It starts the way so many innovations do: with a problem that Black women know all too well. Hours spent in salon chairs. Sore scalps. Long waitlists. Hit-or-miss results. But what if the solution to these age-old hair struggles wasn’t a new oil or a trendy technique, but a robot?
In a bold, tech-forward move that’s turning heads in both the beauty and AI industries, Black Women in AI, founded by Angle Bush, is developing an AI-powered braiding robot designed to assist, not replace, human stylists. For Bush, this isn’t about technology for technology’s sake. The developer wants to ensure innovation finally includes Black women from the onset.
“This concept originated in 2022 during our cohort with our partners at Nvidia,” she explained to 21Ninety. “The team wanted to ensure that we were creating a product that would add value to the community.”
Value is at the heart of the project. Because when you’re a Black woman building in tech, particularly in a field that so often overlooks them, intention is crucial.
“If technology can enhance our lives and our community, it is our responsibility to move beyond the table to the lab to create those transformative solutions,” she said.
Designing for Culture, Not Just Code
That solution honors the cultural weight and intimate care that braiding has always held in Black communities. That means understanding not only how braids are done, but why they’re done.
“This is a great question,” Bush said when asked how the robot will handle the complexity of Black hair textures and styles. “The team discussed a number of topics, including but not limited to hair texture, ethical sourcing, and most importantly how do we integrate healthcare, haircare, beauty, and innovation.”
That intersection, where wellness, beauty, and culture meet, is where Bush’s team is focused. Rather than approach the challenge from a purely technical perspective, they’re building something that reflects the full range of Black women’s lived experiences.
Braiders in the Loop: A New Tech Role Emerges
The word “robot” can spark fear, especially in industries where hands-on skill is sacred. For Black hairstylists and braiders, that fear is justified. Automation has displaced countless workers across industries, so how does a braiding robot not become another threat?
Bush is clear: the point is not to displace braiders, but to empower them.
“Human braiders will be key to this initiative,” she emphasized. “The initial conversations were based on the user experience. We came to the conclusion that a hybrid approach would be best to ensure that a human is in the loop while utilizing technology to enhance the process.”
That “human in the loop” concept is critical. The robot is not meant to work independently, but in tandem with a Braiding Technologist: a newly imagined role that blends traditional haircare knowledge with hands-on tech engagement.
“Traditional hair braiders will have the opportunity to upskill and transition into Braiding Technologists,” Bush said. “The vision expands to include new roles for technicians who maintain the machines, programmers who refine their software, and support staff who manage data and customer experience.”
Tech That Works for the Culture, Not Against It
For clients, the benefits could be real. Imagine braiding sessions that are faster, more consistent, and potentially more affordable, all without losing the personal connection many of us crave in our salon experiences.
“Clients would benefit from an overall streamlined experience that delivers the key advantages of faster turnaround time, consistency, and lower costs,” Bush explained. “To ensure that personal connection is not sacrificed, a Braiding Technologist remains involved throughout the process.”
While the idea of a tech-powered salon may sound luxe, Bush envisions accessibility, not exclusivity.
“Salons around the world would have the opportunity to add this service to their core offerings,” she said, indicating an intent to broaden, not gatekeep, access.
As for what’s next, the robot is still in its early stages, but the movement is already in motion.
“We will share more details in the next few months,” Bush said. “Currently, we’re prioritizing AI workforce development solutions that educate and engage our community during this AI revolution. Our mission is to ensure that our community is not left behind.”