After a successful pilot period, Tress – the mobile app that helps black women from around the world find hairstyle inspiration – is launching globally at Lagos Social Media Week during the Beauty of Tech panel. The event will take place on Thursday 25th February at 4:30pm. Register for the Beauty of Tech event here.

The global black haircare industry is valued at over $500 billion (black women spend a disproportionate amount of their income on hair – 9 time more than other races), and Tress is Africa’s first social app that taps into this massive opportunity. The company is founded by three women software entrepreneurs from Ghana and Nigeria – Priscilla Hazel, Esther Olatunde, and Cassandra Sarfo. The trio met at the award-winning Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology program, where they became fast friends and decided to work on a problem they feel keenly every day.

The Tress Android app is available for download right now on the Google Play Store. With Tress, women can:

• Discover new hairstyles to inspire them during their next salon visit
• See detailed information about hairstyles such as the exact products used, the name of the salon/stylist, and the price range
• Share their favourite hairstyles and receive compliments and hair care secrets from a supportive community

Beyond the app, the Tress team’s ambitions are very large. Says Hazel: “We’re excited to have Tress become active in all kinds of media products for black women – television, magazines, events, and more. Our vision for Tress is to be an active social network of black women thriving in all aspects of their lives, and we’re keen to partner with like-minded organizations and individuals who’re excited to help make this happen.”

Download Tress on the Google Play Store

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