New Outlook Salon Brings Hot Hair Feather Trend to Rumson and Fair Haven

It comes as no surprise that the latest trend in hair fashion is bold and almost retro – and available at in Fair Haven. 

A year ago, a feather-and-hair combination conjured images of Johnny Depp a la Pirates of the Caribbean. But recently, feather extensions have been all the rage since Steven Tyler began sporting brightly colored plumes on American Idol, and the demand is far from diminishing. Finding a local salon that specializes in the art, however, is more difficult than it seems. The reason for this, said Michelle Paone of New Outlook, is that they’re not easy to find – and they’re not cheap.

“For a hair salon to buy the starting kit, it’s a $500 investment,” said Paone, who emphasized the risk of such an investment in today’s economy. Luckily for Rumson-Fair Haven residents, New Outlook took that risk.

“We just started 2 months ago,” said Paone. “My husband, who is a cosmetology teacher, brought it to my attention. So we researched it and decided to do it.”

Even after the initial investment, feather extensions are difficult to obtain.  In the case of New Outlook, the extensions are not supplied by the distributor and websites are often sold out.

Paone said that after much research, she was surprised to find some stock available on conditionculture.com, but not without obstacles.

“They’re on back order right now, and most websites won’t take your order,” said Paone.

To score fifty extensions, Paone will have to call the company ten minutes before they actually open and wait on hold for about twenty minutes for the shipment to come in.

“The small ones are mostly popular,” said Paone, “but we order all different shapes, sizes, and colors.”

According to Paone, blue, purple, and yellow remain the most popular colors – and the first to sell out.  Still, there are plenty of subtle shades for those who prefer a more modest look.  After all, any type of feather adding a splash of color to the locks is fun and different.

New Outlook originally ordered the extensions in bundles of six, which is not as bulky as it sounds.  The feathers are thin and, depending on the color, often blend easily with hair.  Bundles allow for more exposure.  

Paone and her colleagues at New Outlook were excited to demonstrate the process, which is relatively simple, quick, and damage-free.  Unlike highlights and perms, this hairstyle is not permanent and is not harmful to hair.

A few wisps of hair are threaded through a silicon-lined bead with what looks like a crochet hook before the bead is secured to the hair with a crimper, a tool that resembles a pair of pliers.  In less than a minute, the bundle is secured and the wearer can proceed as usual with washing, brushing, drying, and even curling and straightening.

“We just started, so we don’t have much longevity,” said Paone, “but people have been coming back after three to four weeks to have the feather rethreaded.”

The reason for this, said Paone, is simply hair growth

“If you take good care of your hair, you can come back and have the feather rethreaded,” said Paone, “so you’re not spending money buying new ones all the time.”

They’re reusable, non-damaging, hip, and in high demand – and at New Outlook, they’re affordable.  A bundle of six is $35, and an individual extension goes for $10.  Compare that to salons in surrounding areas, where individual extensions are sold at $17 a piece. 

Most local salons do not offer these bright hair accessories, although Etre Day Hair Spa in Rumson has begun to stock feathers at $40 for a bundle of three and $15 for a single feather.

Feather-seeking ladies – and men – looking for local salons can check out ConditionCulture.com for a list of practicing salons in the area, provided they order their accessories from the website.