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13 Aug 2024

Shampoo's Journey: From Ancient Indian Roots to Worldwide Necessity

Written by

The Logical Indian

Category

Science and Wellbeing

Views

Introduction

In the grand saga of history, some stories unfold like hidden treasures, and the tale of shampoo is no exception. Derived from the Hindi word 'champu,' meaning 'to press,' shampoo not only gifted the world a word but also an essential everyday item that traces its roots back to ancient India.

Ancient Beginnings and Herbal Mastery

Long before the British colonial era, India was already practising the art of hair hygiene. Shampoo, as we know it, made its debut during the Indus Valley civilization. Ancient queens pampered their locks with a concoction of boiled reetha (soap berries), amla (gooseberry), hibiscus, shikakai (acacia), and other herbal elements. These ingredients, when blended into a thick paste, formed an early version of shampoo.

Sake Dean Mahomed: The Pioneer of Shampoo

The story takes an intriguing turn with the emergence of Sake Dean Mahomed, born in 1759 in Patna, Bihar. Hailing from a family of barbers, Mahomed experimented with herbal mixes and soaps, perfecting the art of 'champi' or head massage. He migrated to England and set up Mahomed's Baths, a spa in Britain in 1814. Mahomed's massages, coupled with his herbal hair treatments, gained popularity, leading him to become the personal hair expert for King George IV and King William IV. His contributions extended beyond the spa, as he authored a book titled 'Shampooing Or The Benefits Resulting From The Use Of Indian Medicated Vapor Bath,' introducing the concept of shampoo to the Western world.

Modern Evolution and Resurgence of Tradition

The transition to the modern version of shampoo in India occurred in the 1900s, paralleling global trends. Chik Shampoo pioneered the first sachet shampoo, quickly becoming a household favorite due to its convenience and affordability. Interestingly, as we fast-forward through the years, there's a resurgence of interest in ayurvedic, herbal, and natural shampoos. India, having come a long way from Mahomed's herbal mixes and boiled concoctions, is witnessing a return to naturally made shampoos.

The journey of shampoo from India to the rest of the world mirrors the broader narrative of India's contributions to global discoveries. From the invention of zero to buttons, India's heritage holds numerous hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. Shampoo, with its roots in the ancient practices of the subcontinent, has become an indispensable part of households worldwide.

The Cultural Tapestry Behind a Daily Ritual

The story of shampoo is not just about a word or a product; it's a narrative of cultural practices, innovations, and the exchange of knowledge across civilizations. As we reach for that bottle or sachet of shampoo in our daily routines, let's remember the rich history that connects us to ancient India and the contributions of figures like Sake Dean Mahomed. The journey of shampoo is a testament to India's enduring legacy in shaping the world in ways both big and small.

References

The Hindu:
https://www.thehindu.com/children/the-shampoos-journey-through-the-ages/article67573017.ece
The Print;
https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/cavinkare-shampoo-sachet-that-was-the-true-pioneer-of-middle-india-market/1209049/
Pantene.in
https://www.pantene.in/en-in/hair-fall-problems-and-hair-care-solutions/history-of-shampoo-in-india/

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IndiaFirst Life & the logical indian

Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), is one of the country's youngest life insurance companies. The Logical Indian is an independent and public-spirited digital media platform for Indian Millennials. IndiaFirst Life and The Logical Indian have come together to showcase India’s rich history of innovation in different fields of life which have made a significant mark on humanity and globally. The information presented here is the result of a collaborative effort between The IndiaFirst Life, Dentsu Creative & The Logical Indian. All research and fact-finding is credited to Dentsu Creative in association with The Logical Indian.