Nigerian-American engineer and entrepreneur Yinka Ogunbiyi has demonstrated HaloBraid, a robotic device designed to help professional hairstylists complete individual braids up to five times faster.
The demonstration, shared in October, offers a closer look at how the technology combines manual hairstyling with automated braiding to reduce the time spent on one of the most repetitive parts of creating protective hairstyles.
Unlike a fully autonomous salon robot, HaloBraid is designed to work alongside professional hairstylists. The stylist sections the hair, determines the braid size and pattern, and starts each braid by hand before feeding it into the device. HaloBraid then takes over the repetitive weaving, allowing the stylist to retain control over the final look.
According to the company, the device can finish individual braids up to five times faster than manual braiding. However, the time saved across a complete appointment will depend on the hairstyle, braid size and the stylist’s workflow.
The technology is designed for individual braids, including box braids and knotless braids. It is not designed to create cornrows or other styles braided directly against the scalp, as those require a different technique.
Long braiding appointments can take several hours, placing demands on both clients and the professionals carrying out the work. For hairstylists, repetitive hand movements over extended periods can also contribute to physical strain.
HaloBraid aims to reduce some of that repetitive work without removing the stylist’s role. By automating part of the braiding process, the company hopes to help professionals manage appointments more efficiently and potentially serve more clients.
The potential business benefits, however, will depend on how consistently the device performs in everyday salon settings and how easily it fits into existing working routines.
Halo says it is introducing the technology through a phased rollout involving selected professional stylists and salons. Its model is designed to allow participating professionals to use the device without purchasing it upfront, with fees linked to appointments where the technology is used.
Ogunbiyi’s idea for HaloBraid emerged during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, when she attempted to braid her own hair and spent four days completing the process.
As a biomechanical engineer, she saw an opportunity to apply engineering to a task that requires considerable time and repetitive manual effort. She subsequently co-founded Halo with David Afolabi to develop a device that could assist professional braiders.
In June 2026, the company 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. The funding was intended to support product development and preparations for commercial deployment.
The next test will be how well HaloBraid performs in working salons, including whether its claimed speed gains translate into shorter appointments without compromising the quality of finished braids.
Chioma Onuh is a journalist, social media manager and SEO specialist with over five years of experience in digital storytelling and audience engagement. She writes clear, human-centred stories and profiles, and currently manages digital content and strategy at BusinessDay.
