hair, volumizing for fine hair, color-safe formulas, and scalp-specific products for dandruff or irritation. There are also specialized products for chemically treated hair or sensitive scalps.

Application guidance generally recommends thorough wetting, applying a small amount, lathering, rinsing thoroughly, and repeating if desired. Avoid prolonged exposure to the eyes. Over-washing or harsh formulas can strip natural oils, so washing frequency should reflect hair type and lifestyle.

Etymology traces the word to the Hindi chāmpo, via Sanskrit champu, meaning to press or knead, with English usage historically associated with scalp massage. The modern development of synthetic-detergent shampoos began in the early to mid-20th century, yielding a wide range of products and formulations.