AI-Generated Hairstyles Are Entering a Salon Near You
Hairdressers across the world are reporting a new phenomenon: clients asking for AI-generated hairstyles. We used to bring inspo pictures of our favorite celebrity hair or posts we pinned to our Pinterest board for safekeeping. But now clients are bringing AI-generated haircuts and asking stylists to recreate the looks. Is this the new normal or a flash in the pan in the world of hair?
Featured Experts
AI-Generated Hairstyles Enter the Salon
According to celebrity hairstylist, natural hair educator and creator of Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear, Kim Kimble, AI-generated hairstyles are not yet common. “I’ve gotten this request sometimes, but not often,” Kimble explains. “It’s not a request I hear regularly, and I think part of it is that many people aren’t even aware of AI-generated haircuts or what they entail.”
There are some signature aspects of these images, like glossy lighting, that celebrity stylist and Goldwell ambassador, Steven Picciano, has started to associate with AI.
“I personally don’t get a lot of requests for any anime or super extreme haircuts where AI could make the end result less realistic,” Picciano says. “But truthfully, I find clients are drawn to the styling and lighting in AI images. If a client is willing to do the work, I’m willing to show them how to get as close to it as humanly possible.”
How do experts feel about AI-generated hairstyles?
The good news is that stylists are ready to welcome AI-generated hairstyles and give the looks an expert touch.
“AI-generated images for hair inspiration are an exciting tool. They offer endless styles, colors and textures, especially for textured hair,” Kimble says. “While they’re great for visualizing looks, it’s important to consult a professional stylist to ensure the style suits your hair type and features. AI can inspire creativity, but it can’t replace the expertise and personalized touch of a stylist.”
“Truly, I love any type of inspirational photo as long it is followed with a consultation that both establishes the client’s needs as well as what is realistic and possible,” adds Picciano. “An engaged client is much more likely to be a happy client.”
How to Manage Expectations
That consultation and human touch allow clients to get an idea of how these images would translate to their hair. And that might mean bringing expectations down to earth.
“Well, we have to establish that things like gravity do exist,” Picciano says. “So super floaty textures may not be realistic. Hair density will also still play a major part in how their finished style will look.”
“When it comes to textured AI-generated haircuts, it’s important to manage expectations,” Kimble agrees. “While AI can suggest great styles, the final result depends on your hair’s texture, density and how it reacts to different cuts.”
Ultimately, you can think of AI as a starting point. One that your stylist can run with.
“AI is a tool for inspiration, but a skilled stylist will adapt it to fit your unique needs and face shape,” explains Kimble. “Combining AI ideas with expert care leads to a look that complements your personal style.”
