Some people complain that synthetic hair can irritate their scalp and a study of synthetic hair in Nigeria found the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals and chemicals. We want to empower women to make informed decisions about what hair they use and what’s best for them.”Tumusiime says that, unlike synthetic hair, her product is biodegradable, durable and can be easily styled, treated and colored. Since it’s made from discarded banana stems, she adds, it’s also a way to help curb that waste. In the US, St.Louis-based Rebundle also sells hair extensions made from banana fibers, while Nourie Hair offers a hair alternative for braiding made from Ginseng root extract and rosemary. But synthetic hair can be bought for as little as $1 for a bundle.

---

Persons: Juliet Tumusiime, Tumusiime, Cheveux, ” Tumusiime, it’s, Spiro, Clement Di Roma, Simon Maina, Prince William’s, James Oatway, there's, Edwin Maina, Cheveux Brown, Juliet, Cheveux Organique, “, I’m, ” Organizations: CNN, USAID, Research, Getty, Reeddi Technologies, The Royal Academy of Engineering, Kenyan, Economic Locations: Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, Benin, Kenya, AFP, China, Cameroon, Rwanda, France