Barbers say more customers now request AI-suggested hairstyles

The rising popularity of AI-generated images is creating new challenges for hair stylists and barbers as customers increasingly bring machine-learning generated hairstyle references to their appointments.

Current trend and immediate impact: Hair professionals are experiencing a surge in clients showing them AI-generated images for haircut inspiration, particularly notable in beauty salons across North America.

• Dean Allan, an Edmonton-based salon owner, reports seeing an increasing number of clients presenting AI-generated reference photos
• These AI images typically feature unrealistic characteristics, such as unusually thick hair and an artificial sheen
• The trend represents a shift from the traditional practice of bringing celebrity photos as style references

Technical limitations and practical challenges: AI image generators create idealized representations that often fail to account for real-world physical limitations and individual hair characteristics.

• AI models make no distinction between achievable and impossible hairstyles, often producing images that defy natural hair properties
• The technology combines unrealistic elements like anime-perfect hair with idealized facial structures
• These artificial references can create unreasonable expectations for both clients and stylists

Professional response and adaptation: Hair professionals are developing strategies to manage client expectations when presented with AI-generated reference images.

• Stylists are encouraged to be direct with clients about what is and isn’t achievable
• Allan emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and declining requests that cannot be realistically achieved
• Professionals are reframing these images as “inspiration” rather than exact templates for replication

Broader technological context: The trend reflects a wider integration of AI technology in the beauty and fashion industries.

• Popular apps like FaceApp and Facetune already offer AI-powered hair modification features
• Major retailers including Google and Walmart have implemented AI virtual try-on features for clothing
• These tools, while convenient, have faced criticism for potentially reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards

Looking ahead – beauty standards in the AI era: The increasing prevalence of AI-generated reference images in beauty services highlights growing tensions between digital idealization and physical reality, potentially reshaping client expectations and professional practices in the beauty industry while raising important questions about the impact of artificial perfection on self-image and beauty standards.