Juliet Tumusiime, at 42, stands at the forefront of eco-friendly beauty with her groundbreaking company, Cheveux Organique, a Uganda-based manufacturer producing hair extensions made from an unexpected source—banana fibres. Her journey began in 2012 during a project with USAID, where she observed an immense amount of waste in banana cultivation. Farmers were discarding banana stems after harvesting the fruit, unaware of the hidden potential within this so-called waste. This sparked an idea in Juliet, leading her to explore how these tough, unused fibres could be repurposed. After three years of relentless research and development, she founded Cheveux Organique in 2015. The name, meaning “organic hair,” is a nod to the company’s commitment to producing eco-friendly alternatives in an industry dominated by synthetic materials.
The transformation of banana stems into luxurious hair extensions is a labour of love. Cheveux Organique collaborates with farmers in Uganda’s Mukono and Bunyangabu Districts, sourcing the stems that would otherwise go to waste. The process begins with splitting the stems and mechanically extracting the fibres. These are then dried, treated, and carefully combed until they resemble the soft, silky strands that have become the hallmark of Cheveux Organique’s hair extensions. Available in three shades—Cheveux Black, Cheveux Brown, and Cheveux Blonde—these extensions are not just about beauty; they are about sustainability and community. The natural sheen and soft texture make them perfect for braiding and styling, especially in warm and humid climates, where synthetic alternatives often fall short.
The journey to turning banana waste into a premium product has not been without challenges. The labour-intensive process, from sourcing the stems to the intricate treatment and combing, contributes to the higher price point of these organic extensions. A 150-gram bundle of Cheveux Organique hair retails at $50, a fraction of the $185 typically charged for a similar amount of human hair, yet significantly more than synthetic hair, which can be as cheap as $1 per bundle. However, Juliet’s commitment to sustainability, coupled with her keen business acumen, has seen Cheveux Organique grow beyond Uganda’s borders, with customers in the US, France, and the UK. Today, the company employs 25 permanent staff members and over 100 part-time workers, driving local employment and contributing to the economy.
Beyond the business of beauty, Juliet is dedicated to creating a lasting impact in her community. Cheveux Organique is establishing regional hubs across Uganda. These hubs will not only serve as centres for fibre extraction but also as educational points where young people can learn about the importance of waste management and acquire practical skills in extraction and machine operation, setting them up for future careers. The by-products of the hair manufacturing process are creatively transformed into craft items, such as lampshades and home décor. Additionally, Juliet is working with salons and companies in Kampala to promote the responsible disposal of synthetic hair, ensuring it does not end up polluting the environment.