Nigerian-American founder unveils hair-braiding robot in new demo

Credit: Instagram / @halo.braid

Nigerian-American engineer and entrepreneur Yinka Ogunbiyi has shared a demonstration of HaloBraid, a robotic device designed to help hairstylists complete individual braids up to five times faster.

Ogunbiyi shared the demonstration on the HaloBraid Instagram account on Wednesday, offering a first look at the technology as it performs part of the hair-braiding process.

“Meet HaloBraid. The first ever look at the viral hair braid assist device,” the company wrote in the caption accompanying the video.

According to the company, the device is designed to speed up braiding appointments by helping stylists complete individual braids faster while maintaining the desired pattern.

“Each braid is started by hand, and finished by Halo, empowering stylists to double their business,” the caption read.

The device does not replace the hairstylist. Instead, the professional sections the hair and starts each braid manually before feeding it into HaloBraid, which handles the repetitive weaving process. The stylist then finishes the braid.

The company says the device can complete individual braids up to five times faster than manual braiding, although the time saved across an entire appointment depends on the hairstyle and the stylist’s workflow.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Ogunbiyi developed HaloBraid to reduce the time and physical strain associated with hair braiding.

The idea emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic after she spent four days braiding her own hair. She subsequently partnered with co-founder David Afolabi to develop the technology.

In July, PUNCH Online reported that the startup had raised $7m in seed funding in a round led by Seven Seven Six, the venture capital firm founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The company also reported more than 7,000 salons on its waiting list.

HaloBraid is designed to help professional stylists manage lengthy appointments and reduce repetitive hand movements while retaining control over the hairstyle.

The company says the technology will be introduced through a phased rollout involving selected stylists and salons.