Who Invented Shampoo? The Clean Hair Revolution
Shampoo is more than just a haircare staple—it’s a cultural and scientific evolution. Designed to cleanse hair of dirt, oil, dandruff, and dead skin, shampoo helps maintain hygiene without stripping natural oils from the scalp. But where did it all begin?
Ancient Origins: India and the Word “Champo”
The origin of the word “shampoo” lies in India, where the Hindi word “chāmpo” referred to head massage with aromatic oils. This practice was widespread in Indian tradition, especially in Ayurveda, where herbs and natural oils were used to condition and soothe the scalp.
The term “shampoo” first appeared in English in 1762, thanks to Sake Dean Mahomed, a Bengali entrepreneur. After moving to London, he opened a steam bath and massage parlor, offering “champi” treatments—head massages using oils. Though he never actually washed hair with soap, his therapeutic treatments gained royal attention, earning him the title of “Shampooing Surgeon” to King George IV and William IV.
Evolution from Soap to Shampoo
Before dedicated shampoos existed, people used regular soap to wash their hair. However, it left behind residue and stripped natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. This led to the innovation of milder, more specialized formulas.
In the 1800s, English hairdressers began to shave soap, mix it with water, and add herbs for fragrance and shine. This primitive shampoo offered better results than plain soap and gained popularity.
Key Milestone:
Kasey Herbert is often credited as the first inventor of modern shampoo, creating an herbal-infused soap blend specifically for hair.
Shampoo Goes Commercial
By the early 20th century, shampoo was on its way to becoming a commercial product:
1920s: Ads for Canthrox Shampoo depicted women enjoying shampooing in lakes.
Rexall promoted Hair Beautifier and Shampoo, emphasizing shine and volume.
1930s: Introduction of synthetic surfactants—a type of detergent—by Drene, making shampoos easier to lather and rinse, and less harsh than soap.
Shampoo Practices Around the World
🇮🇳 India:
Natural ingredients like soapnuts (reetha) and Indian gooseberry (amla) were boiled to create a gentle shampoo that added shine and softness.
🇮🇩 Indonesia:
People used burned rice husk ash mixed with water to wash hair, though it left hair dry. Eventually, coconut oil was introduced to rehydrate the scalp.
Modern Shampoo Ingredients
Today’s shampoos are complex formulations that may include:
Synthetic surfactants (cleaning agents)
Conditioners (like silicone or plant oils)
Fragrance and essential oils
Anti-dandruff agents (like zinc pyrithione)
Botanical extracts (for specific hair concerns)
There are also sulfate-free, organic, and medicated variants based on individual needs.
Who invented modern shampoo?
Kasey Herbert is credited with inventing the first modern shampoo by mixing soap with herbs to create a product specifically for hair cleansing.
What does the word “shampoo” mean?
“Shampoo” comes from the Hindi word “chāmpo,” meaning to massage or knead, especially with oil.
What did people use before shampoo?
Before shampoo, people used regular soap, herbal mixtures, or natural substances like soapnuts and ash to cleanse their hair.
Did Sake Dean Mahomed invent shampoo?
Not exactly. He introduced the term and the practice of therapeutic head massages, but did not develop a hair-cleansing product.
When did shampoo become a commercial product?
Commercial shampoos began appearing in the early 1900s, with major growth in the 1920s and 1930s, thanks to synthetic detergents.