AI in the Beauty Space

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, no industry is left untouched. In the beauty space, AI has become a shopping assistant, a source of skincare knowledge, and even a tool for brand activations in the metaverse.

Confusing the Internet

However, as AI technology advances, it's becoming more difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Recently, search queries for Jason Momoa and Lana Del Rey's new haircuts spiked. The catch? The photos circulating online were not real — they were artificially generated.

Unrealistic Expectations

While AI has its benefits in the hair space, stylists are approaching it with caution. Clients often use AI-generated images as style references without realizing their origin. This can lead to unrealistic expectations of what a real-life hairstyle should look like.

The Upsides of AI

Despite the challenges, AI offers some advantages in the hair industry. Stylist Kee Taylor explains that AI allows you to generate a hairstyle right in front of the client, giving them a clear idea of what they will look like before committing to a new look. This boosts clients' confidence in their hairstyling decisions.

The Existential Threat

However, AI also poses an existential threat to the beauty industry, particularly as digital media becomes more prevalent. With AI's ability to generate multiple looks from just a few photos, professionals in photography, the arts, and editorial may face a decline in demand for their services.

The Moral Dilemma

There is also a moral dilemma surrounding the use of AI. Celebrities like Taylor Swift have fallen victim to AI-generated deepfake images, leading lawmakers to take action against the creation of such content. However, legislation on AI has a long way to go, and the technology is here to stay.

Finding Beauty in AI

Despite the concerns, Kee Taylor encourages embracing the beauty in AI and not being afraid of it. Familiarizing ourselves with the signs of artificially generated photos can help us navigate the digital landscape and appreciate the work of AI in the beauty space.