The word “shampoo” is rooted in the Hindi term champī, itself derived from Sanskrit chapyathi, meaning "to massage or press". India’s tradition of using herbal concoctions—like soapberry, amla, hibiscus, and shikakai - for hair cleansing and massage dates back to around 1500 AD, and even today, many Indian households preserve this legacy through homemade blends .

This age-old practice travelled west thanks to Sake Dean Mahomed, born in 1759 in Patna, who grew up within the barber community and mastered herbal shampoo recipes and therapeutic massages . In 1814, Mahomed opened Mahomed’s Baths in Brighton, introducing Indian steam baths and “champi” treatments to an elite British clientele .

His reputation soared - earning him appointments as “Shampooing Surgeon” to King George IV and William IV . Through his entrepreneurial spirit, Mahomed bridged Indian tradition and European wellness, forever embedding the word and practice of shampoo in global culture.