Anyone who has sat through an all-day braiding appointment will understand why she built it.
Nigerian engineer Yinka Ogunbiyi turned a four-day attempt at braiding her own hair into HaloBraid, a company that has raised $7 million in seed funding to make braiding faster and easier on stylists.
A lockdown problem with Nigerian roots
During lockdown, Ogunbiyi, a Harvard-trained engineer, tried braiding her own hair. It took her four days.
It’s a frustration many people know well, and it pushed her to build something better. That idea became HaloBraid, the company she co-founded with David Afolabi.
How HaloBraid works
HaloBraid doesn’t replace the stylist. It works alongside them:
- The stylist sections the hair and starts each braid by hand.
- HaloBraid takes over the repetitive weaving.
- The stylist stays in control of the look and finishes the ends.
The goal is simple: shorter appointments and less physical strain on the hands behind the braids. Braiders often work long hours, so that could make a real difference to their health and their income.
Backed by $7 million in seed funding
In June 2026, HaloBraid announced $7 million in seed funding. Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six led the round, with AlleyCorp and Bling Capital also investing.
The company says the money will go toward product development, testing with working stylists and preparing for manufacturing.
Why HaloBraid matters for Africa and the diaspora
For many African and diaspora communities, braiding is part of who they are: heritage, artistry and a skill passed down through generations.
Seeing a Nigerian founder use engineering to protect braiders and save clients time is a win for African innovation and for Black hair tech worldwide.
Ogunbiyi took a frustration many share and turned it into a funded company. That’s the kind of ambition worth celebrating.
