Ciara Imani May Patents Her Plant-Based, Microbiome-Friendly Braiding Hair.

Rebundle’s plant-based, “microbiome-friendly” braiding hair offers Black women a clean, irritant-free way to look and feel their best.

Black-owned beauty brand Rebundle has secured its first U.S. patent.

Rebundle is transforming hair extensions with safer, eco-friendly solutions for both the scalp and the environment. As the first U.S. company offering plant-based braiding hair, Rebundle provides vegan, clean products that reduce waste and prevent scalp irritation.

Using a proprietary process, the company turns banana fiber into lightweight, biodegradable, and non-toxic hair extensions through its “ReGen Hair Fiber” technology.

In an Instagram post, Founder and CEO Ciara Imani May emphasized the importance of safety and the milestone of receiving a U.S. patent.

“The patent protects the core innovation behind Braidbetter—its unique texture, durability, and scalp comfort. For our community, it’s a sign that this product is protected, scalable, and here to stay,” she shared.

The idea for Rebundle’s plant-based hair extensions stemmed from Ciara Imani May’s personal experience. In 2019, she began suffering from scalp irritation after using traditional braiding hair and discovered growing evidence about the dangers of synthetic plastic hair. A Harvard School of Public Health study confirmed these risks, revealing that synthetic hair often contains carcinogens, lead, and volatile organic compounds—posing serious health threats, especially to Black women who are the primary consumers.

Environmental health expert Tamarra James-Todd highlighted that these chemicals can be absorbed through the scalp, inhaled, or ingested through hand-to-mouth contact.

Rebundle’s creation and newly patented technology aim to give consumers safer, healthier alternatives—helping women look good without compromising their well-being.