7 minute read
Exploring ChatGPT. Transforming Hair Colour Formulation
By Kristina Russell
In the ever-evolving landscape of hair colour, where trends shift like the seasons, innovation is key. Among the latest advancements, one technology stands out: ChatGPT. Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, ChatGPT offers a revolutionary approach to generating basic hair colour formulas.
As we delve into this ground breaking tool, we’ll explore its benefits for newcomers to the industry, its limitations, and the indispensable role of expert guidance in mastering the art of hair colouring.
Embracing Innovation: ChatGPT for Hair Colour Formulation
ChatGPT’s entry into the realm of hair colour formulation marks a significant milestone. For emerging colourists, it serves as a springboard into the world of creative expression. Imagine having a virtual assistant at your fingertips, ready to generate tailored colour formulas, based on your preferences and desired outcomes. Whether you’re experimenting with new toners or navigating the nuances of a particular colour brand, ChatGPT offers invaluable support.
Chat GPT is a free app you can access on your mobile device or desktop computer. If you’re an emerging colourist or hairdresser seeking inspiration for formulas, I’ve got a couple of ideas to help you get started with Chat GPT. Here are a couple of scripts you could try…
Pastel Dream: Looking to achieve the perfect pastel hue? Simply input your desired base shade and target colour intensity into ChatGPT, and voila! You’ll receive a formula that transforms your vision into reality.
Natural toned Balayage: Striving for a seamless blend of natural tones? ChatGPT can provide nuanced formulas that enhance your client’s features while maintaining a natural allure. Try writing the keywords of balayage and the starting level of your client and tones for suggested formulas. Don’t forget to include your target level!
Understanding the Limitations
While ChatGPT serves as a valuable tool in the colourist’s arsenal, it’s essential to recognize its limitations. Hair colour formulation is a multifaceted process influenced by numerous variables, including hair texture, porosity, and existing colour history. Here’s where ChatGPT may fall short:
- Individual Variability: Each head of hair is unique, presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities. ChatGPT’s algorithms may struggle to account for the intricacies of individual hair types, leading to formula suggestions that require adjustment.
- Brand-to-Brand Conversion: While ChatGPT excels at generating formulas within a specific brand’s product range, it may encounter difficulties when transitioning between brands. Different formulations and ingredient concentrations can yield varying results, requiring manual adjustments by the colourist.
Trust me! I have tried to do brand conversions with very detailed scripts to help the AI and it just couldn’t do it. Nothing can replace us doing physical swatching in the salon and generating our personalised formula library.
The Path to Mastery: Expert Guidance and Training
As invaluable as ChatGPT may be, it’s no substitute for the expertise and insight of a seasoned colourist. Mastery of hair colour formulation requires hands-on experience, meticulous observation, and a deep understanding of colour theory. That’s where expert guidance comes into play.
Nothing replaces investing in education and working with a haircolour coach to help you every step of the way. I have flexible pathways for learning with both online education and inperson workshops.
ChatGPT represents a game-changing innovation in the world of hair colour formulation, offering newfound possibilities for creativity and exploration. However, its efficacy is tempered by the inherent complexities of hair colour chemistry and individual variability.
Aspiring colourists must complement technological tools like ChatGPT with hands-on training and mentorship to unlock their full potential. As an Industry mentor and Brand-Free Hair Colour Educator, I’m committed to empowering the next generation of colourists through a blend of cutting-edge technology and expert guidance.
In this article for Hair Biz magazine, I’m sharing how to navigate technology that’s easy and accessible whilst openly sharing what to be wary of. Chat GPT is a great foundation or research tool that can springboard new ideas but is certainly not a replacement for swatching and supported training.
In the dynamic world of hair colouring, precision and creativity are paramount. With the emergence of ChatGPT, an AI-powered assistant, hairdressers now have a cuttingedge tool at their disposal for generating customized colour formulas. Let’s delve deeper into the capabilities of ChatGPT, exploring specific examples and scenarios where it can streamline the formulation process.
Example Prompts: Unveiling ChatGPT’s Potential
Example 1: Transitioning to a Level 8 Ginger
Hairdresser: “ChatGPT, I have a client with natural level 6 hair and approximately 10% grey. How can I achieve a vibrant level 8 ginger shade with [your brand]?”
ChatGPT: “Based on your client’s starting level and desired outcome, I recommend using a combination of warm-toned shades. Consider mixing 1 part [Brand] 7.4 Copper Blonde with 1 part [Brand] 8.3 Golden Blonde. Adjust developer volume according to desired lift and deposit.”
Example 2: Neutralizing Brassiness in Blonde Hair
Hairdresser: “ChatGPT, my client’s blonde highlights are appearing brassy. What formula can I use to neutralise the unwanted tones?”
ChatGPT: “To neutralise brassiness in blonde hair, opt for a toning solution with cool undertones. Try mixing 1 part [Brand] 9.1 Ash Blonde with 1 part [Brand] 10.1 Platinum Blonde. Use a 10-volume developer for gentle toning action.”
This one makes me a little nervous I must admit because I would never use 10 vol when toning. This is a more detailed script to try in this scenario; “Chat GPT, my client has level 8 golden highlights that we want to be toned to a level 7 ash, what can I use with my [brand]?”
Example 3: Creating a Natural Balayage Effect
Hairdresser: “ChatGPT, I’m aiming to achieve a natural balayage effect on my client’s medium brown hair. What formula do you recommend for my lightener using [brand] and toner [brand]?”
ChatGPT: “For a seamless balayage effect on medium brown hair, consider a gradual transition to lighter tones. Try blending 1 part [Brand] 6.0 Dark Blonde with 1 part [Brand] 7.0 Medium Blonde for subtle dimension. Use a freehand painting technique for a natural, sun-kissed finish.”
The Importance of Expert Guidance
While ChatGPT provides a valuable resource for hairdressers, it cannot replace the expertise and experience of a seasoned professional. Mastery in hair colouring requires hands-on training, continuous learning, and a deep understanding of colour theory.
But be warned! When I recently attempted to create 5 examples of Peach Hair Colour Toners for a recent online masterclass, I hosted I realised I would only consider using 1 out of the 5 suggestions.
So just like a consultation in the salon where our clients might have a different expectation or vision to us, it’s the same for Chat GPT. This technology is also not able to use photo uploads yet, which inhibits sharing the same vision with the robot replies generated in Chat GPT.
ChatGPT represents a groundbreaking advancement in the realm of hair colour formulation, offering hairdressers unprecedented access to tailored formulas and creative inspiration. By leveraging this innovative tool alongside expert guidance and training, hairdressers can elevate their craft and unlock new realms of possibility in hair colouring. Embrace the future of hairdressing with ChatGPT as your trusted ally, guiding you towards endless possibilities in colour creativity.
Now is the time to transform your relationship with formulations & hair colouring, make more money and uplevel your salon colour clientele in every way imaginable.
I have flexible education pathways suitable for every learning style with online programs and in-person events. Take a look at my website if you’re a hairdresser or salon owner, suite owner, booth renter, commission stylist, self-employed freelancer, newbie to the industry or salon professional with years of experience.
Please reach out to me to enquire about attending a class or hosting me in your space in 2024 for a hands-on workshop or demonstration session. I will be touring across Australia and internationally.
Learn more about my Brand Free Colour Academy for Hairdressers at www.kristinarussell.com.au/courses
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