Nigerian-American entrepreneur Yinka Ogunbiyi and her co-founder, David Afolabi, have unveiled a new demonstration of HaloBraid, a robotic device designed to help professional hairstylists complete hair-braiding tasks more efficiently.
The demonstration highlights how the technology assists with the repetitive weaving involved in braiding, potentially reducing the time stylists spend on lengthy appointments.
Developed by HaloBraid, the device is designed to support hairstylists rather than replace them entirely. The stylist sections the hair and begins the braid before using the machine to assist with the repetitive weaving process. The stylist then completes the braid.
Ogunbiyi reportedly began developing the idea after experiencing the time and effort required to braid her own hair during the COVID-19 pandemic. She later partnered with Afolabi to turn the concept into a technology product for the beauty industry.
In July 2026, HaloBraid attracted $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 investment highlighted growing interest in technology designed to address practical challenges in personal care and beauty services.
The development could help reduce the physical demands associated with repetitive braiding movements and improve salon productivity. However, its wider adoption will depend on its performance, affordability and suitability for different hair types and braiding styles.
The demonstration also illustrates how robotics and automation are expanding beyond traditional industrial applications into everyday services, including hairstyling.
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