Validating the use of banana fiber in sustainable hair extensions for hairdressing applications

The demand for environmentally sustainable cosmetic materials has driven interest in biodegradable alternatives to petroleum–based synthetic hair extensions. This study demonstrates the feasibility of engineering banana pseudostem fiber into artificial hair extensions through an integrated textile processing route involving alkali degumming, peroxide bleaching, reactive dyeing, and cationic softening. Alkali treatment increased cellulose content to 66.67% while reducing hemicellulose and lignin to 2.86% and 20.00%, respectively. The processed fibers exhibited high dye uptake, with relative colour strengths of 92.54% (black) and 92.13% (coffee–brown) and good colour fastness (grade 4–5). Tensile strengths of 0.80–0.81 cN/dtex and fiber diameters of 107–120 µm were comparable to Afro–textured human hair. User trials involving 100 participants across Africa, Europe, and the United States of America showed 96% acceptance. The results establish banana pseudostem fiber as a promising biodegradable material for sustainable cosmetic hair products.