With the soaring costs of living and fashion, many women are finding creative ways to maintain their style without breaking the bank. One emerging trend is the use of plantain or banana fibre hair extensions as a substitute for expensive human hair wigs.
These extensions are made from fibres extracted from plantain or banana stems, softened and dyed into various colors. Despite initial skepticism, many women now praise these organic alternatives for being both affordable and classy.
- Cost Comparison:
- Human hair wigs now often cost upwards of N200,000–N250,000 due to inflation and exchange rate instability.
- In contrast, a quality plantain fibre wig can cost around N30,000, offering significant savings.
- User Experiences:
- Mrs. Gladys Douglas, a sales representative, switched to plantain fibre wigs and appreciates the cost savings.
- Mrs. Judith Olamide, a marketer, initially doubted the quality but changed her mind after seeing a friend wear it stylishly.
- Vendor Insights:
- Mr. James Chukwuma, a retail seller, noted that customers now prefer fibre extensions because of their affordability and better quality compared to synthetic hair blends.
However, synthetic hair extensions have raised health concerns. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study revealed that materials like Kanekalon, commonly used in synthetic wigs, contain toxic chemicals such as acrylonitrile and vinyl chloride, which are linked to cancer risks (including leukemia and liver cancer).
As a result, many women are seeking safer, organic alternatives like plantain fibre, especially since wigs and extensions are worn regularly and expose users to potential toxins over long periods.
The global hair extension and wig market is booming, with projections estimating it will surpass $19.12 billion by 2028, with Black women—both in the U.S. and Africa—being major consumers.
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