Nigerian-American engineer and Harvard graduate Yinka Ogunbiyi has developed HaloBraid, a patented braid-assist robot designed to help professional hairstylists complete braiding faster while reducing the physical strain associated with the craft.
The innovation, described as the world’s first braid-assist robotic system, has attracted global attention after securing $7 million in seed funding to support its commercial rollout and expansion into salons. The funding round was led by venture capital firm Seven Seven Six, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, with participation from AlleyCorp and Bling Capital.
According to Ogunbiyi, HaloBraid is intended to work alongside hairstylists rather than replace them. The device assists by completing the repetitive braiding process after a stylist has started the braid by hand, significantly reducing the time required for styles such as box braids and knotless braids while easing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
The technology was inspired by Ogunbiyi’s personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she attempted to braid her own hair and realised how physically demanding and time-consuming the process could be. That experience led her to develop a robotic solution aimed at improving efficiency in the beauty industry while preserving the expertise of professional braiders.
The United States Mission in Nigeria recently celebrated Ogunbiyi’s achievement, describing HaloBraid as an example of innovation with global impact. The mission noted that the startup has already attracted more than 7,000 professional salons to its waiting list ahead of its commercial launch.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) also congratulated Ogunbiyi, hailing the invention as a milestone for Nigerian excellence in science, technology and entrepreneurship. The commission praised the young engineer for developing a product capable of transforming professional hairstyling while showcasing Nigerian talent on the global stage.
Industry observers say the innovation could reshape the textured haircare market by enabling stylists to serve more clients in less time while reducing the physical toll of long hours spent braiding. Ogunbiyi, however, has emphasised that HaloBraid is designed to complement the work of stylists rather than replace the artistry and human interaction that define the profession.
