Hair History III: The History of Shampoo


Written on: Mar 01, 2021
By: Shari Hicks-Graham

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From ingredients like lizard fat and lard to castor and almond oil, the hair care products we use have come a long way. Let's take a trip down memory lane for a quick hair history lesson about shampoo!

 

Before there was plumbing in every home, cosmetic bathhouses were reserved for the elite in 4000 B.C. Due to this, hair washing was not something people did on a weekly, or sometimes not even a monthly basis. 

 

Using castor oil in the hair dates back to Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians were using creams made from animal and plant fats, including almond oil to protect their scalp from the hot weather and creating soap-like creations to cleanse their hair and body. The Egyptians took hair care so seriously, mummies believed to be from 300 BC were found buried with curling tongs! (Source: Bustle)

 

In 1898, Berlin chemist, Hans Schwarzkopf, opened a drugstore dedicated to perfume and hair care products; including the first-ever dry shampoo. Unfortunately, it came with issues of dry hair and scalp, and allergic reactions to alkaline. However, 26 years later, Schwarzkopf was able to introduce the first premiere liquid shampoo!

 

Through the years, chemists all over the world began to perfect their ingredients, and people like Madam CJ Walker, pave the way for black hair care products; leading to hundreds of options for consumers to choose from.

 

LivSo is proud to make history in the hair care industry as an independent black, woman-owned, dermatologist-developed brand.

Thanks to those who came before us, we were able to carefully formulate our shampoo to include ingredients like Xylitol, Glycolic Acid, and Coconut Oil. These ingredients combined help to transform hair from feeling dry and brittle to strong and radiant. 

 

If you or someone you know suffers from excessive dandruff or dry and itchy scalp, we highly recommend you give LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo a try! Click here to learn more

 

Did you enjoy this shampoo history lesson? Tell us what you've learned by connecting with us on Instagram and Facebook! Join the conversation by using the hashtag #LivSoHistory!

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