Using AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch: A Conversation for Modern Hairstylists

Lisa
1 day ago
3 min read

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, including the beauty and hairstyling world. But with great power comes the responsibility to use it wisely. In a recent joint discussion between The Modern Hair Stylist Podcast and Stylist Soul Tribe Conversations, Hunter Donia, Lisa Huff, and Jodie Brown dove deep into the benefits, pitfalls, and ethical considerations of AI—particularly tools like ChatGPT—in our industry.

The Rise of AI in Our Industry

While AI tools like ChatGPT have been available for over two years, adoption is still uneven. Some professionals have never tried them, while others have fully integrated them into daily operations. Those who have embraced AI are finding it invaluable for tasks like brainstorming, content creation, and streamlining workflows.

But there’s a growing concern: when used without intention, AI can become a crutch rather than a tool.

Tool vs. Crutch

The trio emphasized the importance of ensuring AI supports your unique voice rather than replacing it. Overreliance can lead to generic, repetitive content that blends into the digital noise.

Signs you might be using AI as a crutch:

You copy and paste outputs without personalization.
Your content “sounds like AI” with patterns like overuse of em dashes or unnecessary emojis.
Your responses—especially to clients—feel impersonal and scripted.

Instead, AI should facilitate creativity, not replace it. The best results come when you bring your own ideas and expertise, then let AI help polish or organize them.

Quality Over Quantity

One of the pitfalls of “AI-first” content creation is the potential drop in quality. While AI speeds up production, it can also lead to an overproduction of low-quality, formulaic material. The goal is to stand out with authenticity—something AI can’t replicate without your input.

Fact-Checking Is Non-Negotiable

While AI can be a powerful research tool, it’s not infallible. The hosts highlighted numerous cases where ChatGPT provided incorrect or fabricated information—sometimes with complete confidence. This can be especially problematic in areas like:

Date calculations
Legal, financial, or tax advice
Client testimonials or quotes from transcripts

Always verify facts independently and use AI as a starting point, not a final authority.

The Client Communication Trap

An emerging issue is AI-generated responses in sensitive client interactions, such as resolving conflicts. Longtime clients may notice a sudden change in tone if you rely on generic, overly formal AI wording. This can erode trust and damage relationships. Human warmth and familiarity are irreplaceable.

The Slippery Slope of Emotional Support

While some users turn to AI for emotional processing, the hosts stressed that AI is not a replacement for trained mental health professionals. AI may unintentionally validate harmful beliefs or misinformation without critical assessment. In business contexts, this same tendency can cause it to agree with and reinforce flawed ideas rather than challenge them constructively.

The Environmental Impact

One lesser-discussed concern is the environmental footprint of AI. Training AI models consumes significant energy and water resources. While ongoing use is less intensive, the rapid growth of AI adoption makes sustainability an important consideration. The hosts argued for holding companies accountable for minimizing environmental harm while acknowledging the competitive disadvantage of avoiding AI altogether in today’s market.

Building Your Own Knowledge Base

Ultimately, the conversation returned to a core truth: knowledge and business acumen are irreplaceable. AI can enhance what you already know, but it cannot substitute for experience, education, and critical thinking. If AI disappeared tomorrow, a strong foundation of skills would ensure your business still thrives.