The history of hairstyling and hair care in my country is long and deep-rooted. As early as the era of clan communes, people were already accustomed to using *ji* (hairpins) to bind their hair; the practice of wearing one's hair loose and disheveled had become uncommon. In ancient times, people frequently used seed pods-specifically those of the *Gleditsia* tree-to wash their hair; indeed, this usage was documented in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica). These pods, the fruit of the leguminous *Gleditsia* plant, are produced throughout China. They contain saponins-potent emulsifiers-and their aqueous solutions possess effective cleansing properties. During the Qin and Han dynasties, a period marked by national strength and flourishing arts and culture, hairstyles became increasingly elaborate and refined.
Consequently, the concept of hair care began to take shape. Liu Tao of the Eastern Han dynasty noted in his treatise *Shize* (Explanations of *Ze*): "As for *Ze*-human hair often becomes dry and withered; this substance is used to moisten and nourish it." Here, *Ze* refers to *zhize* (fat-based emollients)-a category of products formulated from fatty substances and oils, used to moisturize both the face and the hair. By the Tang dynasty, amidst a period of social prosperity and bolstered by the cultural exchange between East and West facilitated by the Silk Road, the practices of hairstyling and hair care experienced new advancements. During this era, hair care products formulated from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and pork fat were already in widespread use; Wang Xi's *Waitai Miyao* (Secret Essentials from the Outer Terrace) alone contains nearly sixty distinct recipes for moisturizing hair, treating dandruff, and dyeing hair.
Entering the 20th century, the concepts of hairstyling and hair care became even more deeply ingrained in society. In the early 20th century, "shaving water"-an infusion made from wood shavings-was a popular and beloved hair care product. This infusion was typically prepared using the shavings produced by carpenters while planing wood. Shavings from the *Wutong* (Chinese parasol) tree were particularly favored; when steeped in water, this wood yielded a liquid that was lustrous, slightly viscous, and fragrant-qualities that left the hair soft, smooth, and shiny. In the 1920s, hair oils and hair waxes began to come into use. By the 1940s, the hairstyling and beauty industry in Shanghai had become relatively sophisticated and well-developed. In the late 1970s, hair conditioners were introduced to China, breaking the long-standing habit of relying solely on shampoo for hair washing.
In the 1990s, as the impact of various factors-such as environmental pollution, perming, and hair dyeing-intensified, the likelihood of hair damage increased significantly. Consequently, people began to place even greater emphasis on the proper care and maintenance of their hair.