BIRDS EYE VIEW: FEATHER EXTENSIONS!

Feather hair extensions are taking flight this summer!

Bright and bold plumage peeked out of models' hair on the Fall 2011 runways of Cushnie et Ochs and Gucci, and celebrities like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Selena Gomez (pictured above), Miley Cyrus, Steven Tyler and Hilary Duff have layered their locks with this season's "it" accessory.





While this hair trend echos the boho style of the '70s, it hasn't just returned, according to Hair Flairs Canada (custom hair extensions and accessories manufacturer) it's taken over!


Technology has coupled with an old idea and made it new. We're not looking like Pocahontas.


Faced with a rough economy, I believe that women were in search of a budget-friendly way to dress up their hair. Feather hair extensions are a fun and flirty alternative to costly highlights, and the appeal sparked a frenzy among stylists.

Feather crackheads is what I call them, As a supplier a stylist would want to satisfy the demand but are limited by the availability of the saddle rooster.

Normally reserved for the fly-fishing industry, fashionistas are tapping into the supply of hackle feathers -- the plumage used for this hair service that costs anywhere from $100 and up.

I have noticed that women and not so much as young girls are sitting down in my chair for natural hued feathers because it looks natural and organic.

And feather hair extensions ability to endure stress is an added bonus, It can be curled, shampooed, blow-dried and worn in straight and curly hair. Talk about low-maintenance!

Designers and brands are also catching on and creating modern clip-ins for those who like to constantly switch things up.

LoveChild duo Roxanne Grace and Laura Stewart's feather hair accessories boast a California cool. Known for their "peek-a-boo" pieces, they organically create a story or theme to design around images and ideas from the past, mixing texture and color.

Professional hair tools supplier Sultra has now added Feather Hair Accents to their roster. "Ethereal and edgy at the same time, these feather hair extensions can be worn by anyone to complement any personality or hair color," says Julie Taing,Sephora PRO beauty expert. "Because they easily clip in and out, you can wear only one or don multiple for any style, occasion or outfit."

Whether you have long locks or short strands, click through the gallery for inspiration on how to get the look!