Thai Hairdressers Navigate Evolving Society to Survive

Thai hairdressers are navigating the challenges of a changing society, seeking to sustain their profession amidst the rise of AI, evolving consumer habits, and economic pressures. This long-standing occupation, which has supported Thai society for years, now stands at a crossroads. Nong, 53, owner of Pimol Hair near Tao Poon Market in Bangkok, has been in the profession for nearly 25 years. Initially encouraged by her mother, she now sees hairdressing as a role that also involves being an emotional outlet for customers. However, about a decade ago, the opening of the Purple MRT Line made roadside parking impossible, leading to a decline in customers and revenue. Currently, she single-handedly serves about 20 customers a day. "It's exhausting, but I feel proud when I count the day's earnings," she says, emphasizing the need for hairdressers to continuously learn through training, YouTube, and other resources. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have become accustomed to styling their hair at home, and some salons that closed during the outbreak have not recovered. "Today, many people only visit salons for a haircut or because they don't want to wash their own hair," Nong states. "Neighborhood salons are increasingly serving customers with specific needs, such as those who cannot wash their own hair. Beyond that, the business hasn't grown much." While high-end salons catering to affluent clients continue to thrive, neighborhood salons have grown quieter year by year. Meanwhile, Tate, 39, owner of Roof Hair Salon in Sukhumvit, points to the social stigma surrounding hairdressing more than 20 years ago, when it was widely seen as a profession for women, with men entering the industry being rare. However, with the expansion of Thailand's creative industries, this perception has gradually improved. Tate, who holds a degree in architecture, chose to become a hairdresser, realizing that the job involves not just cutting hair but also managing finances, legal compliance, and permits for hazardous chemical use. Tate also touches upon the current legal restriction of the profession to Thai nationals, suggesting that while it protects local workers, it may be time for reconsideration. He notes that many countries allow foreign hairdressers to work if they meet certain requirements, and as labor becomes increasingly mobile, Thailand cannot ignore this trend. Furthermore, foreign stylists could cater to the needs of expatriate customers and foster the exchange of techniques and culture. The evolution of AI is also beginning to impact the profession. Tate observes, "Many customers now come in with AI-generated hairstyles. AI has already completed part of the creative process by helping people visualize what they want, and we simply bring those ideas to life." While he believes AI is unlikely to completely replace hairdressers, he also notes the shift in the role of salons, which traditionally provided emotional support during significant life moments, now being partially supplanted by AI. Hairdressers are striving to carve out a future for their profession by adapting to changing customer needs and technological advancements. Source: Bangkok Post