What does the salon of the future look like?

Just getting my teeth into writing up a report about the recent L'Oréal Professionnel Portfolio Conference in Ibiza.

One of the presentations included a vision of the three scenarios for hair salons in the future. They envisaged:

Eco-Systemic

A next generation green salon that would provide its own fuel, be built with recycled material and use 100% natural colour and styling ranges.

Lab and Salon

A salon that uses the latest technology (Web 3.0) to take a diagnostic approach to all aspects of hair from growth to colouring and styling.

Ultimate Creativity

Stylists and technicians will let their imaginations run wild as they create any hair colour they can imagine - including metallic - and use laser scissors for precision cutting.

At first thought it all seems like something out of a sci-fi movie, but actually is it so far removed from where we already are?

Many salons now use diagnostic scalp cameras to look more closely at their client's roots and recently we've heard examples of salons that use solar panels for their electricity supply and are turning to an ever-increasing list of sulphate-free, paraban-free, perfume-free, colour-free product ranges.

So is it the creativity that is lagging behind and, if so, who's role is it to bring it up to speed? Manufacturers creating more innovative colour and extension ranges, stylists and colourists pushing the boundaries or even clients being ready to take their look that step further? 

It got me wondering how often - if at all - you think about what your salon looks like in the future? Does anyone picture a place where you work in one of the above visions or could the three blur together into one super salon?

And if you're busy using your laser scissors in a super salon, what does my job look like?

I'm thinking I can be sat at home with an ipad on my lap, but how will you be reading my ramblings? In a magazine on a phone, on a projector on the wall of your staff room?

None of us know the answers but the future definitely looks a fascinating place. 

You can read the full report about the LP congress in HJ June 18 or on HJi much sooner...