Nigerian-American engineer Yinka Ogunbiyi has offered a first look at her innovative HaloBraid hair-braiding device in action, showcasing technology designed to make one of the most time-consuming beauty routines significantly faster.

The demonstration, shared on October 28, 2026, has drawn attention to the device, which is designed to help professional hairstylists complete braids up to five times faster while reducing the physical strain associated with hours of repetitive hand movements.

HaloBraid works alongside hairstylists rather than replacing them. The stylist first sections the client's hair and starts each braid manually before feeding it into the device, which handles the repetitive weaving along the length of the braid. The stylist then finishes and seals the ends.

The technology is intended to preserve the stylist's skill and creativity while reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks. According to the company, it could help salons shorten appointments and serve more clients.

Ogunbiyi, a Harvard-trained engineer and co-founder of the hair technology startup, developed the idea after attempting to braid her own hair during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. The process reportedly took her four days, prompting her to explore how engineering could make braiding less time-consuming.

Drawing from her personal experience and conversations with hairstylists and clients, she set out to develop a device that could address the lengthy appointments and physical demands associated with protective hairstyles.

HaloBraid has since secured $7 million in seed funding in a round led by Seven Seven Six, the venture capital firm founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, with participation from AlleyCorp and Bling Capital.

The company has also attracted thousands of professional salons to its waiting list ahead of its commercial rollout.

Beyond convenience for clients, the invention could offer relief to hairstylists who spend long hours performing repetitive movements that place pressure on their hands, wrists and shoulders.

With its latest demonstration, HaloBraid is bringing automated technology into an industry built on generations of traditional skill, raising the possibility of faster braiding appointments without taking the human touch out of hairstyling.

Talk Africa NG.