Some Barbers measure, fit and groom toupees. Some offer a service called hair analysis. They may use their own microscopes and testing devices or send clients' hair samples out to independent laboratories to identify hair problems and suggest conditioning treatments. Barbers are responsible for keeping scissors, combs, and other instruments sterilized and in good condition. They clean their work stations and may sweep the shop.
Shops ordinarily are attractive, clean and well lighted.
They vary in size from one to five or more chairs. Large hair styling salons may be divided into different work areas, including styling stations, shampoo rooms, and hair analysis laboratories. In most shops, Barbers do their work in one, relatively small area. The job is not strenuous, but since Barbers stand for most of the day, with their arms at shoulder level, it may be physically tiring. They occasionally develop allergic reactions to hair processing chemicals.