Third Coast Cutting Edge

A feather in the hair: Houston salons jump into the celebrity craze of featherextensions

Dakota Hills attaching feather extensions to Spencer Grammer (Kelsey Grammer'sdaughter.)
Feather extensions are made from rooster feathers and come in bundles.
Paris Jackson asked for feather extensions at the Nickelodeon Kids’ ChoiceAwards.
Actress Bella Thorne chose brightly-colored feathers.

For once, trend-conscious Houstonians are part of fashion movement that’s simultaneously happening on both coasts. Feathers are nesting in hip tresses everywhere and a handful of local salons are adding the colorful additions quickly and with very little cost.

The feather-in-the-hair trend was brought back to Houston by many who attended Austin’s South By Southwest in March, but for creator Dakota Hills, the trend started at Red Rocks in Colorado in the summer of 2010. Hills split her time working as a bartender and attaching the feathers at concerts and within months, the trend had spread across the country.

Hill’s Fine Featherheads started in her basement where she and a handful of friends colored the bundled rooster feathers with an organic, mineral based dye.

“It’s just taken off,” Hills says. “I saw a heavy demand and I really think the sky is the limit with this trend.”

The feathers are 10 to 16 inches long and can be washed, brushed, blown dry, straightened and curled as long as the heat doesn’t extend past 450 degrees. The bundle of seven feathers equals one feather hair extension and are attached using a Micro Links method that doesn’t require heat or glue.

Salons such as Cutloose and Craft in Montrose started attaching the feathers in February and March, but the trend isn’t limited to the inner Loop. Josephine’s Day Spa — with two locations, one in Pearland and another on Eldridge — attaches the feathers for $40. Changes Hair Studio in Conroe, J. Thompson Salon in The Woodlands and Salon Demi in Spring have also jumped on board.

In town, Cutloose charges $30 per bundle (ask for Traci Burke) and at Craft the extensions range from $10 for a single feather to $40 for a bundle.

Hills credits the influence of Native American Indians and a surge of updated 1970s trends for the sudden interest. Not surprisingly, celebrities are flocking to the trend and Hills recently added the feather extensions to Paula Abdul as well as Paris Jackson and Bella Thorne at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Gift Lounge.

What did come as a bit of a shock, was excitement the feathers set off in four-legged circles.

"The equestrian community is very interested in the feathers for horse shows and we are also working on a puppy pack," Hills said.

One never knows just how long the feather extension trend will stick around, but for the moment, Houstonians can finally revel in being in the style moment.

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FASHION FINDS

Japanese casualwear retailer Uniqlo now open in Houston

Photo courtesy of Uniqlo/Instagram

Uniqlo is offering t-shirts and tote bags from Houston artists including Donkee Boy and CapDavJon.

Houstonians can finally get their hands on Uniqlo products, including the viral crescent bag recently dubbed the "Millennial Birkin" as the highly anticipated Japanese clothing store makes its Texas debut on October 11 at Memorial City Mall.

While Memorial City is the first Houston-area store, a Sugar Land location is slated to open on October 18, as well as three more in the Dallas area. The global retailer is expanding its presence in Texas and California due to customer demand, and it chose to open in Memorial City Mall first because of the large retail space and built-in customer base.

"We walked through many different locations, and this store stood out to us," Nicolas Cessot, head of marketing for Uniqlo North America, tells CultureMap. "We had a really strong feeling about starting in Houston at Memorial City,"

The brand is known for high-quality, affordable, and everyday casual wear and differentiates itself from similar retailers like Zara or H&M by offering timeless basics rather than micro-trends.

"Our concept is about life wear. We provide a high-quality product with functional details and design to help people live their lives. We never sacrifice the quality of the product – yes, our price point is very affordable, and that is who we are."

Photo courtesy of Uniqlo/Instagram

Uniqlo is offering t-shirts and tote bags from Houston artists including Donkee Boy and CapDavJon.

In addition to the viral Round Mini Shoulder bags, and rows of gorgeous cashmere sweaters, shoppers can snag merch from Houston artists and businesses, including Donkeeboy and Donkeemom, CapDavJon, as well as restaurants 93' Til and Crawfish and Noodles.

"We want customers to be able to celebrate the artists in their cities, who they are already fans of or follow on social media," says Cessot. "We will continue to work with local artists to make new designs just like we are doing in Los Angeles in New York."

Uniqlo's grand opening celebration at Memorial City Mall on October 11. Photo courtesy of Uniqlo

Customers can expect special services at the Memorial City location, including t-shirt and tote bag customization with Uniqlo's UTme. The service combines photos, images, and text to create a fully personalized product in minutes. Embroidery, repairs, and upcycling are also available through the brand's exclusive Re.Uniqlo service.

"Every state has a unique style, and Texas definitely does. The reason you see certain things in this store is because of what trends we see people from Texas buying online," said Cessot. "With time, we will see what people love and get their feedback. Uniqlo is about listening to the consumer's voice, so we will see what people are gravitating to and change accordingly."

Located in the former Forever 21 location, Uniqlo's first Houston outpost is massive. Great lighting and wide rows make for an easy shopping experience with distinct men's, women's, and kid's sections with cashiers and self-serve checkout stations.

During opening weekend, there will be food, drinks, a Taiko drum performance, personalized Japanese calligraphy, giveaways, and gifts with purchase. More information about grand opening specials is available here.

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