Occupation · SOC 39-5093
Shampooers
Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.
Median wage
$31,470
$22,880–$35,970
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
8,890
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
252 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingActive ListeningService Orientation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageSales and Marketing
Technology & tools
Calendar and scheduling softwareElectronic mail softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareInventory management softwareInternet browser software
Representative 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 infrAssist hair stylists with chemical services, such as neutralizing perms and applying hair color.Launder and fold the towels that are used for drying customers' hair.Refill and stock work stations with supplies, such as shampoos and conditioners.Rinse out hair color or permanent solutions from customers' hair.Sweep hair from the salon floor.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Shampoo basin and chair setup — prepare and sanitize under direct supervisor guidance before each patron appointment in a salon environment.Basic shampoo technique — apply and rinse standard shampoo products following step-by-step instructions on patrons with routine hair types.Scalp massage motions — perform introductory fingertip massage strokes under close supervision during a patron's wash service.Conditioning products — select and apply a basic conditioner to patron hair following product labels and supervisor direction in a training salon.Patron greetings and communication — welcome clients and confirm service requests using clear, polite speech at the shampoo station.Active listening skills — repeat back patron preferences and concerns to confirm understanding before beginning a shampoo service.Scalp appearance — recognize visibly abnormal scalp conditions such as redness or flaking and alert a supervising stylist immediately.Scheduling software — enter and look up patron appointments using salon calendar software under guidance from a senior team member.Water temperature and pressure — adjust shampoo bowl water to a comfortable level by checking with the patron before rinsing begins.Towel and supply inventory — restock shampoo station towels and product supplies following a supervisor-provided checklist between appointments.
developing
Hair and scalp assessment — evaluate patron hair texture, oiliness, and scalp condition independently to select appropriate shampoo and conditioning products.Therapeutic scalp massage — deliver a consistent, comfortable massage during the shampoo service with minimal oversight across a variety of patron preferences.Specialized conditioning treatments — apply deep-conditioning or moisturizing treatments to patron hair according to established salon protocols without direct supervision.Patron advisement — inform patrons with recurring or persistent scalp issues of the need to seek medical evaluation, using empathetic and clear language.Product knowledge — explain the benefits of available shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments to patrons who ask questions during their service.Appointment management — update, reschedule, and confirm patron bookings using salon scheduling and email software with accuracy and reliability.Service orientation — anticipate patron comfort needs such as robe, neck cushion, or temperature adjustments and address them proactively during the wash service.Infrared and vibrating equipment — operate scalp treatment devices such as infrared lamps or vibrating tools safely following manufacturer and salon guidelines.Scalp treatment application — apply specialized lotions or medicated shampoos for targeted scalp conditions according to established salon treatment protocols.Inventory tracking — monitor shampoo and product stock levels using inventory management software and flag low-supply items to the salon manager.
proficient
Full-scope shampoo and scalp services — independently deliver shampoo, condition, massage, and scalp treatment services across diverse patron hair and scalp types in a busy salon setting.Scalp condition identification — identify a broad range of scalp conditions including potential contagious concerns and confidently counsel patrons to seek appropriate medical treatment.Customized treatment planning — select and sequence specialized lotions, shampoos, infrared lamp, or vibration equipment treatments tailored to individual patron scalp and hair loss needs.Complex patron communication — manage sensitive conversations about scalp health or hair loss with empathy, clarity, and professionalism without supervisor input.Non-routine service adaptation — adjust shampoo and treatment techniques for patrons with physical limitations, sensitivities, or unusual scalp presentations encountered without advance notice.Retail recommendation — match patron hair and scalp needs to appropriate retail products and communicate value clearly, supporting salon sales goals during the service.Service quality consistency — maintain high-quality, efficient shampoo and scalp services across a full day of patron appointments with dependable results.Digital tool proficiency — use scheduling, email, inventory, and browser-based salon tools fluently to manage personal patron flow and product needs without assistance.Patron relationship management — build and retain a loyal patron base through reliable service, sincere follow-up communication, and personalized attention at each visit.Cross-team cooperation — coordinate timing and hand-off of patrons with stylists, colorists, and front-desk staff to ensure smooth salon workflow throughout the day.
advanced
Service standards development — establish and document shampoo, scalp massage, and treatment protocols that define quality benchmarks for all shampoo station staff in the salon.Staff training and mentorship — coach emerging and developing shampooers in proper technique, patron communication, and scalp condition recognition through structured on-the-job instruction.Scalp health program leadership — design and implement a comprehensive scalp treatment menu using specialized equipment and products, positioning the salon as a destination for scalp care.Performance oversight — observe and evaluate shampooer technique and patron interaction quality, providing constructive feedback to elevate team performance across all service levels.Patron escalation management — resolve complex or sensitive patron concerns about scalp conditions, service dissatisfaction, or referral needs with authority and professionalism.Inventory and supply strategy — oversee salon-wide product procurement, set par levels, and manage vendor relationships for shampoo and scalp treatment supplies using inventory software.Technology adoption — evaluate, pilot, and implement new salon scheduling, inventory, or client communication technology to improve operational efficiency across the service team.Sales and marketing contribution — collaborate with salon leadership to develop promotional campaigns for scalp treatment services, supporting revenue growth through targeted outreach and web content.Safety and hygiene governance — establish and enforce sanitation, equipment care, and infection-control standards at all shampoo stations to ensure regulatory compliance across the salon.Organizational culture modeling — exemplify cooperation, empathy, optimism, and sincerity in all patron and team interactions, cultivating a service-centered culture throughout the salon environment.
Also known as
12 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Hair AssistantHair Shampoo AssistantSalon Shampoo AssistantScalp Treatment OperatorScalp Treatment SpecialistShampoo AssistantShampoo PersonShampoo SpecialistShampoo TechnicianShampooerShampooistStylist Assistant