Beauty powerhouse adds high-tech tool to its stores

Ulta Beauty chain is adding a new "consultant" to its in-store team. Through its partnership with hair color brand Madison Reed, Ulta is deploying a color-recognition chatbot (called Madi) that gives consultations similar to those customers receive from a professional colorist in a hair salon. Described by Madison Reed as the industry's first-ever color-recognition chatbot, Madi combines artificial intelligence and selfies to engage in-store shoppers. Here's how it works: In- store customers looking for a hair color text "Hello" to 34757, activating Madi on their mobile device. The tool will prompt the shopper to upload a selfie focused on her face and hair, then followup with a few quick questions.