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Phase 1 – As AI slowly integrates into our daily lives, machine learning is becoming incredibly advanced. We're already seeing AI implemented in salon software. Over time, this will improve further, automating many tasks. Day-to-day follow-up tasks may become obsolete for humans. Imagine a phone directory receptionist so advanced that it's hard to distinguish between a human and an AI bot. This AI will answer your salon phone, have real-time knowledge of available bookings, and fetch client data autonomously. When you call, it will recognize your number and instantly access your data to serve you quickly.
Phase 2 – Humanoid robots will become accessible to everyday people. Initially, we'll see them performing tasks at home and becoming fashionable, with people sharing them online, creating trends and engagement. Eventually, commercial versions will be released after learning repetitive tasks.
Phase 3 – Humanoid robot brands will start offering official commercial options with payment plans to make them affordable. These robots will cater to different industries. In the hair industry, they'll handle repetitive tasks like vacuuming, cleaning, wiping mirrors, and making coffee. Salons might lease these robots instead of hiring juniors. This isn't an endorsement but a warning of where our industry might head.
Phase 4 – Machine learning will advance in real-time. Humanoid robots, initially programmed for repetitive tasks, will learn to pass foil, shampoo, comb hair, dry hair, and blow-dry. Companies like Boston Dynamics might provide updates, hiring real hairdressers for their research and development teams.
Phase 5 - Some hairdressers will collaborate with research and development teams from large robotic corporations to enhance these technologies. Facial recognition technology will eliminate the need for manual colour history logging, as robots will use it to instantly access your hair colour records.
Phase 6 – We'll see major backlash from the hair community, unions, and protests about job replacements. Remember the protests when taxi drivers blocked roads because of Uber? It will feel similar.
Phase 7 – Humanoid robots will become part of the salon team, accepted by customers. The backlash will subside. Salon owners who embrace humanoids will be more sustainable with less waste, as everything is data-driven. Overheads will be minimal. Salons that resist change will struggle with high wages, significant overheads, and no smart integration.
Phase 8 – Large corporations will notice salons run by a single person and no longer attached to reputable salon names. Brands like Amazon might open their own salons. These state-of-the-art robotic salons could operate 24/7, with knowledge surpassing smaller salons.