If it’s one of those boring days and you don’t know how to get through it, try this. Just key in the words ‘virtual model’ on any internet search engine and see the huge number and variety of responses that come up. From virtual hair models to virtual makeovers to virtual dressing to even virtual weight loss models, the list is, well, ‘virtually’ endless.

So, if it’s a new hairstyle or a new look for yourself that you want to try out, before physically going in for it, just upload a photograph, enter your hair type, body shape, build, height and weight and see how the new, customised ‘you’ appears. And there’s even a ‘male’ section for the metrosexuals of the world to explore their best looks in.

But why go in for a virtual look, when you can get it done in person? Here are some answers. “I generally try out a new hairdo or style of dressing online before making a decision about it in reality. One, it saves me time and money. Two, I can be really sure of the look before going in for it, which saves me the hassle of having to reverse it or regret doing it, later,” says Neha Jaipal, a 16-year-old who regularly tries out virtual looks. “The last time I got a new hair colour, I was pretty sure it’d look good on me. I had tried it out online before going to my hairdresser,” Neha adds.

But as with everything, there’s a downside to the process. “It may work for some people but ultimately, it’s the person giving you the hair job who’ll be responsible for the end result. If computers could do everything, why would we need skilled professionals? It definitely needs to be more personalised to really work,” says Ritika Ramtri Kumar, soft skills trainer and pageant coach.

True, if it’s skilled work we are talking about here, then virtual might not always work. But for such things as virtual weight loss or a personalised style of dressing, it might still be of much help.