What is the primary purpose of a shampoo?

The primary purpose of a shampoo is to cleanse the hair and scalp of dirt, oil, and product buildup. Shampoo works by using surfactants that attract and lift away impurities, making it essential for maintaining clean and healthy hair. Regular cleansing helps to prevent issues such as scalp irritation or dandruff that can arise from the accumulation of dirt and oils.

While styling hair for special occasions involves various products and techniques to achieve desired looks, this is not the primary function of shampoo. Conditioning the hair primarily focuses on improving texture and manageability, often following the cleansing process rather than being the main purpose of shampoo. Additionally, protecting hair from heat damage pertains to the use of specific heat protectant products rather than the cleansing role of shampoo. Therefore, cleansing remains the fundamental objective of using shampoo in hair care routines.