Manicurists and Pedicurists

In nail salons today, routine tasks like booking clients and taking payments are often handled by computers or apps. For example, salon software (DaySmart, AppointmentQuest, etc.) manages calendars and client records ^{[1] [2]}. Studies note that AI could even predict busy times to auto-schedule staff and restock supplies ^[2].

There are also new machines for the polish step: one company’s robot uses 3D cameras and AI to scan each fingernail and apply color in about 10 minutes ^{[3] [4]}. (In fact, researchers say robots in salons only appeared around 2021 ^[2].) However, these machines only paint polish—they don’t trim, buff, or push back cuticles. So far, delicate work like cuticle care or nail wrapping still requires the careful skill of a human.

Automation tends to spread first where it’s cheap and helpful. Salon owners can easily add online booking or chatbots because the software is affordable ^{[1] [2]}. In contrast, a high-tech nail robot is expensive to buy and maintain. (Most nail technicians earn under \$17/hour, so a robot must do many jobs before it pays off.) On the upside, quick AI services can draw in clients – for example, a 10-minute polish for about €10 ^[3] – which can boost business.

In the end, experts believe AI will mostly handle back-office or routine parts of the job (scheduling, reminders, simple polish designs) while humans keep doing the creative, hands-on care like shaping nails and chatting with clients. This mix means manicurists’ jobs won’t disappear; instead, AI could take over the boring bits and let people focus on skill and personal touch ^{[2] [4]}.