VIDEO: Nigerian-born Engineer unveils hair-braiding robot

By Precious Olugbodi

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

The device is designed to reduce the time spent braiding hair and ease the physical strain associated with lengthy hairstyling sessions.

Ogunbiyi shared the demonstration on HaloBraid’s Instagram account, offering a closer look at how the technology works alongside professional hairstylists.

Unlike a fully automated machine, HaloBraid does not replace the stylist. The professional sections the hair, starts each braid by hand and feeds it into the device, which handles the repetitive weaving process before the stylist finishes the ends.

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

The idea emerged during the COVID-19 lockdown after Ogunbiyi spent four days braiding her own hair. The experience prompted her to explore how technology could make the process faster and less physically demanding.

A biomechanical engineer trained at Harvard, Ogunbiyi subsequently co-founded the hair technology startup with David Afolabi to develop the device.

HaloBraid has also attracted $7 million in seed funding, with investment led by Seven Seven Six, a venture capital firm founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

The company says it plans to introduce the device through a phased rollout involving selected professional hairstylists and salons.

If successful, the technology could help braiders reduce appointment times, manage repetitive movements and serve more clients while retaining creative control over their work.