AI hair washing trend draws attention in China

AI hair washing trend draws attention in China as customers reflect optimism but experts remain cautious about its utility in long term.

With artificial intelligence entering the service sector, major cities in China are now seeing the rise of unmanned hair washing as a new trend. Though marketed as “AI” technology appealing to those who prefer minimal social interaction, experts in the industry have raised concerns about its safety and the misleading branding of these mostly automated machines as artificial intelligence.

First introduced in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, these AI hair washing machines have quickly spread to other regions, including Shanghai, Fujian, and Guangxi.

The process involves a customer reclining on a massage bed and placing their head into the device, which uses infrared sensors to direct water jets through a 20-minute sequence of rinsing, shampooing, and conditioning.

A 26-year-old tech employee surnamed Chen, who experienced the service in Shenzhen after a 25-minute wait, described it as both affordable and enjoyable. For just 9.9 yuan ($1.37), he was impressed by the sensation created by the varying water jet pressures and angles.

Chen added that minimal human involvement, limited to a pre-wash scalp check and post-wash drying guidance, made the process even more comfortable.

According to Bai Yali, a salon veteran who opened the first AI hair washing store in Xiamen, the approach cuts labor costs and allows for attractive pricing. The store, which includes a hair care section, serves 50–60 customers daily and recouped its startup costs within a month.

However, some remain wary. Mao Ge, a salon owner in Nanjing, said he first encountered the machines two years ago but has not adopted them due to safety risks. Online users have reported issues like insufficient rinsing and skin reactions.

Luo Xueming, a leading expert from the Guangdong Modern Urban Industrial Technology Research Institute, said the trend reflects both an effort to modernize traditional services and the influence of capital-driven trends.

He cautioned that without progress in real-time adaptive algorithms, the current model remains unstable. Issues like inconsistent industry standards, rapid growth, and marketing exaggerations could harm long-term consumer trust and lead to market saturation.

Luo emphasized that the core goal of AI-assisted hair washing should be to harmonize automation with human expertise rather than completely replacing manual service.

He recommended collaboration between machine developers and dermatologists to carry out clinical research for safer and more personalized applications.