As a freelance journalist and copywriter active in the beauty industry for the past eight years, I can attest that the innovation of AI is currently one of its hottest topics. Artificial intelligence (AI) allows machines to learn and improve with experience, much like humans.
I often visit clinics and salons to try out the latest treatments or interview aestheticians or hair stylists, and AI has become more and more prevalent. For instance, stylists have analyzed my skin with AI tools to preview a potential new hair color.
Ahead, I consider how AI is affecting the cosmetology industry, and discuss exciting future trends and innovations.
The Role of AI in Cosmetology
From analyzing and diagnosing skin conditions and hair types to managing booking systems and appointments, AI has already made a huge impact in the cosmetology industry. Many clinics use it on a day-to-day basis. To find out more, I spoke to a range of experts and clinic owners, including Dr. Tijion Esho, a British aesthetician, cosmetic surgeon, and founder of Cult Skin clinics1; Emma Coleman, a dermatology nurse practitioner and owner of Emma Coleman Skin Clinics2; and Kristina Maccaro3, a salon owner and hair color specialist at Love Lane Salon4.
Data-driven insights.
Dr. Esho says that data-driven insights provided by AI enable his business to deliver a more tailored and effective approach to patient care. “In a field like aesthetics, where every treatment should feel personalized and results need to be exceptional, AI enhances our ability to achieve those outcomes consistently,” he explains.
“In my clinics, we’ve integrated AI-driven skin analysis tools, which were introduced in 2020,” Dr. Esho continues. “These systems use advanced imaging to assess skin conditions such as pigmentation, texture, and even underlying vascular issues. They provide a comprehensive analysis in seconds, helping both the practitioner and patient understand the skin at a deeper level.”
Additionally, his clinics have started incorporating AI scheduling tools to streamline patient bookings, ensuring a seamless and efficient clinic experience. They even use AI to help answer out-of-office queries and otherwise assist clients.
Nurse practitioner Emma Coleman shares a similar experience. “AI assists in making us more time effective and enables us to concentrate more on the physical treatments with our clients,” she says. “It’s become an important part of our daily clinic routine. We also use AI software to create personalized plans for our clients after their initial visit, usually a consultation. This is emailed to them and allows them to see clear options and pricing. We can also make bespoke packages with our software.”
Other business owners spoke of AI’s role in improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing human error, and ensuring consistency. Additional AI tools streamline workflow, giving practitioners more time to spend with their patients.
AI-powered skincare solutions.
AI can offer plenty of value to the skincare space — from prescribing AI-driven skincare products to analyzing a patient’s skin condition and offering a personalized treatment plan.
“AI uses imaging technology and algorithms trained on vast datasets to detect and assess skin issues with remarkable accuracy,” Dr. Esho says. “It can identify subtle signs of aging, sun damage, or other concerns that might not be visible to the naked eye. Based on this analysis, it provides recommendations for treatments tailored to the patient’s unique needs, whether that’s medical-grade skincare, laser treatments, or injectables. This level of precision allows us to create highly personalized treatment plans, ensuring optimal results.”
In my own experience, many clinics offer imaging technology like this. I’ve had my own skin assessed a couple of times — a service now included as part of many high-end facials — revealing areas of slight damage and inflammation. Very quickly, the practitioner was able to pass on both good news and bad: while I had protected my face well from the effects of UV, I did have some issues with rosacea and eczema. She then created a bespoke facial to address these specific needs, providing my most personalized beauty appointment ever.
In addition, this new technology has safety implications. Emma Coleman is looking to introduce AI tech within some of her clinical machines. “This will allow us to perform treatments more safely and effectively,” she says. “Laser therapy is one example.”
Haircare and styling.
Similar innovations are popping up in the haircare industry. I recently tested the Dyson Airwrap for a beauty feature for a national newspaper. After I entered my hair type, texture, and preferred style into the Dyson app, it created my own personalized styling tutorial, guiding me step-by-step to a curly new look.
Salon owner Kristina Maccaro and her other stylists love using GHD Smart Styler tools. This is just one brand; others include L’Oréal’s Kérastase Hair Coach and Shiseido’s Senso Diagnostic, which assesses hair quality. Wella Professionals’ ColorConsult can suggest optimal shades based on skin tone and current hair color, while Nioxin’s Scalp Dermabrasion Treatment Scanner can help tailor scalp treatments.
“We will sometimes use Chat GPT to help us create personalized treatment plans based on hair condition and client goals,” Kristina adds. “We have also had clients use virtual try-on tools to help them visualize new hairstyles or colors before a large transformation. These are resources we use often; knowing they are there is a game changer in communicating with clients and setting clear expectations.”
Beyond just personalizing services to improve the client experience, Kristina’s team finds that these tools boost productivity. “We’re also able to reduce consultation time in the salon by having clients submit consultations prior to their appointments, and can leverage AI to provide insights.”
Future Trends and Innovations
Personalizing treatment plans and improving patient safety and efficacy lead the list of reasons for clinics and salons to incorporate AI. However, new applications are appearing on the horizon, and many clinic owners are ready to integrate them.
“The future of AI in cosmetology is incredibly exciting,” says Dr. Esho. “I’m particularly intrigued by developments in predictive AI, which could anticipate how a patient’s skin will age or respond to treatments. Another game-changer is real-time AI guidance during procedures, such as injectables, to ensure symmetry and precision, with software such as Aura.” Virtual try-ons and augmented reality tools are evolving rapidly, he continues; Crisalix offers patients a glimpse of potential results before they even begin treatment. “These advancements will redefine how we approach beauty, making it more personalized and accessible than ever.”
Business owners: while adding new equipment and software to your clinic or salon calls for investment and training, this outlay of resources ensures that your consumers get what they expect (and what they deserve). Cosmetology and AI can produce better patient outcomes, improve safety measures, deliver more personalized treatments, and ultimately create loyal customers. Consider these tools to unlock additional business growth and client satisfaction in your clinic or salon.