New Uber-style platform helps women save time while creating flexible opportunities for everyday people to earn extra income
Nationwide — Entrepreneur Kellie Brooks, founder of Take Down Braids, has launched an innovative on-demand platform designed to make braid and extension removal easier while creating flexible earning opportunities for everyday people. Inspired by her own frustration with spending hours or entire weekends taking down her braids, she developed an Uber-style service that connects clients with available braid-removal specialists known as “Unbraiders.” The platform addresses an often-overlooked challenge in the beauty industry, where countless services focus on installing braids and extensions, but relatively few offer convenient removal-only appointments.
Brooks knows the struggle firsthand. Like many women who wear protective hairstyles, she often found herself scrambling to remove her braids before her next hair appointment. “I’ve literally taken down the braids in the center of my head and left the perimeter braided so I could still go to work and be seen in public,” she recalled. “Then I would come back and finish the rest when I had more time. I remember thinking, ‘There has to be an easier way. Why isn’t there a service for this?’” That experience inspired her to create a convenient solution that allows women to reclaim their time without sacrificing their busy schedules.
Through the Take Down Braids app, available for Apple iOS and Android devices, clients can request braid or extension removal and connect with an available Unbraider in their area. Similar to popular rideshare platforms, the service allows Unbraiders to set their own availability, accept appointments that fit their schedules, and travel directly to clients to complete the removal process. For customers, this eliminates the hassle of searching for someone who offers takedown services or spending valuable personal time removing braids themselves. Whether preparing for a new hairstyle, managing work and family responsibilities, or simply wanting a break from the tedious removal process, clients can conveniently book assistance through the app.
Beyond providing convenience, Take Down Braids is also introducing a flexible income opportunity for individuals interested in earning extra money. Unbraiders can potentially earn $100 for a single braid takedown, depending on the service, while maintaining control over when and how often they work. Unlike traditional employment, the platform does not require fixed shifts or long-term scheduling commitments, making it an attractive option for students, parents, entrepreneurs, and others seeking supplemental income. “You shouldn’t necessarily need a second full-time job just because you want to make some extra money,” Brooks explained. “There are people who may have a few hours available and would love the opportunity to earn $100. At the same time, there are women who would gladly pay someone to take this task off their plate. Take Down Braids brings those two people together.”
To help ensure safety and reliability, prospective Unbraiders must complete a $32 background check and successfully finish the company’s required orientation, which includes training videos covering service procedures, expectations, and safety protocols. According to the company, a cosmetology license is not required to become an Unbraider, allowing individuals without traditional beauty industry credentials to participate after meeting the platform’s onboarding requirements, subject to applicable local regulations. Once approved, Unbraiders can set their availability and begin accepting service requests. Take Down Braids is currently prioritizing recruitment and onboarding as part of its workforce-first expansion strategy, ensuring that enough qualified Unbraiders are available in each market before aggressively promoting bookings to customers.
For Brooks, Take Down Braids represents more than another beauty business. It is an opportunity to create a new category of convenient personal services while helping people generate income on their own terms. “I kept thinking about how easy we’ve made so many other things in our lives,” she said. “We can open an app and have somebody pick us up. We can have food brought to our door. We can find someone to complete a task for us. So why am I still spending my weekend taking down my own braids?” With plans to expand its network of Unbraiders and make braid removal as convenient as requesting a ride, the company hopes to transform a time-consuming beauty routine into a simple, accessible service.
How to download:
Women interested in booking a braid takedown or applying to become an Unbraider can download the Take Down Braids app from the Apple iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.
About
Take Down Braids is an on-demand braid and extension removal platform founded by entrepreneur Kellie Brooks. Operating through an Uber-style marketplace model, the company connects clients with qualified removal specialists known as Unbraiders, providing convenient at-home services while creating flexible earning opportunities. The company’s mission is simple: Braids out. Time back. Money earned. Visit the official website at TakeDownBraids.com
Also, be sure to follow the app on Instagram @Take_Down_Braids
For press inquiries, contact support@takedownbraids.com