From electric razors, beard trimmers and hair clippers to toothbrushes and skincare devices, smart grooming gadgets are filling department and drug store shelves with rapid-fire speed. Equipped with advanced technology like Bluetooth connectivity, sensors or AI capabilities, they can offer a more personalized and efficient grooming experience via their app connectivity, precision sensors and/or customizable settings. For example, a smart electric razor might use sensors to track your shaving patterns, allowing you to adjust your settings for optimal results. Similarly, a smart toothbrush can monitor your brushing techniques and then, send feedback to an app to help you improve your dental hygiene.
Yet with their tech-based complexities, smart gadgets can also be trickier to use than, say, a traditional razor blade or manual toothbrush. They also come with a higher price tag and may require regular software updates or maintenance. Smart electric razors can range from $100 to $300 with premium models offering more advanced features and app integration. Smart beard trimmers and hair clippers typically fall between $50 and $150, depending on the range of settings and connectivity options, while smart toothbrushes can cost anywhere between $30 and $200, with higher-end models offering more detailed feedback and connectivity.
And then there’s the unexpected costs that can include long-term financial maintenance and your privacy. “With technology revolutionizing nearly every aspect of our lives, it’s hardly surprising that smart grooming gadgets have gained popularity, offering a more tailored and efficient beauty routine,” says Philipp Pratt, an innovation expert with Geonode, a data resource, research and collection platform. “However, beneath the glitzy allure and promise of convenience, the actual cost of these innovative devices might be higher than consumers anticipate.” Here’s what Pratt has to say about smart gadgets’ hidden expenses.
THE CONCEALED COSTS
These unexpected costs can vary from higher electricity bills to less apparent expenses related to privacy and health risks. They can include:
- Increased Energy Consumption: Being electronic, smart grooming devices contribute to your utility bills. Depending on their power requirements and usage, these costs can accumulate over time. A 2021 article in Forbes magazine mentioned the compounding energy consumption due to smart devices.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Smart gadgets may not be built to last as long as traditional grooming tools, necessitating frequent replacements or costly repairs.
- Reliance on Subscriptions: Some gadgets require monthly subscriptions or regular purchases of specific products for optimal use, contributing to recurring costs.
“The actual financial impact extends beyond the initial fees,” adds Pratt. “Energy costs, potential repairs, maintenance and subscriptions can inflate the overall price of a device.”
PRIVACY AND SECURITY RISKS
Data privacy is a significant concern with any smart device. Remember the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma that explored our privacy (and lack of it!) through social media? Well, it’s kind of the same thing. Some smart grooming devices gather personal data, from your skin type to hair growth patterns. “Once data is digitized, it’s vulnerable,” explains Pratt. “Consumers need to scrutinize the security protocols of these devices and the company’s privacy policies.”
THE HUMAN HEALTH FACTOR
Smart grooming gadgets heavily rely on electronic components and artificial intelligence. The potential impact of this technology on human health is largely unknown and research is ongoing, says Pratt. “Understanding the health implications of prolonged exposure to certain frequencies and electromagnetic fields emitted by smart devices is still in early stages,” he adds.
BALANCING THE PROS AND CONS
Deciding to invest in smart grooming gadgets should be made after considering all the implications. Here are three questions Pratt suggests you ask yourself before buying:
- What are the long-term costs and savings? Consider the energy requirement, maintenance costs, subscription fees and potential repair costs. Will this device save you money in the long run? Is the convenience worth the extra cost?
- What data is being collected and how is it used? Review the company’s privacy policy. Is your personal data safeguarded?
- Are there any potential health risks associated with this device? Research the technology the device uses and any health risks that might be associated with it.
Ultimately, smart grooming gadgets can be a fantastic addition to your daily routine if used thoughtfully and responsibly. “New technology always brings new challenges,” affirms Pratt. “What’s crucial is to stay informed and consider all the factors before investing in them.”
