When you grow up surrounded by serial entrepreneurs, it only makes sense to become a boss too! This was the case for Asha Christian.
The computer science major had an inkling to solve an issue commonly found for Black women in the beauty industry. Many Black women have been neglected leaving them with fewer options for reliable products. Christian experienced personal horror stories such as lingering white residue from products, hair gels that were never effective, and countless wigs which shed profusely.
Christian understood the hair care industry underserved Black women so she saw a window of opportunity to help a group of women she loved. Having already acquired experience in technology after launching a viral mobile police rating app Five-0 with her siblings, she wanted to continue solving problems that matter most by diving further into the world of technology.
Evidently, Coily was up next.
Customizable Hair Experience
Coily is an application using artificial intelligence rooted in analysis and community to create a personalized experience. After registering on the platform, users will have to complete an interactive quiz that assesses 30 characteristics of their hair to generate a hair identity.
Once complete, users will be aided in their quest to find hairstyles, products, and tips that are suitable to their hair type. In addition, users can post reviews for other community members.
“I really wanted to be a platform where Black women can learn, shop and, connect while creating a community where we can care for our hair,” Christian said. “I want Coily to be your hair care best friend in your pocket, so a platform that Black women are able to pull up anytime they’re shopping for their hair to get that customized hair shopping experience.”
Barcode Feauture
Coily offers yet another tool designed to help Black women filter through the noise while browsing for products. The platform integrates a barcode feature that can be used throughout beauty supply stores to match reviews and hairstyles corresponding with the product. The barcode will also sort findings catering to users hair profile.
“We are matching based on community. Coily is providing an end to end hairstyle solution for Black women to connect with those who have similar hair goals as theirs,” Christian said.
What Is Ahead For Coily
As Christian looks ahead, she will integrate a feature to tag hairstylists. Currently, the platform allows hairstylists to register on the platform and create a review portfolio. Here, stylists will provide a detailed instructions to bring to life a specific style. Eventually, Coily hopes to cultivate a creator economy for the next era of hair influencers.
For now, users can be on standby as a “For You” page is projected to launch in the first quarter of the year. The feature will be made possible due to the increase in data, hairstyles, and product reviews allowing for a more targeted recommendation panel. The integration will further enhance Coily’s purpose to aid user’s hair goals.