- In North Indian languages, shampoo translated to "head massage," which is the action that takes place when you shampoo your hair. The act of shampooing hair was introduced by Sake Dean Mahomed in 1814 in Britain. During the initial stages, English hairdressers would boil soap in soda water and add different herbs and flowers to scent the solution. Over time, the ingredients of shampoo were improved, and shampoo become more of a help and less of a hassle. In its early stages, shampoo left a film of soap behind and was not nearly as clarifying as the ones that have been created today. By the 1960s, people became familiar with detergent, which became an active ingredient in shampoo because it was less irritating. After many developments, the following became the staple ingredients for shampoo: water, detergent, foam boosters (alkanolamides such as lauramide DEA or cocamide DEA), thickeners (methylcellulose or sodium chloride), conditioning agents (guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride), preservatives (DMDM hydantoin or methylparaben), modifiers (citric acid or sodium hydroxide) and special additives (zinc pyrithione). Formulas for shampoo change as technology improves and introduces new ingredients that are more effective.
- Shampoo was created to cleanse the hair and scalp. When you use styling products on your hair like hair spray, gel, cream, etc., they build up on your hair follicles. This build up results in dull hair that lacks luster and shine. When shampoo is used properly it keeps the scalp free of dandruff and cleanses the hair. Many shampoos also have scents that can make your hair smell clean too. Some shampoo are specialized for certain types of hair too. For example, some shampoos are made for curly hair, and they encourage the curls to form.
- Many people use a simple shampoo every day, which is meant to clean the hair and scalp. A heavy duty shampoo called clarifying shampoo is meant to be used once a week, because it strips the hair of any residual product or dirt. Daily shampoos usually have a low amount of cleanser built into them, which is why clarifying shampoos should be used to remove the buildup that daily shampoos leave behind. There are also shampoos specifically made for fine, curly, straight, colored or permed hair. For example, shampoos for processed and colored hair are rich in moisturizers and protein, because their purpose is to get water back into the shaft of the hair. These shampoos have ingredients such as sunscreen to protect the color treated hair or chemicals to encourage or discourage curl. If you have problems with dandruff, there are shampoos designed to help with this issue too. Dandruff shampoos contain some of the following ingredients: coal tar, salicylic acid, pyrithione zinc, sulfur or selenium sulfide. For consumers who are looking for convenience, there are also 2-in-1 shampoos that include conditioner.
- Shampooing your hair can help strengthen the bonds within your hair and enrich it with vitamins, minerals and proteins. It's especially important to cleanse your hair if it has been processed or is color treated, because the shampoos specifically made for these hair types contain moisturizers that return water to the hair shaft. Shampooing also increases your hair's shine and health, because it cleanses the dirt and moisturizes the hair follicles. However, you have to remember to use a clarifying shampoo once a week if you choose to use a daily shampoo that has a low amount of cleansers. Depending on what type of shampoo you purchase, you can get rid of dandruff or get the type of hair you want (curly or straight). Shampoos that act as curl enhancers contain polymers such as Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, but you still might need to curl your hair or scrunch it to receive the full benefits of the shampoo. Although shampoo can benefit your hair, it's not wise to shampoo your hair more than once a day. Excessive use of shampoo can dry the hair out, because you are not giving your hair a chance to produce its natural moisturizing oil. When you use dandruff shampoo, make sure to discontinue use after the problem has been solved, because ingredients like salicylic acid can dry out your scalp and cause dandruff to return. Different types of shampoo enable consumers to style their hair with more ease, especially when you choose the right type.
- Shampoo can be a thick, heavy substance for your hair, depending on what type you choose to use. When you lather your hair with the product, it's important to massage the scalp to lift up any dead skin, dirt or residual product. You should only use a dime to quarter-size amount of shampoo, because if you have excess shampoo, you can get dandruff. After you have thoroughly scrubbed your head as well as the rest of your hair, rinse thoroughly. If you have longer hair and soft water, you might have to rinse repeatedly.
Comments
Thims said
on 12/15/2008 All shampoo dries my hair out! Wow, those are some BIG words in the History! "Hydroxypropyltrimonium"
What's this mean, "Wet Soap?" ;-)