Who is Shampoo, you ask? Here you go.

The Facts
Name= Shampoo
Alias= Xian Pu in some circles
Age= 16
Nationality= Chinese, specifically of the Joketsuzoku tribe
Occupation= Waitress at the Nekohanten
Weapon of Choice= Bonbori (Chinese maces), but any will do
Characteristics of Note= Long blue hair, innocent nature, property destruction
Jusenkyo Curse= A cute little cat
Rivals= Akane, and Ukyou to a much lesser degree
First Appearance= Manga vol. 2, video, RTV-9
Romance= Loves Ranma, is loved by Mousse

Background= Shampoo is a member of the Joketsuzoku, a tribe of women with Amazon-like ideals. Here, the women are dominant, with the power of government and in control of the defense of the village. However, this isn't as lopsided as it may seem, as the men are well trained as well. It is most definitely a matriarchical society, though.

Shampoo was first introduced to Ranma by ignominous defeat, brought about by Ranma and Genma's eating of her rightful prize for winning the village Martial Arts Tournament. In rightful ire, she gave Ranma the "Kiss of Death," a promise to track her (Ranma was in girl form) to the ends of the earth and kill her. Ranma and his father naturally flee, and Shampoo stays hot on their trail all the way back to Japan.

However, when Shampoo arrives in Japan, she discovers that Ranma isn't a she, but a he! This causes some little confusion, and Shampoo concludes that Akane has hidden Ranma, and attacks, causing Ranma to defeat her yet again, but this time in his male form. While she is out cold, Ranma is generally terrified by the prospect of being chased by a vengeful Shampoo for the rest of his life. But, when she awakens, he is much surprised, for she falls in his arms and gives him a passionate kiss!

It seems that when a member of the Joketsuzoku is defeated by a female outsider, she must give her the "Kiss of Death" and kill her. However, if she is defeated by a male, then she must marry him! Naturally, this disturbs both Ranma and Akane, to say nothing of Soun and Genma. So, Shampoo becomes Fiancee Number Two.

To make a long story short, Shampoo is later dissuaded from pursuing Ranma by some vile trickery, and leaves. However, she soon returns, accompanied by her great-grandmother, Colonge, and her unlikely suitor, Mousse. This Chinese threesome then becomes an essential part of the Ranma 1/2 story.