Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries worldwide, and the beauty, spa and aesthetics sectors are no exception.
From diagnosing skin concerns to enhancing client consultations, AI is helping beauty and wellness professionals refine their services while maintaining the essential human touch.
AI in skin analysis and treatment planning
Victoria Burles-Piihl, an aesthetic dermatology nurse and co-founder of Cutis Clinic Denmark and Apeer Beauty, has seen first-hand how AI is transforming skin consultations and treatment planning.
"AI facial scanning technology has revolutionised how I approach skin conditions such as melasma," says Burles-Piihl. "By distinguishing between vascular, dermal and epidermal melasma, AI enables me to design targeted and effective treatment plans, eliminating guesswork and ensuring optimal results."
AI’s ability to analyse vast amounts of data means skincare professionals can now offer highly personalised treatment recommendations.
"In my clinics, AI-enhanced skin assessments ensure that every client receives a regimen tailored to their specific concerns, whether it's hydration, pigmentation correction or anti-ageing solutions," she explains.
Enhancing consultation efficiency
Consultations are the foundation of effective skincare, but they can be time-consuming.
AI-powered tools streamline this process by collecting essential client data before an appointment even begins.
Virtual skin assessments provide real-time analysis, allowing practitioners to focus on strategic decision-making rather than lengthy manual evaluations.
"AI-powered tools collect information such as skin history, lifestyle factors, and previous treatments before a client even steps into the clinic. This allows me to spend more time discussing tailored solutions rather than gathering basic details," says Burles-Piihl.
Boosting client engagement and retention
AI is also playing a key role in client retention by tracking progress and encouraging engagement.
Automated follow-ups remind clients of their next appointments and provide personalised skincare recommendations based on real-time data.
"Our face scanner tracks the skin’s true age, and my loyal clients are offered a complimentary facial scan every year," Burles-Piihl shares.
"They’re often intrigued to see their skin’s true age fall lower than their actual age, which motivates them to continue their skincare and treatment plans. In fact, my records indicate that clients who received AI-supported progress tracking had a 40% higher rebooking rate."
Can AI replace the human touch in beauty and wellness?
Despite AI’s many advantages, the essence of beauty therapy lies in human connection.
While AI enhances consultations, diagnostics and treatment planning, it cannot replace the skill and intuition of experienced professionals.
"AI is my supportive tool, not a replacement for my intuition and understanding," says Burles-Piihl. "In my clinics, I combine AI diagnostics with traditional dermoscopic assessments and in-depth client conversations to ensure a holistic approach."
Hellen Ward, managing director of Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa and co-founder of the Salon Employers Association (SEA), also believes the human touch remains irreplaceable.
"The more the world becomes robotic, and the more limited human contact is, the more in demand we will become," she says.
"AI may be able to prescribe, consult, book, and recommend, but it is no substitute for the wisdom, experience and personal connection of a skilled therapist."
In an increasingly digital world, AI is helping beauty professionals elevate their services while ensuring that human expertise remains at the heart of the client experience.
The future of beauty and aesthetics lies not in AI replacing professionals but in empowering them to deliver even better results.
