Feathers in the hair: the coolest comeback ever Directly from the California hippie era of the 1970s and indie sleaze era

Guess what? We thought we’d left them back in 2011, along with Stitch-shaped phone cases and moustache prints slapped on literally everything. And yet, here they are again: feather hair extensions are officially back, popping up on social media, red carpets and the mood boards of every internet girl. Celebrities are fully on board too: from Tate McRae to Kim Kardashian, the only one who hasn’t tried them yet is you!

Feathers in your hair: the coolest trend comeback ever

The 1970s, between hippie and bohemian vibes

Feathers in the hair started making their way into style long before becoming today’s trend. Between the 1970s and early 1980s, they entered the bohemian aesthetic and the counterculture of the time, when hair styling moved away from perfection - teased hair and heavy hairspray - and became more instinctive, freer. Feathers were worn in long, loose hair or attached to bandanas, flaunted by rock stars, artists and musicians.

The hair trend comeback in 2011

Then came the early 2010s, and with the return of boho chic and the rise of indie sleaze, feathers made a comeback too: long, bold, patterned or ultra-colourful. At the time, they became a true it-girl signature. Ke$ha turned them into a staple of her look, while Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and Hilary Duff wore them on Disney Channel red carpets and award shows.

How to apply and care for feather extensions

Fast forward to today. Alongside coloured strands, feather extensions are back once again. But where can you find them? Nothing complicated, they’re easy to find online. As always, though, quality makes all the difference. It’s important to choose durable feathers, treated to withstand washing and drying without damage, and with a certified ethical origin, to prevent fading or stiffness. High-quality feathers can be washed along with your hair using a gentle shampoo and no rubbing, then left to air-dry or gently patted with a towel. No flat irons or overly hot blow dryers: excessive heat can bend or ruin their structure. They can be applied more securely and long-term by professionals, or temporarily with micro-beads or small elastics if you’re not fully convinced or just want to experiment with a different look for a few days only.