The E-Z Braider Automatic Hair Braiding Machine

Braided hairstyles are very popular amongst many African American women. The variety of styles that can be worn are virtually endless, with many of the do's relying on the addition of synthetic (or human) hair to add length and/or volume to the style. Women wearing their hair in this fashion are more than familiar with the lengthy amount of time it takes to achieve these styles. Finally, a mechanical braiding tool has been developed to alleviate much of the hassle associated with creating these elaborate hairdos.

What is the E-Z Braider?

The E-Z Braider is essentially a machine onto which three strands of hair is attached. The motorized mechanism then braids the hair with almost lightning speed, eliminating manual braiding altogether. The basic E-Z Braider kit (which costs around $150.00) comes with a set of "arms" and "hands", an AC adaptor, and an extension tool---in addition to an instructional DVD and written users' manual.

The "arms" are long cylindrical devices which have been split into three separate chambers and hold the actual strands of hair. They can store hair with lengths up to 20 inches. The "hands" are the mechanisms that actually control the tightness of the braids---named so because they clutch and release the hair in the same way that human hands do.

How does the E-Z Braider work?

This nifty device is capable of handling even the most intricate braided styles such as microbraids. The E-Z Braider website even offers ten video tutorials to explain how the styles are created. One segment demonstrates how small box braids are performed on short hair. The hair extension tool, which keeps the parts uniform and the braids separated is placed onto a segment of hair. The stylist then begins the braid manually, attaching the synthetic (or human) hair as he/she goes along. About 1-2 inches are braided before the synthetic hair is then placed into the arms with a hook which accompanies the kit.. The arms are in turn connected to the actual braiding machine. A push of a button activates the arms which rotate, braiding the hair all the way down to the end. Once all the hair in the section held by the extension tool has been braided, it can then be re-positioned onto the head to braid the next section of hair. To regulate the size of the braids, different arms may be used. Up to 24 inches of synthetic hair can be placed in the arms for braiding; or just the natural hair may be braided with the tool.

What are the benefits of using the E-Z Braider?

The introduction tutorial video indicates that using the E-Z Braider machine drastically reduces the amount of time that clients must sit in the styling chair. For instance, micro braids taking anywhere from 12 to 16 hours to complete, require only 7 hours when using the tool. This results in more time for the stylist to accept additional clients (thus increasing their profits!) Those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may also benefit from using the machine, as it cuts down on the amount of manual work.

E-Z Braider Warnings...

Though the concept of the machine is relatively simple, the E-Z Braider is more complex than one might imagine. With several parts and attachments, it's important to review the instruction materials thoroughly before using. Thus, E-Z Braider manufacturers have emphasized that malfunctions or accidents occurring due to misuse are entirely the user's liability. Also, because the machine is electric, it may not be used with hair that is sopping wet.

Ironically, as easy as the device makes braiding, there are very few personal testimonials about the device. In a March 2008 forum on BlackHairMedia.com, a professional hair braider from Atlanta called the E-Z Braider "garbage", stating that manual braiding is far more superior. Another forum member admitted that using the machine appeared time-consuming, considering all the pieces which must be connected; one actual user of the device confessed that the parts indeed took quite a while to set up. Others who had used the machine claimed that it left braids too loose. Some even claimed that the finished hairstyles "looked awful." Depending upon the purpose for using the machine, there may be varying results. Hair type, texture, and even the way the tool is used, are all factors in how successful the styling is. Before using, it's best to do some research; and make sure to follow all directions explicitly.