shampoon

Shampoon is an historical or alternate spelling of the hair cleansing product commonly known as shampoo. In English, shampoon appeared in 18th- and 19th-century texts as a transliteration of the Hindi word chāmpo (or chāmpoon), from which the modern term shampoo is derived. The practice described as shampooing combines cleansing with scalp massage and helped establish the product’s name.

The introduction of shampoon into English occurred during the period of British trade with the Indian subcontinent, where writers and travelers documented the practice. Early spellings varied, including shampoon and shampon, and by the early 20th century the modern spelling shampoo had become standard.

Contemporary shampoon products are surfactant-based cleansers formulated to remove sebum and dirt from hair and scalp. Typical formulations contain cleansing agents, conditioning ingredients such as silicones or quaternary ammonium compounds, water, preservatives, dyes, and fragrance. Variants exist for different hair types and needs, including moisturizing, clarifying, and sulfate-free options, and some are marketed as solid bars.

Shampoon is applied to wet hair, lathered, and rinsed. Frequency depends on hair type and lifestyle, and some individuals may experience irritation from certain surfactants or fragrances. People with sensitive skin or allergies should check labels. In addition to personal care considerations, some brands pursue packaging innovations and formulations designed to reduce environmental impact.