By Christi Marsico • Staff Writer

Movie stars are coming to Cullowhee. With a snip here and a dye job there, hair stylists will be battling the gift of glam in Hair Wars for the second annual fundraiser Feb. 21 at WCU’s Ramsey Center.

Five salons from Jackson, Swain and Macon counties will present hair models representing this year‘s theme of “The Movies.”

Salons competing are Cristal and Company and Les Gens Beaux of Sylva, Shear Madness of Franklin, and Hairport of Cullowhee.

Potential movie characters possibly making an appearance are Scarlett O’Hara, Marilyn Monroe, James Bond, Mary Poppins and Princess Leia among other notable celebrities from the 1920s to today.

Textures salon from Bryson City took home the trophy for the first competition last year whose theme was “Rock Stars of the 80s.”

Greg Wright, owner of Textures, came up with this year’s theme.

“We wanted to make it as appealing as possible and let artists define it,” Wright said. “It was an evening of silly fun, and everybody really exceeded my expectations.”

Recruiting was easier this year for Wright who plans on having between 12 and 20 hair models.

Wright will transform his models’ hair the day of the event.

Last year it took four hours to makeover one of Wright’s clients as Annie Lennox, the lead singer of Eurythmics.

From transforming clients into movie stars as well as helping those with disabilities, the salon owner is thrilled to be involved with this competition.

“I enjoy the fact that it is something crazy and on behalf of something for the community,” Wright said.

No wigs or synthetic hair is allowed in the competition. Hair styles showcased will be real hair that has been colored, cut and styled.

Each salon will have about 10 minutes to present their movie models. The models plan to debut their hairdos in costume to music that best represents the film or character they portray.

There will be makeovers, cutting edge hairstyles and talent demonstrations featured during the family friendly affair as well.

Over 200 people attended Hair Wars last year, and the event raised $2,000.

The first place winner will receive a plaque, trophy and half the entry fee. Second and third place winners will be awarded plaques and thirty percent of the entry fee.

Funds raised will go to Pathways for the Future, Center for the Independent Living. Pathways is a non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities maintain an independent lifestyle. The program serves about 650 people in 14 Western North Carolina counties.

Admission is $10 in advance; $12 at the door for adults; $8 for children ages 3 to 13; children under 3 are free.

Tickets are available at Pathways and participating salons.

For more information call 828.631.1167 or 828.586.1570.