Some stores claim AI-generated “inspo” is distorting customers’ sense of reality

The rise of AI-generated imagery, particularly from platforms like Pinterest, is influencing customer expectations across industries such as hair styling, bridal fashion, and even hardware design. While these images provide inspiration, they often create unrealistic expectations due to their digitally enhanced perfection, leaving professionals to navigate the gap between idealized visuals and achievable results.

How AI-Generated Imagery is Shaping Customer Expectations

Hair Styling

Hairdressers report a growing trend of clients bringing AI-generated hairstyle images to salons. These images often feature exaggerated qualities like extreme shine, volume, or gravity-defying textures that are unattainable with real hair. Stylists emphasize the importance of managing expectations by explaining the limitations of real-world hair and using these images as a starting point for achievable styles.

For instance, Dean Allan, a salon owner, notes that many clients understand these images are not real but still hope for similar results. This has led to challenges in balancing creativity with practicality while ensuring client satisfaction5.

Bridal Shops

AI is also influencing the bridal industry by offering hyper-personalized recommendations for wedding dresses and decor. While this technology helps brides visualize unique options, it can also set unattainable standards. Bridal shop owners use AI as a tool to enhance customer experience but must carefully align these inspirations with realistic options that suit individual needs.

Hardware and Other Design Industries

Similar challenges arise in industries like hardware design, where AI-generated concepts may feature idealized or impractical elements. Professionals must educate clients about the feasibility of translating these designs into functional products.

The Challenges for Professionals

• Unrealistic Standards: AI-generated visuals often depict perfection—flawless textures, exaggerated features, or impossible designs—that cannot be replicated in real life.
• Client Dissatisfaction: When expectations based on AI imagery are unmet, professionals risk losing client trust and satisfaction.
• Pressure on Mental Health: Unrealistic beauty or design standards can negatively affect both clients’ self-esteem and professionals’ confidence in their craft.

How Professionals Are Addressing These Issues

Client Education

Clear communication is key. Stylists and designers explain the limitations of real-world materials and techniques compared to AI-generated visuals. For example, during consultations, hairdressers highlight how factors like gravity or hair density affect outcomes.

Using AI as a Tool, Not a Blueprint

Many professionals view AI as an inspirational starting point rather than a strict template. They adapt ideas from AI-generated images to fit the specific needs and characteristics of their clients.

Setting Realistic Expectations

By discussing what is achievable and offering alternative solutions that align with the client’s vision, professionals aim to bridge the gap between inspiration and reality.

The Dual Role of AI in Creativity

While AI can complicate customer relationships by setting impractical standards, it also serves as a powerful creative tool. It pushes boundaries by introducing new ideas and combinations that might not have been considered otherwise. However, professionals must strike a balance between leveraging this creativity and maintaining originality and realism in their work.

In summary, while AI-generated imagery offers exciting possibilities for inspiration, it is also reshaping consumer expectations in ways that challenge professionals across industries. Through education, communication, and adaptation, experts are finding ways to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its drawbacks.