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Shampooers

O*NET files this work under Shampooers: people who shampoo and rinse customers' hair. Interest ratings put Realistic on top at 5.5 out of 7 and Social second, so the code is RSC and the day leans toward hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to speaking, active listening, and service orientation as the ones to build. A regular part of the work is to massage, shampoo, and condition patron's hair and scalp to clean them and remove excess oil. It tends to suit people who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, and it offers little for anyone seeking research, analysis and working through hard problems.

What they do

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

Main tasks

  • Massage, shampoo, and condition patron's hair and scalp to clean them and remove excess oil.
  • Advise patrons with chronic or potentially contagious scalp conditions to seek medical treatment.
  • Treat scalp conditions and hair loss, using specialized lotions, shampoos, or equipment such as infrared lamps or vibrating equipment.

Skills

  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Monitoring
  • Coordination

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You get energy from helping other people move forward.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on speaking and active listening.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want to spend most of your time analyzing and researching. Investigative rates 1.4 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RSC takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Hair Assistant
  • Shampoo Assistant
  • Shampoo Person
  • Shampoo Technician
  • Shampooer

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.