NIGERIA: Nigerian-American Engineer Builds World’s First Braid-Assist Robot, Raises $7M
A Nigerian-American engineer and Harvard graduate, Yinka Ogunbiyi, has developed HaloBraid, described as the world’s first robot designed to assist with braiding hair.
The innovation is aimed at reducing physical strain on hairstylists and improving efficiency in salons that offer braiding services.
Braiding, a protective hairstyle popular across African and diaspora communities, often involves hours of repetitive motion that can lead to wrist, shoulder, and back injuries for stylists.
According to the company, HaloBraid functions as a “co-stylist” by handling repetitive aspects of the braiding process. This allows stylists to focus on parting, design, and finishing, thereby reducing fatigue and enabling salons to serve more clients.
The startup has secured $7 million in funding from investors, signaling strong confidence in the potential of beauty technology tailored to textured and protective hairstyles.
Demand has also been significant. The company reports that more than 7,000 salons have joined a waitlist to acquire the device, with interest coming from the United States, the UK, and Nigeria.
Industry analysts note that the launch of HaloBraid highlights a growing focus on technology for the Black haircare market, a segment that has historically received limited attention from mainstream beauty tech companies.
Ogunbiyi said the goal of HaloBraid is not to replace braiders, but to support them by making the work more sustainable and less physically demanding.
The company is expected to begin wider rollout to salons on the waitlist in the coming months.