New Hair-Braiding Robot Cuts Appointment Times
HaloBraid releases a demo of a device that automates the time-consuming manual portions of hair-braiding services.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Robotics
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Startup HaloBraid has released a demo for a robotic hair-braiding device designed to assist salon stylists. The research-stage technology aims to increase efficiency for a service used by 20 million Americans.
Why it matters
The device seeks to reduce repetitive physical strain for stylists while accelerating the time-intensive process of braiding. It highlights a move toward automation in specialized beauty services.
The device functions by having a stylist manually start the braid before feeding the hair into the mechanism to complete the process to the bottom of the strand. Performance data shows an 80% reduction in appointment times.
The players
HaloBraid
A startup developing robotic hair-braiding technology that recently emerged from stealth to address salon efficiency.
Yinka Ogunbiyi
A co-founder of HaloBraid who conceived the idea in 2020 and competed in the Harvard Innovation Lab.
David Afolabi
A co-founder of HaloBraid who helped lead the company to a $7 million seed funding round.
Seven Seven Six
A venture capital firm that led the $7 million seed funding round for the robotics startup.
The details
HaloBraid operates as a semi-automated system where the stylist performs the initial sectioning and weaving by hand. Once the braid is initiated, the device utilizes an automated mechanism to continue the weave down the length of the hair. This workflow allows the stylist to focus on the scalp and initial structure while the robotic unit handles the time-consuming length work, reducing repetitive motion strain.
Timeline
2020: Yinka Ogunbiyi conceived the concept for HaloBraid.
2025: Founders received $75,000 from a Harvard Innovation Lab competition.
June 2026: HaloBraid exited stealth mode.
October 27, 2026: The company released a public demo of the device.
Fall 2026: The startup initiates a rollout with selected stylists and salons.
The Tech Race
HaloBraid follows a trend of applying robotic precision to traditionally high-touch, manual service workflows. It marks a transition from prototype to field testing in a market serving 20 million Americans.
Stylists may soon be able to take on more clients by utilizing the device to complete the repetitive portion of braiding tasks. The technology is scheduled to reach selected salons starting in the fall of 2026.
The takeaway
HaloBraid targets a significant friction point in hair styling by automating the most time-consuming phase of the service. Watch for the initial performance feedback from the selected salon rollout scheduled for this fall.
What happens next
HaloBraid will begin a pilot rollout with selected stylists and salons starting in the fall of 2026.
Further reading
For more on emerging hardware in service industries, visit our Robotics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inc..
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