Shampoo

A word which first designated a gesture

The word shampoo comes from a term passed from India to English, linked to the action of pressing or massaging. Originally, it did not designate the bottle that we know. This detour is interesting: the name of a care procedure ended up designating a product, then an entire stage of cleansing.

In the early 19th century, Sake Dean Mahomed helped popularize steam baths and shampooing in Brighton. The city museum preserves his portrait and documents this activity.

The powder, then the liquid

In its official history, Schwarzkopf places the launch of its water-soluble powder shampoo in 1903, then in 1927 that of its liquid version. These milestones also reflect a change in use: the product becomes easier to dose and prepare, until it can be poured directly from a bottle.

Cleanse without leaving hair difficult to live with

The development of formulas does not only answer the question of removing more fat. Detangling, feel and appearance after drying also count. Shampoos thus combine cleansing agents with other ingredients which modify the texture of the product or the behavior of the hair, while conditioners more particularly target the fiber.

This development explains why judgment cannot be limited to a sensation of crunchy hair or abundant foam. A successful wash should also allow you to style your hair without adding unnecessary friction. The needs remain different between an oily root on short hair and bleached lengths that get tangled easily.