Feather Fashion: Hair trend causing problems for fishers

But now, the manager at the Backpacker’s Shop in Sheffield, is at the center of a fashion craze.

“Girls are putting hackle feathers in their hair, and we’re seeing an increase in sales,” Lindstrom said. “Most of the hackle feathers we see are sold out for eight, ten months at a time. Nobody can get them anymore.”

Celebrities like actresses Jennifer Love Hewitt and Hilary Duff inspired the craze. Even American Idol’s Steven Tyler sports feathers in his lush locks.

It’s a style Alison Gilliam said she’s seen in the halls of Amherst Steel High School.

“I think it’s really interesting that people are putting feathers in their hair, since fisherman use these to fish with. ” Gillam said. “There’s a lot of girls putting them in their hair. I mean, it’s pretty cool, and I think it’s really cute and original.”

Gilliam said she’s planning a trip to the salon. She’s considering adding a lure or two to her do.

“Maybe I’d put the ones that have the stripes on them or maybe I’d do a color like pink. I like pink,” she said, pointing to her bright-pink T-shirt.

Though bright colors may be trendy among younger clients, salons say others are opting for a more subtle look.

“A lot of people like the more natural look instead of going for those bright, vibrant colors, because they know they can wear it to work and still look professional,” said Cristina Rodgers, manager of Savvy Salon in Parma.

Her salon has seen a number of clients, ranging from teenagers to women in their 50’s.

However, Rodgers said it’s hard to predict how long the trend will last.

“I think it’s going to definitely last through the summer, a little bit into the fall,” she said. “I think it’ll take a backseat during the holiday and the winter season. I definitely think hair tinsel will pick up for the holidays cause it has that fun sparkle.”

The popularity of feather hair extensions has actually fueled prices online. Feathers that used to cost tens of dollars now fetch for hundreds, causing a bit of a problem for fishers.

“It can be frustrating for fishers,” Lindstrom said. “They can’t buy the feather to create the fly that catches the fish. It’s a little bit of a hinderence to our business.”

Like many fashion fads, Lindstom expects it’ll eventually fade.

Yet, he believes other tackle items may be the next bit thing.

“They put tinsel in their hair. I mean, there’s several other things. I had a lady the other day, she’s putting rabbit fur in her hair,” he said. “They’re looking at the stuff on our walls now, besides for just feathers and adding all sorts of crazy stuff. It’ll be interesting to see where it goes.”