Unexpected thunderstorms drenched the roads Sunday afternoon, but that didn’t stop residents from across the region from coming out to Melody Trice’s second annual hair show.

After a full house packed the Thomasville Middle School during her first hair extravaganza last year, approximately 80 people showed up for the 2006 event in the Thomasville High School.

Although Trice expected 10 salons to be represented at this year’s event, only seven showed up. However, the sympathetic stylist understands how stormy weather gets in the way of things.

“All in all, most of the stylists came, but some of them would’ve had to travel from so far away in this,” she said knowing that safety always comes first. “I am just grateful that the people here came out even though the weather was bad.”

Among the stylists there were Tamiko McConnell from Styles “R” Us, Sharae Welch from Crown and Glory, Lesha Johnson from Lesha’s House of Styles, Linda Thomas from Queen of Essence, Michael Woods from Michael’s Barber Shop, Louise Allen from Louise’s House of Styles and of course, Trice showed her hair creations on behalf of Melody’s Beauty Salon.

There were soft curls, mohawks, quick weaves, flips, roller wraps, rainbow colors and outfits made out of hair being modeled by women. For the men, there were twists, fades and uniquely dyed hairstyles featuring Spiderman, Elmo and Miami Heat designs.

“It was good. Actually, it was more than what I expected,” Trice said. “I didn’t know there were people in the area that did styles like that. I really didn’t know I could bring my son to the barber and get his hair died. I am surprised by myself because it took so long to do my styles. I took me four hours to do one girl’s hair.”

In addition to the hairstyles, vendors from Dudley Products, O.P.I. nail products, Affirm Products, Tamiko McConnell (home interior), Adriana’s Boutique, and Supreme Wisdom Body and Mind Bookstore.

“The vendors were satisfied,” Trice said, “and the MC (Dr. Feelgood from Montgomery’s 96.7) did a great job.”

Trice’s main mission for bringing such a show to Marengo County was to let its residents know that they didn’t have to go so far to Birmingham or Atlanta, to get the styles they wanted.

While others have tried and failed at having a successful hair show in West Alabama, Trice gave a definite yes to having another exhibition next year.

“I hope it turns out even bigger next year. If it is one thing I could add, it would be more people. I want to make it grow every year,” she said with a smile. “Sometimes I think ‘Melody what have you gotten yourself into?’ but when I hear the people laughing and I see the smiling, I say ‘Lord thank you,’ and I know it was all worth it.”