Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming various industries by providing wide range of applications that improve efficiency and data driven insights for informed decision making. In the haircare sector, AI is helping manufacturers to provide personalized solutions that analyze user data and deliver an immersive experience to its consumers. Moreover, increasing hair loss concerns and growing scalp conditions is compelling consumers to progressively opt for AI-powered hair care solutions, which are gaining momentum in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Figure: Global Data
Naveed Khan Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “AI in haircare integrates concepts such as machine learning, data analytics, and augmented reality (AR) to evaluate individual hair type and generate personalized recommendations based on the input. Lately, generative AI is another concept that is gaining traction in the hair care sector, with solutions such as virtual try-on tools, which use unstructured data such as images and videos to provide unique solutions to consumers.”
Deepak Nautiyal, Consumer and Retail Commercial Director, APAC and ME at GlobalData, adds: “Consumers are seeking AI-driven solutions in hair care products owing to rising awareness on hair health and growing scalp related issues. Moreover, consumers are looking for product innovations tailored to meet their diverse needs. GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey* corroborates this trend, where 57% of respondents in Asia & Australasia stated that their product purchasing decisions for cosmetic and toiletries products are either always or often influenced by how well the product/service is tailored to their needs and personality.”
Manufacturers in the APAC region is leveraging the trend and introducing innovative solutions and applications that cater to the demands of consumers. For instance, in June 2024, Unilever introduced AI-based application, BeautyHub PRO, in the Philippines and Thailand. The solution is an AI-powered selfie mobile application that provides skincare and hair care product recommendations on-the-go. Moreover, in March 2024, the company’s Dove brand launched a Scalp + Hair Therapist tool that uses generative AI to device a personalized hair and scalp profile.” In Hong Kong, AI startup, HairCoSys introduced a hair and scalp evaluation system through its mobile application, that identifies the condition of hair and scalp and recommends solutions based on the analysis.
Khan concludes: “Consumers are seeking personalized, and technology driven solutions for their unique hair needs. As a result, the hair care market provides significant growth opportunities to manufacturers even as the volatile market conditions pose challenges. ”
*GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey – Asia & Australasia, published in July 2024, included 6,506 respondents
