The tools of their trade aren't magical, but the wizardry of cosmetologists Jazzlyn Stanzione of Ogden, Cassandra Dunn of Hyrum and Traci Wilkinson of Morgan has transported the 20-somethings to such venues as Chicago and Italy.

With a snip here and a clip there, their abilities next will take them to Moscow July 1-4 to represent the United States in the international cosmetology competition Hairworld 2006.

The ladies, who met at cosmetology school and graduated together in 2005 from Stacey's Hands of a Champion beauty college in Ogden, held a cut-a-thon at Mount Logan Middle School in Logan on Saturday to raise funds for their trip.

Other preparations include trying to shave a few minutes off style time in their category - men's fashion cuts - because they will have just 15 minutes to out-clip hundreds of competitors from around the world.

"It definitely gets your adrenaline going," Dunn said. "Traci has shaky hands, but once she gets to cutting, she calms down."

There's more to a great haircut than meets the eye and men increasingly are spending less time at the barbershop and more time - and money - at the beauty shop, Wilkinson said.

"I don't think you ever appreciate it until you get into it," Wilkinson said of helping men look their best. In addition to working in a salon, Wilkinson, 21, teaches cosmetology.

As far as the upcoming competition goes, the fashion trends abroad are five years ahead, Stanzione said.

"The judges don't want something that's going to be too outrageous," she said, adding that the Mohawk-mullet is rising in popularity.

With or without 15-minutes of world fame, the young teammates agree their profession has already rewarded them amply.

"Every day you learn something new doing hair and I love meeting new people," Stanzione said. "I especially love competing because you meet people from around the world."

Dunn said the profession is an outlet for her artistic tendencies, whether she is designing a flattering cut or selecting the perfect color shade.

"I love helping people feel good about themselves," Dunn said. "When they go out with a big smile on their face, it's a great feeling."

The competitors plan an outdoor ''cut-a-thon'' to raise funds for their upcoming trip to Moscow. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 10 at Larry's Spring Chicken Inn, 4 North State St., in Morgan.

abrunson@sltrib.com