Nigerian-born engineer Yinka Ogunbiyi has developed HaloBraid, an innovative automated hair-braiding machine designed to help hairstylists work faster, reduce physical strain and shorten salon appointments.
Ogunbiyi, a Harvard graduate and biomechanical engineer based in the United States, developed the technology to address the time-consuming nature of traditional hair braiding. According to its developers, the device can help stylists complete braiding procedures up to five times faster.
Unlike a fully automated system that replaces hairstylists, HaloBraid is designed to assist professionals with repetitive weaving tasks while leaving them in control of the styling process.
The device works by allowing a stylist to section the hair, apply the necessary products and begin the braid manually before feeding it into the machine. HaloBraid then performs the repetitive weaving, while the stylist handles the final touches and seals the ends.
The technology aims to reduce the hours spent on protective hairstyles, which often require considerable time, concentration and physical effort. It could also help ease the repetitive strain experienced by hairstylists who spend long periods braiding clients’ hair.
Ogunbiyi said the idea was inspired by her personal experiences with hair braiding, which began when she was four years old, as well as conversations with hairstylists and clients who frequently complained about the time and physical demands involved.
“My braid story starts at age four, sitting between my mum’s legs as she braided my hair for the first time,” she recalled.
She explained that years of personal experience and repeated conversations with people in the hair industry revealed a common challenge: although braiding remains an important part of personal grooming and cultural expression, the process can be exhausting and time-consuming.
Drawing on her expertise in biomechanical engineering, Ogunbiyi collaborated with hairstylists, designers and other professionals to develop a solution that could improve efficiency without eliminating the human skills required to produce quality hairstyles.
She also acknowledged the influence of her mother, aunties and hairstylists, whose experiences helped shape the project’s development.
Beyond the technology itself, HaloBraid has attracted significant investor interest. The company secured $7 million in seed funding in a round led by Seven Seven Six, the venture capital firm founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who is married to tennis superstar Serena Williams.
The investment represents an important step in the development of the venture as it seeks to advance its technology and address longstanding challenges within the hair-care industry.
If its reported performance can be consistently achieved in professional salon settings, HaloBraid could help hairstylists serve more clients, reduce the physical demands of their work and potentially improve the overall braiding experience.
However, its long-term impact will depend on factors such as affordability, ease of use, compatibility with different hair textures and braiding styles, and its ability to deliver consistent results.