Amazon to open hair salon in UK to trial latest technology

Amazon opens its first ever hair salon in London where customers can test out new hair colour in augmented reality consultations

  • The bricks-and-mortar ‘experiential’ venue is launching in London’s Spitalfields 
  • Includes augmented reality hair consultations to virtually test out a new colour
  • The salon will be taking bookings from the general public ‘in the coming weeks’ 

Amazon is cutting into the hair styling sector with the opening of its own salon in the UK offering the latest in hairdressing technology.

The bricks-and-mortar ‘experiential’ venue is launching in London’s Spitalfields with technology including augmented reality hair consultations to virtually test out a new hair colour.

Set over two floors and taking up more than 1,500 square feet, the salon will initially be available to Amazon staff only but will take bookings from the general public ‘in the coming weeks’. 

The salon will offer augmented reality hair consultations to virtually test out a new hair colour

Set over two floors and more than 1,500 sq. ft. on Brushfield Street in London's Spitalfields, Amazon Salon will trial the latest industry technology

Set over two floors and more than 1,500 sq. ft. on Brushfield Street in London’s Spitalfields, Amazon Salon will trial the latest industry technology

The salon will initially be available to Amazon staff only but will take bookings from the general public 'in the coming weeks'

The salon will initially be available to Amazon staff only but will take bookings from the general public ‘in the coming weeks’

The salon will offer traditional hairdressing alongside ‘point-and-learn’ technology where customers can point at a product of interest, and more information about it will appear on a screen.

People will also be able to order products directly from Amazon to their home, by scanning QR codes displayed along shelves.

Customers will also be able to watch films on Fire tablets at each styling station and ‘capture their new look in a dedicated creative area.’ 

Amazon said there are there were ‘no current plans’ to expand the concept to other locations.

Customers will also be able to watch films on Fire tablets at each styling station

Customers will also be able to watch films on Fire tablets at each styling station

The salon will offer traditional hairdressing alongside 'point-and-learn' technology where customers can point at a product of interest, and more information about it will appear on a screen

The salon will offer traditional hairdressing alongside ‘point-and-learn’ technology where customers can point at a product of interest, and more information about it will appear on a screen

Elena Lavagni, centre, the owner of London-based Neville Hair & Beauty, will head up the concept

Elena Lavagni, centre, the owner of London-based Neville Hair & Beauty, will head up the concept

A full range of hair styling services for adults and children will be available, including cut and blow dry, full head highlights, balayage, texturiser treatments, and braids

A full range of hair styling services for adults and children will be available, including cut and blow dry, full head highlights, balayage, texturiser treatments, and braids

John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon, said: ‘We have designed this salon for customers to come and experience some of the best technology, hair care products and stylists in the industry.

‘We want this unique venue to bring us one step closer to customers, and it will be a place where we can collaborate with the industry and test new technologies.’

Elena Lavagni, owner of London-based Neville Hair & Beauty, will head up the concept.

‘I am delighted to be part of this project – the salon combines classic hairdressing services with technology to deliver a completely unique experience for clients,’ she said.

‘Our creative team of stylists, whose flair for hair is as intrinsic as their love for technology, will put the client at the heart of everything they do.

‘I feel proud to use our 40 years’ experience in the industry to help bring this salon to life.’