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Will robots ever replace beauty therapists?

Are robot lash techs the future or is there still no substitute for a skilled lash technician? Rachel Cobley finds out first hand

Artficial intelligence is making its way into almost every industry, and beauty is no exception. Over the past year there’s been plenty of discussion about Luum, the Californian company using robotic technology to apply eyelash extensions.

Depending on who you ask, it’s either the future of our industry or the beginning of the end for lash technicians.

Luum was founded with the aim of combining robotics, artificial intelligence and machine vision to automate one of the most repetitive stages of eyelash extension application. The company has attracted significant investment and attention, with its technology designed to work alongside trained lash technicians rather than replace them.

Despite that, its arrival has inevitably sparked debate. Some see it as an exciting step forward that could improve consistency and efficiency, while others worry it represents AI taking over a highly skilled treatment that has always relied on human artistry and precision.

So, while I was in California, I was really excited to visit Luum and experience the technology for myself. I’d heard so much about it and, like many people in our industry, I was curious. Was this the future of lash extensions? Was AI about to replace lash technicians? Or was it simply another tool to help us work more efficiently? I went in with an open mind, keen to see beyond the headlines and make up my own mind.

Tried and tested

I’ll admit, the strangest part wasn’t the robot – it was having my head gently secured into position so I couldn’t move during the application. For the first minute or two it felt a little unusual, but once I relaxed, I completely forgot about it. The robot itself was incredibly gentle. It felt like tiny puffs of air – almost like butterfly kisses across my lashes – and I found the whole treatment surprisingly comfortable and relaxing.

What surprised me most, however, was how much of the treatment still relied on the technician. My technician, Cheyne, has 10 years’ experience as a cosmetologist, and her expertise was at the heart of the appointment. She carried out the consultation, discussed the look I wanted to achieve, selected the lash lengths and style, cleansed my lashes, applied the eye shields and completed the lash mapping before the robot even began.

During the robotic application, Cheyne remained with me throughout. She monitored the process continuously and, once the robot had finished, she carefully checked the overall look before hand-finishing the set. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t a case of pressing a button and walking away. The robot automated one stage of the treatment, but the technician remained responsible for the consultation, artistry, quality control and overall client experience.

Another interesting difference was the adhesive. Luum uses a clear, UV-cured, hypoallergenic adhesive rather than the traditional black lash glue. Adhesive sensitivities are something many lash technicians encounter during their careers, so if this technology can genuinely reduce exposure to the adhesive and lower the risk of developing allergies, it could be a significant benefit for both technicians and their clients.

Career protection

It also made me think about something that perhaps isn’t being talked about enough. Lash technicians spend hours every day working in the same position, and it’s a career that can take its toll on the neck, shoulders and wrists over time. If robotic technology can take on the repetitive stage of the treatment while the technician focuses on consultation, styling, supervision and the finishing touches, could it actually help extend careers? Rather than replacing skilled professionals, perhaps it could enable them to work more comfortably and continue doing what they love for longer.

That, for me, was the biggest surprise of the whole experience. I arrived expecting to decide whether robots would replace lash technicians. I left wondering whether they might actually help protect them.

One question I was keen to ask was why we haven’t yet seen Luum outside the United States. Cheyne explained that one of the biggest challenges is transporting the robots internationally. They’re incredibly delicate pieces of equipment, and safely shipping them by air without affecting their precision has proved difficult. It was an interesting reminder that creating the technology is only one part of the challenge – making it available around the world is another.

Future outlook

As beauty professionals, we’ve always embraced innovation. From lasers and skin analysis systems to advanced aesthetic devices, new technology hasn’t replaced us – it’s enhanced what we do. I believe robotic lash application belongs in that category.

Will it suit every salon? Probably not. Will it replace highly skilled lash artists? I don’t believe so.

What I experienced wasn’t a robot replacing a lash technician. It was an experienced lash technician working alongside innovative technology to deliver a treatment that still relied on human judgement, creativity and expertise.

Perhaps the real question isn’t whether robots are coming for our jobs. Perhaps it’s whether they’ll help us build longer, healthier and more sustainable careers.

BEFORE

AFTER

Rachel Cobley is a salon owner and holistic therapist with more than 30 years’ experience. Alongside running her salon, House of Beauty in Buckinghamshire, she is the founder of Salon Freedom, where she coaches salon owners to build profitable businesses. She has a keen interest in new technology and how innovation can support, not replace, beauty professionals.