It is especially difficult to believe that George's live-in girlfriend Jill has no idea that her boyfriend is cheating on her, or that he used to date her best friend Jackie and still occasionally 'beds' Jackie. The film seems to derive at least some of its humor from its portrayal of the gullibility of women, although it does not necessarily portray George in an admirable light. George, however, is ultimately taken advantage of by the one woman he does care something about -- Jackie.

George always insists that he does want a committed relationship, and when he can put his sexual desires aside, he can show concern and caring for the women he 'services' in the salon, as a stylist as well as sexually. But by the time he finally makes up...

Jackie is 'kept,' in another irony, by Lester, and so George ultimately loses out to Lester, after taking advantage of the wealthy man so many times over the course of the film. Money wins out over sexual appeal, as the film subtly critiques capitalism in its outcome.
Thus "Shampoo" ends on a rather somber note for a satirical sexual comedy, as George is left alone, bereft of Jackie, his dreams, and also Jill. Finally, the women in George's life have finally understood his true nature -- he cannot commit to a woman or a dream. And just at the moment that they make this decision, he has resolved that it is time to change his ways for once and for all. But it is too late. The film pities George, although the viewer, depending on his or her temperament, may be less inclined to do so, no matter how amusing he or she finds George's bravado and escapades, and how unappealing the character of Lester may seem.

Works Cited

Shampoo." Directed by Hal Ashby. 1975.