A little luxury millions of people indulge in, every week, is having a shampoo in a barber shop, nursing home or beauty salon. Providing this service is the work of a shampooer. In small barber shops and beauty salons, the cosmetologist or barber might shampoo and treat their customers’ hair in preparation for styling. But in larger barber and beauty businesses, including those in hotels and department stores, this is a separate position, with entry level pay. Shampooers are often also expected to sweep cut hair from the floor, and serve coffee to customers. Often, the person shampooing hair is in training to be a cosmetologist or barber—it’s a good way to observe how to work with customers. As most states license barbers and cosmetologists, however, it’s not possible to move from being a shampooer to a hair styling position, without also getting the specific education required. Language skills are relatively unimportant for a shampooer—whose communication is mainA little luxury millions of people indulge in, every week, is having a shampoo in a barber shop, nursing home or beauty salon. Providing this service is the work of a shampooer. In small barber shops and beauty salons, the cosmetologist or barber might shampoo and treat their customers’ hair in preparation for styling. But in larger barber and beauty businesses, including those in hotels and department stores, this is a separate position, with entry level pay. Shampooers are often also expected to sweep cut hair from the floor, and serve coffee to customers. Often, the person shampooing hair is in training to be a cosmetologist or barber—it’s a good way to observe how to work with customers. As most states license barbers and cosmetologists, however, it’s not possible to move from being a shampooer to a hair styling position, without also getting the specific education required. Language skills are relatively unimportant for a shampooer—whose communication is mainly through his or her fingertips. But you must feel comfortable touching strangers in a personal way, while not getting overly friendly. Often the shampooer is singled out for a tip, in recognition of providing this pleasant and intimate experience. ly through his or her fingertips. But you must feel comfortable touching strangers in a personal way, while not getting overly friendly. Often the shampooer is singled out for a tip, in recognition of providing this pleasant and intimate experience.