Black-Owned Business: The Braid Release

The best part about getting a new protective style is knowing you can take a step back from your regular wash day routine. But once those six to eight weeks are up, the worst part is taking your hair down — which can take hours.

And if you're not careful while you're unravelling your hair, the removal process can also cause damage, knots, and eventually, breakage.

That's why Angela Green, a teacher and mother of two, created the original BraidReleaser back in 1992 — an ergonomic tool designed to safely take down braids. But without the funds to create a full-blown business, she was forced to shelve her innovative idea.

Fast forward nearly 30 years later, and her daughter, Saraa Green, an engineer who is also working towards her MBA, decided to bring TheBraidReleaser back to life as a part of her graduating project.

"We’ve been working to raise capital to bring it to market ever since," Saraa shares with InStyle. "Despite COVID and even through all the protests, we’re excited to see our story being shared and people pre-ordering the product."

TheBraidReleaser's smooth exterior helps to glide through micro to medium-sized braids so hair quickly unravels without any snagging or pulling.

The tool has been tested across general adult consumers, children, as well as hairstylists, and they've all come to the same conclusion.

"Everyone agrees it’s a better experience and super easy to use," says Saraa.

It's also ideal for anyone who experiences cramping in their hands when taking down protective styles, as well as those with limited mobility.

"The center has an ergonomic handle for comfort, which helps prevent users from experiencing hand cramps," Saraa explains. "We’ve had positive feedback from people [with] arthritis in their hands. They have reported that the tool is way more comfortable for them when they’re taking down their braids than a regular comb."

To pre-order: Starting at $25; fundblackfounders.com

The best part about the tool, aside from its brilliant innovation, is that it was built to last. Made from impact-resistant material, it wont shatter or break if dropped or stepped on by mistake.

Protective styles may only last six to eight weeks, but this is a product you will have by your side for years to come.

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