AI hair washing stores pop up in SZ

AI hair washing stores have appeared in Shenzhen, sparking discussions among netizens on social media platforms.

A search for “AI hair washing in Shenzhen” on Dazhongdianping, China’s popular review platform, shows locations of AI hair care store across the city, including Nanshan, Futian, Longhua and Bao’an districts, plus new outlets coming soon in various locations.

Many stores offer an entry-level package for just 9.9 yuan (US$1.36), which includes an AI hair wash experience, massage, and scalp analysis.

A woman experiences AI hair washing at a store in Longhua District. File photos

Before the session begins, customers can customize settings such as hair length, scalp type (greasy or dry), and water pressure intensity.

Customers lie on a massage bed and insert their heads into the device. Then the machine uses infrared technology to deliver water flow with precision, adjusting both pressure and temperature.

It is not an unmanned store. Employees prepare towels and earplugs and assist in the processes before and after.

Many customers tried the service out of pure curiosity about the new technology. Netizens shared mixed reactions— some praised, “It was cleaner than I expected,” while others noted drawbacks like, “It’s a shame I still have to dry my hair myself.” One user remarked, “Though the automatic water temperature adjustment was impressive, it missed scratching my itchy spots accurately.”

A staffer assists a customer in experiencing AI hair washing at a store in Futian District.

One comment even humorously wished for a pet-friendly version: “Hope they make an AI washer for dogs and cats next!”

Similar AI hair washing stores have also emerged in Guangzhou.

According to a staffer at an AI hair washing store in Tianhe District, Guangzhou, the store currently serves an average of 30 to 40 customers per day.

“AI hair washing has effectively addressed staffing shortages — with just three employees, we can simultaneously operate all machines in the store without any issues,” the staffer explained.