THE AI DILEMMA: Barbers Caught Between Digital Perfection and Real World Constraints

By Collette Saunders

As AI-generated images impact our spaces, there is a choice to integrate AI into workflow and whether it is seen as a springboard for innovation, or as a limitation in artistic freedom.

Some use AI in their social media posts, some absolutely refuse to! Some clients bring AI generated images as inspiration to appointments which inevitably, in some way, has an effect on the stylist executing the cut. AI expectation versus cold hard reality has entered our sphere!

AI is impacting our Industry here and now. It is evolving and our future generation’s experience of it will form a completely different process of consultation and execution. Not just images but also into the world of the virtual salon assistant, for instance, who can do a pre-consultation by scanning a client’s face and head for shape, length, density, and colour.

AR Apps (Augmented Reality) with styling previews, and hair analysis recommendations that give the client a visualisation of the style they are thinking of in real time showing styling potential without risk of dissatisfaction. AI driven hair analysis will streamline and make personalised home care routine suggestions a breeze.

AI algorithms will predict maintenance of tools and anticipate repairs and maintenance by monitoring performance data. Style trend predictions are already being generated by AI analysis of media, social media, and industry material. These advancements will empower and provide new levels of creativity.

As technology continues to blur the lines between fantasy and reality, navigating it requires good communication, mutual understanding, and a willingness to embrace the beauty of imperfections in the pursuit of genuine self expression.

I love a great philosophical back and forth between peers. So I reached out to a few of mine who I know enjoy a mind expanding conversation.

We all get it. It’s been a “thing” since the introduction of the glossy magazine and in particular the Golden Age of the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s where fashion influenced and brought a wider window to the world shaping cultures and norms. The onset of AI in digital media and its relationship between barbers, hair stylists and clients has fragmented those of us who stand behind the chair into distinct groups who now must incorporate new strategies into our consultation processes.

Who loves an AI generated Instagram post being thrust into your face by a well meaning and extremely motivated client who has scrolled for hours searching for their new style inspiration?!

We all, as creatives, like to think of ourselves as forward thinkers with a passion for embracing innovation. In an era where technology intersects with artistry, those who embrace AI images find that they spark creativity in the visual reference point, and heightens communication between themselves and the client.

Those who do not embrace it find that too many dynamics are at play. The gap between client expectation and the barber struggling to meet that expectation is obviously one aspect. That can be a fair balancing act for even the most seasoned barber. Let’s also not forget the apprentice, starting out in their fledgling wings, who are having their senses stretched and their minds challenged with every moment on the floor.

The difference between the digitally perfect image and the hair texture, face shape and individual features creates hurdles. Clients also may find themselves grappling with the idealised image and the limits of their own natural features.

One common theme stands out in the cons camp. That being the potential homogenisation of hairstyling, as AI generated images may put forward unrealistic beauty standards. Then there’s the risk of over-reliance on technology which could detract from our hands on approach that defines our profession.

AI can impact the authenticity of barbers and hairdressers by providing pre-generated templates that will influence their own creative process which could create reliance on pre-existing trends rather than on individual creativity.

Flip to the other hand and there is no doubting the wealth of resources at our fingertips to stimulate and stay current with latest looks and trends. Catering to a diverse range of client’s preferences can be challenging, so using AI can save time and enhance efficiency.

Pressure to conform to AI-generated trends could potentially stifle artistic vision. Yet is this not the same as the Golden Age magazine presentations that emerged in the 1950’s and beyond where they simply had what they had on paper.

A predicated arrangement of styles and colours that were generated by minds that steered the fashion of the world in one universal direction which is devoured by the consumer who is hell-bent on having that look.

Ultimately, as I’ve mentioned earlier, it depends on how stylists choose to integrate AI into their workflow and whether they use it as a springboard for innovation or a limitation on their artistic freedom. With its potential to revolutionise our industry, it’s essential we strike a balance between harnessing its benefits and preserving the artistry and authenticity of hair styling.

Collette Saunders @collettesaundershair Founder @australianfemalebarbers @afb_recruit