You can travel to Barcelona to see this super exciting and beautiful city — or not, because you’re attending a congress! Of course it’s easier to forgo sightseeing if you’re involved yourself. As president of the charity organisation Education for Life Mondial, it was a delight to witness Oliver Leisse (who, incidentally, is anything but quiet) as one of the best keynote speakers around. Intercoiffure Mondial had invited delegates to Barcelona, and 300 members of the international coiffure elite had answered the call.
It kicked off with a very strong line: “Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and prepare to have your minds blown by the futuristic wonders of the hairdressing world!” I looked questioningly at my neighbour to check: had Dan Studer (Managing Director, Education for Life) just heard that too? Oliver’s explanation followed straight away: “Yes, you heard correctly. Even in a field where scissors and colour reign supreme, artificial intelligence (AI) is floating in like a superhero with a shiny new cape — or should we say, a high-tech hairdryer?” So don’t think for one second that AI won’t spice things up. We’re talking automated appointment booking, personalised style recommendations and marketing that knows exactly when a salon visit is due.
The future of the hairdressing trade
His presentation continued in the same punchy and witty vein: imagine having your own personal stylist on speed dial who never forgets your name or your preferred hair length. Picture this scenario: you walk into your favourite salon, and instead of the usual “How was your day?”, you’re greeted by an AI assistant named BennyBot. BennyBot knows everything about you — your favourite coffee, your guilty pleasure songs, and even that you once wanted to try purple highlights but lost your nerve. BennyBot has the salon’s back and has everything under control!
Away from paralysing fear!
First of all: AI is here to help, not to take over the scissors. Hairdressing is one of those professions where human touch, creativity and a good chat simply cannot be replaced. The job of a truly skilled, empathetic stylist is safe, because robots cannot replicate that magical mix of artistry and just the right amount of conversation — about yesterday’s TV show, the latest episode of a favourite podcast, or whatever’s in the news.
Our future salon guests
Oliver Leisse then turned to our future guests in the hair salon. He proclaimed: “We have three new types: the Fighter, the Artist and the Controller.”
The Fighter
Always on the go, juggling a thousand things, but still wanting to look fantastic. For these guests, the salon becomes a place of efficiency — quick cuts, no waiting times and perhaps a smoothie to take away.
The Artist
This guest group is all about the experience. They want jazz concerts in the salon, virtual hairstyle suggestions and a place that stimulates their creativity. They’re the type who would enjoy a haircut meditation session. Yes, it exists, and yes, it’s as “zen” as it sounds: calm, meditative and entirely relaxed.
The Controller
And then there’s the Controller. This type seeks trust, sustainability and a place that feels like a sanctuary. They want to know that the products are eco-friendly, the practices transparent, and their stylist is practically a hair whisperer with a green thumb.
While AI works its magic in the background, the heart of the salon remains the same: a place where people connect, relax and transform. And if you’re worried that robots like “our BennyBot” might take over, rest assured. However advanced AI becomes, it still can’t offer a comforting shoulder after a break-up, or know exactly how you like your fringe. Some things, dear readers, are timeless.
A glimpse into the future
So here is a future in which AI and hairdressers work hand in hand — or hand in robotic claw. The salon of tomorrow is a blend of high tech and human touch, ensuring that every visit leaves you looking fantastic and feeling great. So, who’s ready for a haircut that’s out of this world?
The introduction of artificial intelligence marks a new era of technological progress with profound implications for numerous industries, including hairdressing. While some fear that AI could threaten jobs, the discussion around the hairdressing profession shows that human creativity and interaction are difficult to replace with machines.
Through the smart integration of AI into everyday work, hairdressers can not only increase their efficiency but also elevate the customer experience to a new level. What matters is preserving and promoting the human touch and creative skills that define the profession. The future belongs to those who seize the opportunities of technology without forgetting their roots and values.
About Oliver Leisse
Future analyst, keynote speaker, author, podcaster and founder of the SEE MORE Institute, Future Research & Development in Hamburg. Oliver Leisse spent many years as a strategy consultant at international advertising agencies including DDB, TBWA, BBDO and Springer & Jacoby. In 2008 he founded SEE MORE, Future Research and Development in Hamburg. The institute researches current consumer insights on the basis of qualitative ethnographic research in more than 50 cities worldwide, drawing on 100 on-site collaborators who investigate consumer wishes, identify trends and interpret them. With his team he develops new offerings, brands and future strategies, and advises clients including Microsoft, Google, Siemens, Deutsche Bank, Henkel, REWE and many more. His most recent books are “So geht Zukunft” and “The Age of Agents.”
