Aisata Diallo's experience as a braider inspired her to create Tressfecta, a company developing tools for textured hair. Its first product, Plait Pilot, is designed to make one of the early steps in braiding quicker and easier for stylists.
Preparing hair from braiding packs can take hours, particularly for small-braid styles. Plait Pilot is being developed to separate hair into portions chosen by the stylist, then dispense them ready to pick up during the braiding process.
Diallo began exploring the idea after seeing how demanding long braiding sessions can be. She is now developing a prototype and consulting stylists and braiders who could test it. The device must account for differences in textured hair, including length and density, so its design needs to accommodate varied styling needs.
Tressfecta is currently pre-launch. Diallo has supported the work through personal funding and grant and accelerator programs, and is preparing to raise additional capital for the hardware project.
If successful, Plait Pilot could help stylists spend less time on preparation and make tools for textured-hair care more responsive to the needs of the professionals who use them.
