How augmented reality integration with on-demand beauty apps can improve the salon experience

The on-demand economy has transformed almost every business, including the beauty industry.

On-demand beauty apps have made it easy for customers to browse and book appointments with the beauticians of their choice at their own convenience.

However, convenience isn’t the primary goal of the beauty industry.

The industry’s principle objective is to make people like the way they look.

And even though on-demand beauty apps have made it easy for people to book the service of their choice, they can’t ensure that the end result will satisfy the customer.

After all, there is no guarantee that the hairstyle or makeup that you saw on the brochure will make you feel as fabulous as you had anticipated.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this specific conundrum – augmented reality.

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) blends a computer-generated image with the user’s view of the real world – thus creating a composite image.

The user can interact with the computer-generated overlays as they move within the real world.

Devices suitable for augmented reality fall into these categories – 

1. Mobile devices – Using the camera and sensors of smartphones and tablets, the most accessible form of technology, users can interact with AR content.

Furthermore, with the introduction of ARKit and ARCore on iOS and Android respectively, it has become increasingly easier to make AR applications on these platforms.

2. Wearable devices – Wearable AR technology allows the user to see their immediate real-world environment with the virtual elements overlaid.

Wearable devices, like the Microsoft HoloLens, are the most immersive way to experience AR, as they allow the user to freely move their heads and use their hands.

3. Special AR devices – They are designed exclusively for augmented reality experiences.

Examples include AR mirrors and Heads Up Displays (HUDs) that send information to a transparent display directly into the view of the user.

How can augmented reality improve the on-demand beauty service industry?

Even though photographs can help you choose the style of your choice, you cannot be certain how that particular style will look on you.

However, beauty professionals and brands can use augmented reality to showcase how their products will look on individual customers before they purchase them.

Not only does that create a personalized experience for the customers, it also increases customer engagement and sets you apart from your competitors. 

Below are a few examples of how you can utilize AR to enhance your on-demand beauty app –  

1. Finding the perfect hairstyle/hair color

Haircuts are a commitment, and no one would like to get stuck with a poor one. 

Hence, the customers can use AR and facial recognition technology to virtually try on a variety of hair styles and professional hair colors before they make up their mind. 

This gives them countless customization options and choose the best option for their face structure.

2. Choosing nail art designs

The app can scan the hands of the customer and analyses the skin tone of the user to recommend nail paints and designs suitable for the user.

They can then play around with a wide variety of colors and designs until they are satisfied with their choice.

3. Testing beauty products

AR can help the customers to find the perfect shade of lipsticks, foundation and other makeup products. 

Furthermore, the customers can see how specific products will affect their skin and get personalized skin care routine based on the products they use. 

4. Tattoos and Permanent makeup

Getting something permanent on your skin can have serious repercussions, especially if it does not turn out the way you envisioned it. 

By using AR technology that can map a virtual tattoo on a body part, the user can see how the tattoo looks from all angles.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this blog has enlightened you on how augmented reality can be instrumental in creating exceptional on-demand beauty apps.

If you are in the beauty industry and wish to create an on-demand beauty application with AR functionalities, we can help.

Idea Usher is a pioneering web-app development company with years of experience in building robust, scalable, and innovative technology solutions. Our designers, programmers and testers have previously worked on augmented reality technology. They bring their combined experience in creating salon management apps with out-of-the-box features like augmented reality.

Get in touch to get free quotes.