Cosmetics for hair care are numerous ranging from shampoos, gels, sprays, conditioners, massage oils, colourants, wave setters etc. Shampoos are the largest group of hair care cosmetics. There are a range of products available for different types of hair.

Shampoos are hair care products used for the removal of oils, dirt, skin particles, dandruff, environmental pollutants and other contaminant particles that gradually build up in hair. They are generally made by combining a surfactant such as sodium lauryl sulphate and/or sodum laureth sulphate with a co-surfactant like cocamide propyl betaine in water to form a viscous liquid. Other essential ingredients include sodium chloride to adjust the viscosity, a preservative and a fragrance.

The word shampoo is derived from the Hindi word ‘Champo’ referring to an Indian traditional head massage that contained several natural oils and fragrances in an alkali mix. It was first introduced in Britain by a Bihari entrepreneur Sake Deen Mohammed in 1762. Soon the meaning of the word shifted from head massage to hair cleansers. Earlier ordinary soap was used for washing hair. Due to the dull film it left on the hair, herbs began to be added and the first commercially available shampoo was available from the turn of the 20th century.

Conditioner literally means those additives that improve the quality of another substance. Though for centuries natural oils have been used to condition human hair, modern hair conditioner was first created at the turn of the 20th century by Ed Pinand for softening men’s hair, beard and moustaches. There are several categories of substances used for their specific skin and hair conditioning effect. They include moisturizers, reconstructors, acidifiers, detanglers, thermal protectors, glossers, essential fatty acids and surfactants. Several herbal materials known to bestow these advantages are used as conditioners. They are incorporated in shampoos and in skin care products and also sold as supplements to these products.

Hair colours have been in usage since ancient times and many colourants are today available to colour different hair types. Consumer interest is however directed towards safe and effective hair colours of natural origin. Herb-based hair colourants are the most saleable ones available today.

Thus herbs are basically incorporated into hair care cosmetics for cleansing, conditioning and colouring properties.

A list of some important herbs for various uses follows.