The invention comprises a system and method for assigning a skin type and/or hair type to an individual, where a preferred example is one of sixteen hair types and one of sixteen skin types. The hair or skin type score uses at least four factors related to the condition of the skin or hair, or a section of it. The invention also comprises using the hair type and skin type scores assigned to an individual to recommend or suggest certain skin and/or hair care products, as well as skin and/or hair care products that can be avoided. A preferred embodiment employs the skin or hair type in an online marketing, web-based sales network, or other computer-implemented or electronic interface, so that customers can use skin or hair type scores to receive information about products, ingredients, or to buy recommended products in a variety of ways.