Pinterest this week rolled out hair pattern search, a “first-of-its-kind” technology created with pinners of color in mind.
Using computer vision-powered object detection, the feature enables users to refine hair searches by six different patterns: protective, coily, curly, wavy, straight, and shaved/bald. Searches for broad hair terms like “summer hairstyles,” “glam hair,” or “short hair” now come with the option to further narrow results by selecting the most relevant hair pattern.
“We hope we’re able to use technology for good and make it easier for people, no matter who they are, to find hair inspiration for them on Pinterest,” head of inclusive product Annie Ta said in a statement.
This new function, according to Pinterest, “not only marks a major step forward for inclusivity in tech, but also responds to the millions of pinners who are looking for an easier way to find the most relevant hair inspiration for them.”
The photo-sharing social network partnered with black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) creators like editorial hair stylist and Amika global artistic director Naeemah LaFond on the build and design. “This new tool will mark a much-needed milestone for racial equity in the world of coding,” LaFond said. “Just the simple idea that I don’t have to work twice as hard to find a hairstyle because of my hair type is a game changer.”
Mobile users in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand can now search by hair pattern; other international markets will gain access soon.
Pinterest has long campaigned for positivity on its platform. In 2016, the site banned ads for sensitive content, including culturally appropriate and inappropriate costumes, and later barred anti-vaccine content and political advertisements. Just last month it put a moratorium on ads that contain weight loss language and imagery.
