In a shocking turn of events that left both entrepreneurs and viewers baffled, ethical beauty brand Liha found themselves at the centre of a Dragons' Den controversy that ultimately led to their segment being pulled from the popular BBC investment show.
The Pitch That Impressed But Never Aired
Founders Liha Okunni and Abi Oyepitan entered the Den with their sustainable haircare line Mother & Root, showcasing their innovative product range including their now-famous "Boot Banana" - a nourishing hair butter designed to transform even the most challenging hair textures.
The pitch appeared to be a success story in the making, with the entrepreneurs securing investment from not one, but two Dragons. Steven Bartlett and Sara Davies both saw potential in the brand, making joint offers that would have provided the capital and expertise needed to scale the business.
The Unexpected Ban That Shocked Viewers
Despite the apparent success, BBC executives made the controversial decision to pull the segment from broadcast. The reason? Concerns over the brand's product naming convention, specifically their "Boot Banana" hair butter.
This decision came as a particular surprise given the brand's strong ethical credentials and natural formulations. Liha has built its reputation on creating products free from synthetic ingredients, using traditional West African recipes combined with British aromatherapy principles.
From Den Rejection to Business Success
Rather than letting the setback define them, Liha has transformed the situation into a remarkable success story. The brand has continued to grow its loyal customer base and expand its product range, proving that sometimes the best revenge is business success.
The Mother & Root range, including the controversial Boot Banana, remains available through their direct channels and selected stockists, continuing to win awards and customer loyalty despite the Dragons' Den disappointment.
What Makes Boot Banana So Special?
This innovative hair butter has become a cult favourite for good reason:
- Natural ingredients including shea butter and coconut oil
- Suitable for all hair types, especially curly and textured hair
- Free from synthetic chemicals and preservatives
- Ethically sourced and sustainably produced
- Versatile enough for multiple hair care needs
The Dragons' Den ban may have kept Liha off television screens, but it couldn't stop their journey toward becoming one of the UK's most talked-about ethical beauty brands.
