John and Edward Grimes may be the most controversial X Factor contestants this year, but the twins are on the way to becoming Dublin's newest style icons.

A top men's hairstylist in Dublin claimed that an increasing number of his clients have come in wanting a "John and Edward" -- a sky-high platinum blond hairstyle.

Hughie McAllister, owner of the Grafton Barber chain, said that in the past two weeks, a number of young men have come in requesting this style.

"It has been very popular over the past few weeks," he said. "They will come in asking for that high quiff they've seen on the X Factor.

"For years, teens wanted the moppy Zac Efron hair, but in the last two weeks at least half a dozen boys have come in asking for it.

"Two separate people have even come in with photos of them to show exactly what they want."

But not everyone can pull off the elusive hairdo -- a tried-and-tested technique is used to get this look.

Superglue

"You need a certain amount of length on top, but the back and sides can be as long or as short as you want," said Hughie.

"We use our own brand of gel and straightener. Our paste gel is like superglue for hair; it will hold up for days. It's the combination of that and the straightener that gives the height."

The majority of those wanting to mimic the look are young teens impressed with the boys' distinct style.

"It's generally 14- to 19-year-olds," said Hughie. "They will come in for highlights, saying 'as bright as possible', and get the cut as well. It's great because summer is mostly our big season for highlights, but these boys are bringing it into winter.

"It only takes 20 minutes max and it's easy for them to style at home as well.

"It's a combination of different things -- it involves a root lift and the texture has to be right. It's certainly not easy, but it's not hard either.

Hughie has even said he admires their neat style.

Ridicule

"They really have their own little image going on," he said. "It's nice to see well-kept young fellas.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, these boys are starting their own trend."

The Lucan pair may have been the subject of ridicule since Louis chose them for the live finals, but they have secured a cult fanbase.

- CAITLIN MCBRIDE