They say necessity is the mother of invention — and for many women today, that saying rings true as the cost of beauty continues to climb beyond reach.

In recent years, rising living expenses have collided with the soaring costs of fashion and lifestyle items, forcing women to find creative, affordable alternatives.

Clothing, shoes, and accessories have all seen steady price hikes, pushing many to improvise. One notable shift is the growing popularity of plantain or banana fibre hair extensions, as an alternative to costly human hair.

Plantain hair extensions are crafted from fibres extracted from the stems of plantain or banana plants, which are then softened and dyed in various colours.

Though some initially questioned how stylish women could embrace such an unusual material, many now argue that plantain fibre hair is not only organic and affordable but also chic.

First-Hand Accounts

Mrs. Gladys Douglas, a sales representative, shared her experience: “Most of my wigs are now made from plantain fibre. I used to love wearing human hair wigs, but with the skyrocketing exchange rate, human hair has become outrageously expensive. A quality human hair wig can cost over ₦200,000, while a plantain fibre alternative goes for around ₦30,000. Choosing the latter has allowed me to save significantly.”

Similarly, Mrs. Judith Olamide, a marketer, said: “Getting 100% human hair costs at least ₦250,000. Vendors often claim their products are pure human hair, but within a month, they start to tangle because they’re blended with synthetics. Initially, I was skeptical about banana fibre hair, but after seeing a church member rock it beautifully, I decided to try it. It looked great and was far cheaper.”

Mr. James Chukwuma, a retailer of hair extensions, explained that unstable foreign exchange rates have made genuine human hair extremely expensive.

“Many vendors now blend low-grade human hair with synthetic fibres and market them as premium products. With the current economic hardship, women are increasingly opting for fibre extensions, which they find preferable to synthetic hair and far more affordable than human hair,” he said.

“Most women will always find a way to stay fashionable within their means.”

Traditionally, many synthetic hair extensions are made from materials like polyvinyl chloride, silicone, or polyester — making them cheaper than human hair but not without health concerns.

Potential Health Risks

A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), titled “Carcinogenic materials in synthetic braids: an unrecognized risk of hair products for Black women,” highlights the dangers of synthetic hair products.

The report notes that synthetic fibres like Kanekalon, popular for their affordability and resemblance to Afro-textured hair, are composed of acrylonitrile and vinyl chloride — substances classified as toxic and, in some cases, carcinogenic.

The study also raised concerns that synthetic extensions emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when exposed to heat and are typically worn for prolonged periods, leading to continuous exposure. Given that Black women, both in the U.S. and across Africa, are among the largest consumers of synthetic hair products, the risks are particularly significant.

Experts project that by 2028, the global market for wigs and hair extensions will surpass $19.12 billion, with Black women making up a major segment of this growing industry.