Extend Your Style

Editor's note: We can't decide which we're more excited about—getting feather extensions for our hair, or the fact that Elk Grove Patch style columnist Kat Chamberlin is back from her stint in the Bahamas. Kat will once again be bringing you updates from the local fashion and beauty scene. For a refresher course on Elk Grove style, check out some of her previous columns .

Lately, everywhere I look I see people with rainbow-colored locks of hair. Is it because Halloween is pretty much here? The answer is no. It’s because the hottest fashion accessories right now are feather hair extensions. Beyoncé, Steven Tyler, Selena Gomez and Kim Kardashian have all been photographed recently by the paparazzi sporting extensions that add flair and texture instantly.

If you’re not currently pulling in a cool $40,000 per episode like Kim K., no worries—you can still afford this look. Feather hair extensions are reasonably-priced, low-maintenance and commitment-free. It’s easy to see why they are so popular. Elk Grove is full of places to buy them, salons to install them and people who wear them.

The trend has taken off among all age groups. Jane Fricke, a longtime Elk Grove resident who teaches in the Sacramento Unified School District, says: “The feather hair extensions are popular with my students and provide an outlet for self expression without breaking any dress-codes.” I also spoke with professional Elk Grove women who work in conservative environments Monday through Friday and enjoy wearing the extensions on weekends and holidays to spice things up.  

Some people let their true colors shine with natural-looking feathers, while others opt for the previously-mentioned bright hues. When I had mine done, the stylist gave my hairstyle a faux A-line shape by adding long extensions on each side of my face only in the front. The whole process took less than 10 minutes and gave me a new look that lasted two to three months.

Elk Grove salon stylists will add the feathers to your hair for an average price of $30 for two extensions. Extensions are also sold separately for about $10 apiece. For a custom look, stylist Karina West at Studio K will order the color you want; it usually takes a week to get it. stylists also have a limited supply on hand for you to choose from if you’re in a hurry.  

If you want to create your own look, you will need extensions, hooks, beads and a plier-type tool to clamp the bead once you have fastened it to your hair. offers a kit made by Inkahoots containing two purple, two pink and two brown extensions for less than 20 bucks.

"Choose the beads that most closely match the existing natural hair color and that are made with a layer of silicone on the inside that prevents hair breakage and ensures a tighter grip," says Vanessa at the Calvine store. “Doing so will extend the length of time extensions stay in the hair."

I found some hot deals online through Vivid, Feather Goddess and Donna Bella. Adorable Youtube guru Kandee Johnson has a simple how-to video you can reference, too! (Click on the image above to play.)

So there you have it: the scoop on feather hair extensions, just in time for the holidays.