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Nigerian-American engineer Yinka Ogunbiyi has introduced HaloBraid, a robotic device designed to assist hairstylists with braiding hair more efficiently while reducing the time and physical effort required to complete the process.
The technology, developed to work alongside professional hairstylists, is reportedly capable of helping them complete braids up to five times faster.
Rather than replacing human expertise, HaloBraid handles the repetitive weaving movements, allowing stylists to maintain control over the overall appearance and quality of the hairstyle.
Ogunbiyi, a Harvard-trained engineer, developed the concept after experiencing firsthand how demanding hair braiding could be.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, she spent four days installing knotless braids on her own hair, an experience that encouraged her to explore ways of making the process easier.
Having worn braided hairstyles since childhood, Ogunbiyi was also familiar with the amount of time involved in getting hair done.
Conversations with hairstylists and clients further strengthened her interest in developing a practical solution to the challenges associated with the traditional braiding process.
Drawing on her background in biomechanical engineering, she began working on a device that could reduce repetitive manual labour without taking away the stylist's creative role.
HaloBraid follows a process in which the hairstylist initially prepares the client's hair by sectioning it and applying the required products.
The stylist then begins the braid manually before feeding the hair into the machine, which takes over the repetitive weaving movements. Once that stage is complete, the professional resumes work to finish and secure the ends.
The approach is intended to help salons reduce appointment durations, ease physical strain on workers and accommodate more customers without compromising the personalised service clients expect.
Ogunbiyi subsequently partnered with co-founder David Afolabi to advance the technology through their hair technology startup.
The company has already attracted significant investor interest, securing $7 million in seed funding to support further development and prepare for commercial distribution.
The investment round was led by Seven Seven Six, a venture capital firm established by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. AlleyCorp and Bling Capital also participated in the funding.
Interest in the product appears substantial, with more than 7,000 professional salons reportedly joining the waiting list ahead of its commercial launch.
HaloBraid's development highlights how engineering and robotics can be applied to everyday activities to address longstanding practical challenges. For hairstylists, particularly those who spend extended periods working with their hands, the technology could offer a way to manage demanding workloads more effectively.
As preparations for its commercial rollout continue, the company will seek to demonstrate how the device performs in professional salon environments and whether its promised efficiency gains can translate into a better experience for both hairstylists and their customers.
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