Change your look, one feather at a time

At her City Market stall, Judy Sheen of Featherhedz applies beautifully coloured feathers into people’s hair, giving them an instant make-over. Find out how Judy can change your look, one feather at a time.

What made you decide to make and apply feathers to people’s hair?

I have been in the beauty industry for 30 years. I love trying new things, so put some feathers in my hair and had so many comments. I found a farm in B.C. that raises roosters and pheasants and sells the feathers to put in hair. So, I placed an order and inserted them into my daughters’ hair. They went to school and had so many people asking about them, so I just started taking appointments and it snowballed from there.

Where do you find inspiration for the feathers you create?

My inspiration comes when the client first sits down in my chair. We decide on a few colours and I look at their hairstyle, hair and eye colour. Then I play around with placing them in different spots on their head while they are holding a mirror. I love watching their reactions.

Do you think feathers are for everyone?

I think everyone should try having a feather or two installed in their hair. People always think, “No, that won’t look good with my hair”, but honestly, once they do get them, they love it.  And if you try them and don’t like it, they are not permanent and can be easily removed.

How do you decide what feathers will look best in someone’s hair?

I like to see how people are dressed, what their favourite colors are, what hair color they have, and then I go from there. Some people don’t realize that short hair can look fabulous with feathers if they are done properly. The lengths and many different colors of feathers varies. Even where the feathers are placed on the head can make a huge difference. The longer the hair, the longer the feather I use.

Why do you choose to sell your products at the City Market Downtown?

I love seeing and meeting people at the City Market. You get to meet a wide variety of people. Most of these people haven’t even heard of feathers being installed into hair, and I love the reaction when they get feathers done, or see the feathers in my hair and how beautiful it looks. It is a simple and inexpensive to completely change your look.

Do you have a memorable, unique or funny story about selling your products at the City Market Downtown?

The first time I was at the City Market Downtown, I was installing feathers into a woman’s hair and I was really concentrating. When I finished and turned around, I had a line up of people waiting to get feathers!

Upcoming dates at the City Hall Downtown at City Hall?

I am at the Market every Saturday. I hope to see you soon!