In Uganda, entrepreneur Juliet Kakwerre Tumusiime has founded Cheveux Organique to commercialize hair extensions made from banana stems. Tumusiime says the extensions are odor-free, biodegradable, handcrafted, and available in three colors: Cheveux Black, Cheveux Brown, and Cheveux Blonde.
She also told Ugandan media outlet Sunday Monitor Cheveux Organique’s extensions are easy to wash, style, treat and colored. “Ugandan mothers and young professionals are my biggest clients,” she adds. “This is because of the nature of our product which does not itch. And many mothers also prefer it for their children because of that reason.”
Production costs remain an issue—a pack of hair weighing 100 grams costs Shs150,000, or about US$40. Tumusiime cites a capital-intensive production process and expensive logistics. “Our clients make orders and we make the product, Tumusiime says. “It takes me a week to produce one kilogram of hair. It costs me more to transport the stems from Mubende to Kampala than the raw material. We are developing regional hubs for the bulking of the raw material and training farmers. We work with women, the youth and disabled persons. We want to be as inclusive as possible.”
Tumusiime also notes that a specific banana species is required for the extensions, and mature stems are preferred. “The waste generated during our production process is used for handcrafts like baskets, lampshades, and chair decorations.”