“Lather, rinse, repeat” a 3-step guide taught right from childhood to be carried all along our journey of life. Ever since, shampoo is and has been one of the non-negotiable step in our beauty routines. It is also one great achievement to shampoo your mane at regular intervals, without being lazy in doing so. But could you ever imagine, history reveals that Indians introduced shampoo to the world. This definitely deserves a closer look. Read on to find out the true facts about the origination of shampoo!
1. Ever wondered, how champi and shampoo are so closely related, both in terms of word and meaning. That’s because shampoo originated from India. Back in 1762, the word shampoo was derived from the Hindi word champo. The Mughals introduced the art of a head massage. Mostly, alkali, natural oils and fragrances were used. Later on, shampoos were introduced in the process.
2. All of us do realise, champi is an indulgence during one’s bath time. This holds true for the early colonial traders to India as well. When they would return to Europe, they introduced this newly learned skill. They named the hair treatment shampoo. Before the 19th century, the world knew nothing about ‘shampoos’. Sake Dean Mahomed, a Bengali entrepreneur, introduced the practise of champooi or “shampooing” baths to Europe.
3. Since ancient times, India used a lot of herbs with their extracts as shampoos. One such shampoo was made by boiling Sapindus (soapberries or soapnuts) with dried Indian gooseberry (amla) and a selection of other herbs, using the strained extract. The good old soap bars were also used before shampoo. One of the leading products in the 1880s was an all-purpose bar called Slidall’s Soap. With it, you could clean everything from your hair and body to your toilet and teeth.
Surprised! We wish you have a good hair day, everyday!
