Shampoo is loosely defined as a mixture of ingredients that combine and work together to cleanse the hair and scalp. The driving force, the main ingredient that every single shampoo has in common is the base surfactant, which is another way of describing a surface active agent. This is also the ingredient that cleans the hair.



Lather is defined as a foam or froth made by a detergent when it is stirred or rubbed in water. Consequently, the lather is created when the shampoo mixes with the water. It is a myth though that the amount of lather is directly related to how well it cleanses your hair and scalp. The amount of lather does not have anything to do with the cleaning power of the product. So, that probably makes you wonder why we need to lather our hair at all. The first reason is that when you lather the shampoo, it emits a pleasant, fragrant smell and feeling on your scalp. Also, by lathering it helps you to see that the product has been evenly divided throughout your hair. Lastly, the lather is so visible so it helps you know when all of the soap is completely out of your hair.

The surfactants are definitely the most active force in the entire product. They are what are responsible for loosening, removing and lifting any dirt out of your hair. They also work to make sure that you do not retain an excessive amount of your scalps natural oils and ensure that there is a good balance. When you rinse, it washes away all of the particles that the surfactants have loosened and removed from your scalp along with the lather. Sometimes people use really mild shampoos which means that they clean the hair and scalp, but do not remove the scalps natural oils or any grease from the skin. The primary benefit that people get from using shampoo is their hair becomes manageable, clean, glossy and full of volume.

Another important thing to keep in mind is what kind of hair type you have. This is crucial because different shampoos are tailored towards specific hair types, so you want to be sure that you are getting the best for you, not for someone else. There are different categories of products for: normal/balanced hair, different hair types and consumer needs, scalp conditions like dandruff, technical use in a salon or regular for balanced hair. Next time you are thinking about buying a new bottle of shampoo, take the extra time to find the perfect one for you.