On Thursday, April 23rd, 49 ladies and one gentleman from all across the USA, convened in Manchester, New Hampshire to participate in the International Fancy Hair Competition.

The event, described as a hair couture show is simply a competition to showcase the biggest and the wackiest hairdos..

This year's theme was 'fantasy' and the fifty contestants, all professional hairstylists, did not disappoint. Using chicken wires, flowers and even peacock feathers, they created awe-inspiring masterpieces atop the heads of beautiful models.

The first prize of $7,500 went to a hair stylist from Farmington Hills, Michigan. Kevin Carter, who works at The Artistry of Hair, created a 'Proud Peacock' atop the head of model Amaris Brown, who proudly strutted around impressing the three judges.

The second place winner was from a local New Hampshire salon. Created by Colleen Jamieson, from the Aiden James Salon, in Nashua, the hairdo was inspired by the Indian Goddess, Parvati and comprised of a cascade of soft brown curls and flame-like all hair arms. For her efforts, Colleen took home a cash prize of $3,000USD.

The third place also went to a New Hampshire salon, located in Hooksett. Christine Sheldon of Salon Thairapy took home $1,000USD for her fabulous creation that included braids, beads and bangles.

The competition, now in its fourth year is sponsored by professional beauty products manufacturer, C.B. Sullivan and is a popular fundraiser, held for the benefit of The New Hampshire Food Bank.

Sources: examiner.com, NHfoodbank.