Oklahoma Cosmetology Board Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of a shampoo?

1. To add fragrance to the hair

2. To cleanse the hair and scalp of dirt and oil

3. To condition the hair

4. To style the hair easily

The correct answer is: To cleanse the hair and scalp of dirt and oil

The main purpose of a shampoo is to cleanse the hair and scalp of dirt and oil. Shampoos are specially formulated with surfactants that help lift away impurities and excess sebum, which can accumulate due to environmental factors, product use, and natural scalp oils. By effectively removing these substances, shampoos maintain both scalp health and hair cleanliness, providing a fresh foundation for styling or subsequent conditioning treatments. While adding fragrance, conditioning, and styling may be important aspects of hair care, they are not the primary goals of shampoo. Fragrance is often added to enhance the sensory experience of washing hair. Conditioning is typically addressed with a separate product designed to nourish and moisturize hair after it has been cleansed. Styling involves using different products or techniques, which do not fall under the primary role of shampoo. Thus, focusing on the ability of shampoo to purify the scalp and hair is essential for achieving overall hair health and hygiene.