There appears to be an avian-inspired trend sweeping Tinsel Town. From colourful American Idol judge, Steven Tyler, to Hilary Duff, and teen sensations Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus, these stars all sport one thing in common: feather extensions. Yep, feather extensions are this season’s hottest hair trend, complementing the platforms and bell bottoms of 70s revival.
Similarly to hair extensions, feather extensions can be washed and curled for up to four months, but for those seeking a shorter commitment, many hair extension e-retailers (Feather Envy offers a starter feather kit for $13) offer feather extensions that can be applied at home and typically last a month. Typically rooster feathers, the plumes vary in colouration and can be vibrant and hot or natural and simple.
Adorning one’s head of hair is nothing new, and the use of feathers specifically as adornments harks back to Ancient Egypt and 19th century France. One just has to look at iconic Queen, Marie Antoinette to see her very apparent fondness for decorating her mane with plumes. And while feathers are typically associated with hippies of the 70s and hipsters attending the Coachella Music Festival, there is no doubt that a bevy of plumes will be found this week accenting the hats of guests of the Royal Wedding. It’s clear that feather extensions are no longer relegated to such specific, if not stereotypical demographics, but while it’s one thing to sport a hair accessory with feathers, it may be another to show up at your board meeting with blue and purple feather extensions peeking out from behind your ears.
As women we are privy to every kind of accessory and bauble imaginable, so it appears that feather extensions are simply another trend in the massive and very lucrative beauty and hair industries. Another hair extension fad gaining popularity are those of glitter or sparkle extensions”essentially tinsel-like threads applied to the hair, which are offered in a multitude of colours. However, unlike feather extensions, sparkle extensions are usually applied in a highlight-like formation, thus covering an entire head of hair. For this reason, there is a preference for some to gravitate towards the feather extensions as they can be applied to ˜peek-out’ from underneath the hair and provide a more natural, carefree effect. For that reason alone, feather extensions are probably more wearable than a mane full of Christmas tinsel, right?
What are your thoughts on feather extensions? Are they merely a fad, or do you think they have some staying power? Is there an age limit as to who can wear them and if they should ever be worn in an office? Will you be trying them out this season:?
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