During a visit to a local farm, Ugandan entrepreneur Juliet Tumusiime realized that many banana stems were being wasted during the farming process. Tumusiime sought to utilize this waste and came up with a creative business idea using it.
Nearly a decade later, at the age of 42, Tumusiime is the CEO and co-founder of Cheveux Organique, a company that produces hair extensions and wigs made from banana fibers.
Processed banana stems for wigs and hair extensions. (Photo: CNN).
According to CNN, the fashion trend among young people and increasing purchasing power are driving the growth of the hair extension and wig market in Africa and the Middle East, which is expected to reach a value of $710 million by 2028.
Hair extensions are typically made from real human hair or synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, acrylic, and PVC. Synthetic fibers are popular in Uganda due to their low cost; however, they are not biodegradable or easily recyclable. Some people have complained that synthetic wigs can irritate their scalp. A study on synthetic wigs in Nigeria found that they contained heavy metals and harmful chemicals.
Ms. Tumusiime noted that many people do not realize that wearing synthetic wigs can cause scalp irritation and environmental pollution when they are discarded.
She emphasized that unlike synthetic hair, products from Cheveux Organique are biodegradable, durable, easy to style, process, and dye. They can also be washed with warm water and conditioned with detangling cream.
Wigs made from banana fibers can withstand heat from blow dryers up to 400 degrees Celsius. They have a longer durability compared to synthetic fiber products. Ms. Tumusiime added that since they are made from discarded banana stems, this also helps reduce waste.
Uganda is the largest producer and consumer of bananas in Africa, producing about 10 million tons of bananas each day. According to the World Economic Forum, Ugandans consume nearly one kilogram of fruit per person daily, with over 75% of the population using bananas as a staple food.
Cheveux Organique works closely with local banana farmers, purchasing banana stems that would otherwise be discarded. The stems are separated and fiber is extracted using machines. Cheveux Organique then dries and processes the extracted fibers, combing them carefully to create a hair-like texture.
Cheveux Organique’s banana stem wig products. (Photo: CNN).
Wigs made from banana stems can be dyed in three colors: black, brown, and blonde. Ms. Tumusiime stated that they have a natural sheen, are soft, and can be braided and styled flexibly. She noted that this environmentally friendly wig option is suitable for warm and humid climates.
Cheveux Organique also faces several challenges in transforming banana stems into wigs. Ms. Tumusiime explained: “The process requires a lot of labor, from gathering banana stems, transporting them to the facility, extracting the fibers, processing them, and the electricity needed for the entire process. All these factors make the product expensive.”
Cheveux Organique’s plant-based wig products are sold in Uganda and in the U.S., France, and the UK. They retail for $50 (over 1.2 million VND) for 150 grams. Ms. Tumusiime believes this price is lower compared to $185 for the same amount of human hair. However, synthetic fiber wigs are only priced at $1 per bundle.
Ms. Tumusiime also asserts: “Those who pay this price will ultimately receive a premium product with long-term benefits.”
Cheveux Organique is not the only business creating plant-based wigs. In the U.S., Rebundle, a company based in St. Louis, Missouri, also sells hair extension products made from banana fibers, while a company named Nourie Hair offers products made from ginseng root and rosemary extracts.
