Nigerian-American engineer and entrepreneur Yinka Ogunbiyi has developed HaloBraid, a robotic device designed to help professional hairstylists complete individual braids faster while reducing the repetitive physical work involved in traditional hair braiding.
The technology, developed by the startup HaloBraid, assists stylists rather than replacing them. Professionals still section the hair, incorporate extensions where necessary and start each braid manually before the device takes over the repetitive weaving process.
According to the company, HaloBraid can finish individual braids up to five times faster than manual braiding. However, the actual time saved during a salon appointment will depend on the hairstyle, braid size and stylist’s workflow.
Ogunbiyi’s inspiration for the device came during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, when she attempted to braid her own hair. The process took four days, prompting her to explore how engineering could make the time-consuming task more efficient.
The company subsequently raised $7 million in seed funding in a round led by Seven Seven Six, the venture capital firm founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. AlleyCorp and Bling Capital also participated in the round.
HaloBraid is designed to assist with individual braiding styles, including box braids and knotless braids. It cannot currently perform every traditional braiding technique, including cornrows, and does not independently handle all the preparation required for a finished hairstyle.
The company says the technology could help reduce the physical demands placed on professional braiders while allowing salons to improve their efficiency. These benefits remain dependent on the device’s performance in everyday salon settings and its adoption by stylists.
HaloBraid reflects a growing effort to apply robotics to personal care services while retaining the expertise and creative contribution of human professionals. Its long-term impact will depend on its practical performance, accessibility and ability to meet the varied needs of hairstylists and their clients.
