Sjampo

Sjampo is the Norwegian term for the personal care product used to cleanse hair and scalp. It is a liquid formulation designed to remove oils, dirt, and styling residues. The word shampoo in Norwegian is borrowed from English, which in turn derives from the Hindustani chāmpo, reflecting a historic practice of washing and massaging the scalp. In everyday use, sjampo aims to balance cleansing with hair feel and scalp health.

Most modern sjampo contain surfactants as the primary cleansing agents, often combined with co-surfactants to improve lather and gentleness. Common ingredients include anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, along with conditioning agents like quaternary ammonium compounds. Additional components may include humectants (for moisture), fragrances, preservatives, colorants, and sometimes proteins or botanical extracts. The pH of many shampoos is adjusted to be mildly acidic, close to the natural scalp pH, to help maintain hair cuticle integrity.

A wide range of variants exists, including everyday, moisturizing, volumizing, color-safe, and clarifying formulas. There are also sulfate-free options marketed for sensitive scalps or curly, color-treated, or damaged hair. Proper use involves applying a small amount to wet hair, massaging into the scalp to create lather, rinsing thoroughly, and often following with a conditioner.

Regulation and safety considerations vary by region, but cosmetic products like sjampo are typically subject to safety assessments and labeling requirements, including ingredient lists (INCI names) and usage directions. Environmental concerns include packaging waste and the impact of certain surfactants, leading to ongoing development of more sustainable formulations.