Cancer Survivor Turns Banana Bark Into Hair Extensions

When Jacqueline Shaw lost her hair during chemotherapy in 2021, she never imagined it would spark a revolutionary hair care business.

The 47-year-old fashion and design consultant from Braintree, Essex, launched The Canerow Company in 2024, selling braided hair extensions made entirely from banana tree bark fibers. She now supplies the sustainable product to hair salons across the UK while using it herself.

Shaw remembered learning about banana bark fibers during a trip to Africa years earlier. While recovering from chemotherapy at home, she realized this natural material could replace the "toxic plastics" commonly found in braided hair extensions.

She started importing supplies from Uganda last October during Black History Month. The timing felt right as more consumers began seeking healthier, eco-friendly alternatives.

The product solves a waste problem for banana farmers too. "They end up throwing the trees away so it is a great way for upcycling the bark," Shaw said.

The natural fibers cost more than plastic alternatives, but Shaw believes the investment pays off. The extensions are reusable, washable, and can be rebraided multiple times.

They're also biodegradable and compostable. Some customers even pass them down to their children for health reasons.

Why This Inspires

Shaw's journey from cancer patient to green entrepreneur shows how personal challenges can spark meaningful innovation. She transformed her own health crisis into a solution that benefits both people and the planet.

Her story also highlights the growing movement toward sustainable beauty products. As consumers become more aware of microplastics and their health effects, plant-based alternatives are gaining traction.

The business particularly resonates within Black communities, where braided hairstyles are culturally significant but often rely on synthetic materials.

Shaw envisions a future where plant-based hair completely replaces plastic extensions. As environmental consciousness grows, she believes it's just a matter of time before natural fibers become the standard.

For now, she's focused on spreading the word about this healthier option, one braid at a time.