Pinterest launches new feature allowing users to filter hair searches by texture or type

Pinterest has debuted a new inclusive feature that allows users to search for hairstyles based on specific hair texture or type.

The company launched its latest function with people of color top of mind as it has an aim to empowers users to search for hair inspiration across hair types.

Now, pinners have the opportunity to search for hair inspiration with a refined eye based on six different patterns that include curly, coily, protective wavy, straight and shaved/bald.

In addition to creators and pinners of color, Pinterest's head of inclusive product, Annie Ta worked with editorial hairstylist and global artistic director of Amica Naeemah LaFond to design and build the finishing feature.

LaFond played a major role in advising the company on overall user experience and inclusive language. Third-party experts were also tapped to further ensure the inclusion of diverse users and perspectives was present throughout the process.

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"Our mission on the Inclusive Product team is to help everyone feel like Pinterest is a place for them," said Ta in a statement. "As a visual discovery platform, we have an opportunity and responsibility to do a better job of increasing representation in the products we build. That's why we built hair pattern search using computer vision technology to help identify hair patterns in images. By doing this, 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."

How to use Pinterest's hair pattern search:

- Open the Pinterest app.

- Select the search icon.

- Type "hairstyles" or "summer hairstyles" or "glam hair" into the search bar.

- Select from one of the six hair patterns from below the search bar: protective, straight, wavy, curly, coily, bald/shaved to see hair inspiration most relevant to your style and preference.

Pinterest reports that its platform had over 120 million searches for hair and over five billion pins related to hair. Among the top trends, 17% include hair pattern keywords such as "summer box braids" and "afro kinky hairstyles braids."

Pinterest's latest hair texture search option follows formerly announced inclusive features such as its AR Try On for eyeshadow feature which allows you to virtually browse, try on shades and purchase in-stock products that work best for your skin tone.

In 2019, the image sharing and social media service also introduced a skin tone feature in its search tool to give its users a more customized search experience that feels more authentic to who they are, the company said.