Unveiling the Synthetic Beauty Recycling Movement

The synthetic wigs, weaves, and extensions that once adorned the heads of fashion-conscious women are now taking on a second life, thanks to a group of dedicated women led by Sarah Adero. Their mission? To turn discarded synthetic and natural hair waste into functional items, particularly carpets and doormats.

These synthetic hair products, often made of non-decomposable plastic, pose a significant environmental challenge if not disposed of responsibly. However, at Alisam Products Development and Design's workshop, a team of women is turning this challenge into an opportunity.

Synthetic Hair in Kenya - Unveiling Beauty

From Tresses to Threads: A Sustainable Journey

The process begins with the collection of discarded synthetic and natural hair from local salons. The women at the workshop meticulously sort and knit the collected hair into threads, which are then woven into carpets and doormats. Each woman in the team can produce up to 10 carpets per week, contributing not only to environmental sustainability but also to their livelihoods.

Sarah Adero expresses the motivation behind this eco-friendly venture, "Hair pieces are beautiful when they are plaited, but when you remove them from your hair, it looks so ugly. Now we decided to recycle it and use it to stop polluting the environment. We use it to make door mats and earn a living out of it."

Synthetic Hair in Kenya - Sustainable Production

Empowering Women and Reducing Plastic Waste

The project not only addresses environmental concerns but also empowers local women, providing them with a sustainable source of income. The products, ranging from small to large carpets, are sold, with small carpets fetching around $3 (USD) and larger ones up to $16 (USD).

Vivian Awuor, a satisfied customer, praises the unique and affordable nature of the doormats made from waste hair. "It helps to conserve the environment, making the environment clean. During this weather, it really helps. It can dry faster even in the rainy season, taking a lot of dust. I really like it."

Synthetic Hair in Kenya - Waste Management

A Circular Approach to Preserve Lake Victoria

The initiative led by Newton Owino, an environmental scientist and founder of Alisam Products Development and Design, stems from a commitment to create job opportunities through material reuse. Owino emphasizes the need for responsible disposal, stating, "Every week, people remove their hair, and where do they dump them? Just on the surface. There is no specific area, there is no designated place to dump this. So it all litters everywhere, and the end result is that they all get back into the lake."

Amos Wemanya, a Senior Advisor on Renewable Energy and Just Transitions at Power Shift Africa, applauds such circular practices, especially those aimed at preserving and restoring the health of Lake Victoria. "We are living in a consumption world where everyone is consuming a lot more than what is needed. We are having a lot of impact on ecosystems with this overconsumption. So I think it is time that the whole society, including here in Kenya, embrace circularity."

Synthetic Hair in Kenya - Preservation

Preserving Lake Victoria: A Call to Action

Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater lake, faces severe threats from pollutants, ranging from domestic to industrial waste. UN Water reports that parts of the lake are now considered dead zones, unable to sustain life due to oxygen deficiency.

The communities depending on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods are deeply concerned about its health. Newton Owino urges the UN environment and the Kenyan government's environmental department to consider hair waste as a serious matter, calling for designated disposal areas to prevent further harm to the lake.

Synthetic Hair in Kenya - Let's Act Today