What is the primary purpose of a shampoo in cosmetology?

The primary purpose of a shampoo in cosmetology is to cleanse the hair and scalp. Shampoo is formulated with specific ingredients that effectively remove dirt, oil, product buildup, and impurities from the hair and scalp. The cleansing action is essential for maintaining healthy hair and scalp by promoting a clean environment for hair growth and ensuring that other hair care products can be applied effectively afterwards.

While hydrating the scalp is important and can be a benefit of some specific shampoos, it is not the primary purpose of shampoo. Shampoos may also contain added benefits, such as color treatment or styling aids; however, these functions are secondary to the main role of cleansing. Thus, the focus remains on the cleansing action as the foundational purpose of shampoo in any hair care routine.