We’ve Never Built an App. Now We’re Taking On Shipaton 2026

The Wire Account: We've Never Built an App Before, But We're Taking on Shipathon 2026

We have never built an app before, yet we are entering RevenueCat Shipathon 2026, one of the world's largest app-building competitions. Our 60-day timeline begins on August 1 and concludes on September 30. From concept inception to App Store launch, we will work tirelessly to bring our vision to life.

The App Concept: HAIRLOOP

Our app concept, for now working titled HAIRLOOP, aims to address a common issue faced by many: the inability to see one's hair from all angles. The primary goal is to enable users to record a full 360° turn of their hair, allowing them to check it from any angle and share it with their stylist. Key features include a 8-second recording process, flexible angle controls, and the ability to pin notes to specific angles for direct feedback.

Inspiration and Discovery

We discovered that there was a significant gap between salon finishes and home results. After analyzing 1,040 posts on X, we found hairstylists expressing frustration with the lack of reproducibility in home styling. It was evident that people didn't complain about something they couldn't see, which led us to challenge the assumption that there was no demand for our app.

Development Principles and Schedule

Our development approach is streamlined and focused on simplicity. We will only use 36 still photos, not videos, to keep server storage low. Our app will also feature inertial spinning, providing users with a tactile feel as if they are looking at a 3D model. The development schedule through mid-August will focus on launching the MVP without social features, while late August onwards will see the addition of social features and monetization options.

Team and Goals

The team behind HAIRLOOP, AMANEKU Studio, is led by Ryu, a business and marketing student, and Nao, an engineering student. Their backgrounds demonstrate a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, technology, and international experience. Our initial goal is to reach 1,000 installs within the first week of launch, followed by achieving 100 paying users during the competition period. We will publish our progress and real, raw numbers on September 30.

Feedback and Collaboration

This article series will be updated twice a week, and we welcome feedback and thoughts throughout the process. Building this app is our first experience, and we believe that your input and support will be invaluable as we work together to reach the finish line.