What is shampoo and how does it work?

Shampoo is a cleaning agent which is used on hair. Shampoo usually comes in a liquid form, and is massaged into wet hair. This creates a lather breaks down deposits of oil and dirt. The later is washed out from the hair and this leaves the hair clean! The ingredients in shampoo are:

Surfacants:

Also known as surface active agents, surfactants are necessary for the lathering, cleaning, and degreasing effects of a shampoo. Shampoos usually contain a mix of surfactants, artfully combined to create the right balance.

Preservatives:

The main function of preservatives is to prevent microbial growth and to ensure a long shelf life. When it comes to preservatives, none are truly good for your hair. And while preservative systems are a necessary component of most personal care products (such as shampoos) some are worse than others.

Active and other Ingredients:

These are the ingredients that are used to nourish and beautify, making your hair shinier, smoother, softer, thicker, and more manageable. Other ingredients, such as thickeners, humectants, pH-control agents or chelators, may be added to stabilize the formula.

Fragrance:

The fragrance of one shampoo is created by a mix of artificial fragrances (smells). The fragrance is added to attract the consumers, as people like their hair to smell nice! 

Color:

In basic shampoos, color is added for decorative purposes only, and is unnecessary for functionality.