Like most people I know, I turn to Pinterest for significant life decisions. About to get bangs? First, you need to compile your sources and get your references in order. But I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve searched something along the lines of “shaggy bob”– the next step in my hair journey, probably– and had to sort through beautiful photos of hairstyles on a woman whose texture looks nothing like mine. So then I do the thing where I add identifying factors: “shaggy bob curly”; “shaggy bob sorta wavy”; “shaggy bob for thick and yet somehow fine hair that can be super curly but also works with wavy hair if I want it to.”
But now, Pinterest is launching a new feature that will make searching for hairstyles so much easier. If you’re searching for a style–say, “summer styles,” six options for hair texture and pattern will appear: Protective, straight, wavy, curly, coily, and shaved/bald. When you click on the button that most describes your texture, you’ll only see results for that texture.
The goal is to empower BIPOC and create a more inclusive site that allows everyone to find inspiration that fits their hair type and texture. Naeemah LaFond, Editorial Hair Stylist, Global Artistic Director of Amika, and Pinterest Creator, believes this new tool will help everyone feel represented. “When I’m working on a shoot with straight hair white models, I can type in editorial hair, and references for her will be there. She’s the default. If I’m working on coily hair, I have to work twice as hard to find references,” she told ELLE.com. “It’s important that all people feel represented in all beauty spaces, whether it’s through technology or the experiences.”
Hopefully, this new technology will allow access for people to find inspiration online and feel represented. “I hope that this tool helps BIPOC feel more seen and included. Our beauty is rarely centered, but this tool takes a step toward leveling that playing field,” says LaFond. “I hate feeling like my hair is outside of the beauty standard when I’m online looking for reference images of women who look like me or the woman in my chair.” This new tool follows a 2018 launch that allows Pinners to choose the skin tones they’d like to see in search results when searching for beauty content, like “dewy skin.”
“Pinterest is my go-to when I go online to create a reference board for shoots and shows, and for all of them, this would have made my life so much easier,” adds LaFond. At every instance, when it comes to hair, it will make your life so much easier. It’s a huge step forward.”
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