# Augmented Salon Brands are launching salons that are enhanced by AR technology. By [Grace Mahas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Grace.Mahas), VP of Content & Insights | Published May 13, 2021 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/augmented-salon-1 ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Augmented Salon trend? **Augmented Salon:** Beauty brands have been experimenting with beauty try-on technology for some time, but AR technologies are now sophisticated enough to use in salons reliably. Rather than solely relying on verbal communication, the software in the augmented salons helps both clients and hairdressers visualize the available options for styling, cutting, and coloring. ## The consumer insight behind the Augmented Salon trend The rapid rate of technological advancement has increased consumers' expectations surrounding the products and services available to them. In services where reliable communication is key, consumers will flock to brands that allow them to experiment with their products or service before purchasing them. This level of engagement and personalization is crucial to contemporary consumers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 16, 2019 to May 13, 2021 - Published: May 13, 2021 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Augmented Salon trend ### AR Salon Technology Beauty brands are investing in AR technology for in-salon experiences, allowing for enhanced communication and customer visualization of styling options. ### Smart Beauty Consultation Tools The rise of smart mirrors and AI-powered systems in the beauty industry is ushering in new tools for individualized customer experiences that allow customers to visualize changes and minimize unexpected outcomes. ### Virtual Try-On Experiences Virtual experiences such as Essie on Hand allow consumers to try out products remotely, enabling accessibility and reducing friction in the purchasing process. ## What the Augmented Salon trend means for industry ### For Beauty & Salon Services The beauty and salon industry is seeing rapid innovation with the integration of AR and AI technologies to create more personalized experiences. ### For Consumer Electronics The rise in technologies such as smart mirrors and facial recognition software is driving innovation in the consumer electronics industry. ### For E-commerce & Retail Virtual try-on services and online purchase options are disrupting traditional purchasing models in the retail and e-commerce industry. ## Workshop question How can your brand leverage augmented reality to enhance consumer satisfaction? ## Trend signals for Augmented Salon Trend score 5.9 out of 10, from popularity 91%, activity 77%, freshness 10%. - Popularity: 91% - Activity: 77% - Freshness: 10% ## Examples of the Augmented Salon trend 5 featured examples from Jan 16, 2019 to May 13, 2021. - [Virtual Nail Polish Salons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/essie-on-hand): Essie on Hand is a Pandemic-Friendly Alternative to Swatching (Category: Fashion) Implication: Virtual try-on services are disrupting the beauty industry, allowing customers to see products in action before committing to a purchase. - [Next-Gen Salon Consultations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-salon-consultation): Smart Salon Consultation by Backstage Debuted at CES 2021 (Category: Fashion) Implication: The beauty industry can adopt virtual salon consultation software to enhance customer experience and improve communication between hairdressers and clients. - [Tech Giant AR Salons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-salon): Amazon Opens New Augmented Salon to Showcase Technology to Client & Stylists (Category: Fashion) Implication: The beauty industry can benefit from incorporating augmented reality consultations and allowing customers to test and visualize products before buying. - [Smart Beauty Consultation Mirrors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-beauty-consultation): Wella Professionals' Mirror Uses AR and AI for Live Try-Ons (Category: Marketing) Implication: Beauty professionals can take advantage of smart mirror features to improve customer experience, relationship building, and increase sales through virtual try-on options. - [Augmented Hair Salon Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-mirror-color-dj): Wella Professionals Recently Debuted the Smart Mirror & Color DJ (Category: Fashion) Implication: The hair and beauty industry is implementing augmented reality to revolutionize the way clients interact with and visualize potential hair and beauty services. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)