...the Web's Best Employment Resources

Hair Shampooers Job Overview

The primary job of hair shampooers is styling a client’s hair. Hair shampooers offer a wide range of beauty services like cleansing and rinsing the hair, conditioning it and styling it. They may also help to color and clean hair. Hair shampooers also need to advise clients on hair care at home. Cleaning and styling wigs are the other jobs performed by hair shampooers.

Hair Shampooers Schools and Degrees

Unlike barbers and cosmetologists, hair shampooers are not required to have any licensure. A high school diploma or GED is sufficient to get a job as a hair shampooer. Though no formal training is required, some salons train hair shampooers so they can deliver the best services. Hair shampooers can opt for advanced courses in hairstyling as this allows them to be aware of the latest trends. Courses in marketing and sales may also prove to be helpful in advancing the career of a hair shampooer.

Job Requirements

To become a hair shampooer, one needs to be at least 18 years old. It is also mandatory to possess a GED or a high school diploma. Hair shampooers can also obtain certain certifications that will help them secure a job at a salon. There are many colleges and universities offering certificates and diploma programs in hair styling. These courses are mainly focused on hair designing, shampooing and styling.

Hair shampooers should have a good sense of style. The candidate must have a proper understanding of art and fashion. It is also mandatory to maintain a clean and tidy work place as well as a neat personal appearance. Strong communication and social skills are essential for hair shampooers. The right kind of attitude dealing with the clients can go a long way in furthering the career of a hair shampooer. Since hair shampooers generally work in salons, it also helps if they are effective salespersons.

Nature of Work

When hair shampooers start out in the profession, they mostly have to handle the simplest of tasks. With experience, they can move on to more challenging tasks. However, it is important that they be aware of the latest fashion trends. This in turn will help hair shampooers gain popularity among their clients.

Hair Shampooers Jobs and Outlook

According to a research conducted by the Department of Labor in the year 2006, hair shampooers held about 29,000 jobs in the United States.

The maximum number of hair shampooers are employed in the personal care services, which include salons, day and resort spas, nursing homes, residential care homes, and parlors. Their services might also be required in theatrical and performance make up. Movie and television studios also hire hair shampooers for their services.

The mean hourly wage for hair shampooers in the US is $8.40, and the mean annual wages are around $17,470.

Job Numbers and Growth

Hair shampooers nationally number 29,000. The unemployment level for workers is very low, compared to other occupations. About 3% of employees were unemployed recently.

Area Job Conditions

Hair shampooers are relatively common in Vineland (New Jersey), Wilmington (Delaware), and Athens (Georgia). They are rarer in Memphis (Tennessee), Houston (Texas), and Cincinnati (Ohio).

Workers are paid highest in Athens (Georgia), Edison (New Jersey), and Boston (Massachusetts), and lowest in Richmond (Virginia), Virginia Beach (Virginia), and Lynchburg (Virginia).

Training and Education

Employees are generally expected to have short-term on-the-job training. About 10% of hair shampooers hold a bachelor's degree or better. Currently 31% of workers have some college education, though not a degree. About 60% of employees were able to get their jobs with a high-school diploma. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

About 26% of hair shampooers work less than full-time. In 45% of the cases, workers work for themselves.

Hair Shampooers by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Alabama

Arizona

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Illinois

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

New Jersey

New York

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

Texas

Virginia