Shampoo

Obviously, washing your hair matters. If you did not, you would smell bad and look worse. But, I have some questions.

What is the marginal impact of using an incredibly cheap shampoo - say Vo5 and a designer shampoo? Over time, does either do a great deal for you hair, head, or scalp? If you wash the hair on your head, should you wash the hair in your...armpit? If so, should you use shampoo? If not, why not?

If you are a boy (and/or have short hair), should you use conditioner? If so, why? What is the real benefit of conditioner?

So, when I was in a more youthful phase of my life, I had long hair. During this phase, I was also traveling somewhat regularly to Central America. I am sure that at this point the two were somewhat related - but I can't remember how.

On one of these excursions, I picked up some shampoo in a small Guatemalan village. Alas, I had left my shampoo at my previous location. It was made of recycled maize husks. It did not have any artificial fragrance - or really any positive natural ones either. When I washed my hair with this wonderful blend of husks and some brown substance that smelled bad, it did an excellent job of making my hair feel silky. However, over time, I am not 100% certain if it actually cleaned or improved my hair or follicle quality. [Now I might as an aside that at 33, I, unlike my brothers, still have most/if not all of my hair.]. But does most shampoo? What about conditioner? Is this the secret behind the conditioner movement?

I have spent many high quality moments washing, rinsing and repeating wondering these thoughts. What is the real value of shampoo and conditioner? I understand why brushing your teeth and flossing is good for dental hygiene. I understand why using soap and a good wash cloth are good for cleaning off dead skin and dust mites. But, what is the actual value of high end shampoo? Moreover, where do you learn this? Is there a college degree in hygiene? What about community college or PhD level?

Reading this you might think that I am unhygenic - maybe I am. However, I would stipulate that I shower at least once and often twice a day, brush my teeth and hair, wash my clothes, etc. And within this, shampoo seems like the one thing that's intrinsic value seems apparent but hard to quantify.

Just wondering...