I Style Dead People
Sunday, January 20th, 2008
Jennifer Russo, 27, owner of Spazzo salon, in Clinton, CT, hasn’t received many complaints in the seven years she has been styling hair. But with her side gig—as hairdresser to the deceased—it’s not even on the menu. Finding herself recently divorced with a new business, and lifestyle, to keep (Harley, anyone?), she ended up at Swan Funeral Home next to her shop, where she is now on the payroll. “It’s a motorcycle payment,” she says. “And I love it.” Her other side gig, singing old standards, found its way into her work as well.
How did you get this job?
I just went over and asked. I befriended one of the morticians and I gave him my number and information. He stopped over one day and told me he had two bodies to do for my first job.
Why did you want to do this?
Just the extra money, the convenience–it’s right next door.
What was it like, your first time?
The mortician was hysterical. He didn’t want to leave me alone for my first job. He wheeled them into the showroom area to make it easier for me, but he didn’t want to leave me alone. But it was really comfortable after I asked what their names were. When he left, I introduced myself to them and just familiarized myself with them so I didn’t feel like I was intruding.
How is it different to style a dead person?
It doesn’t take as long because you only have to do the sides and the front. But since they’re lying down it’s challenging because you have to get it to look like when they’re standing up. They usually give you a picture to match.
Also, I’m used to people talking at me all day, bitching about their lives, gossiping. So it’s a nice way to end the day—making someone beautiful who can’t talk to you.
What do you do while you’re styling them?
I sing to them. My forties tunes, old standards. Because you never know if they’re watching. I don’t know what I believe, but if they are watching, I want it to be nice for them.
I don’t get scared or freaked out. I’ll say, “If I’m doing something you don’t like, just let me know.” Then I’m a little scared they’re going to let me know.
Is it totally creepy?
There is a sense of calmness to it. They just look so at peace. They just seem like they’re in a better place. I want to make them look good for their families because usually at the end of their lives they’ve been sick. I want them to look like everybody remembers them looking. That’s what’s rewarding for me. It’s ironic. I’m scared of everything at night. I have nighttime paranoia, for god’s sake. But this doesn’t bother me.
How many people have you done so far?
Seven.
Has anyone ever commented on your work?
The funeral director has commented that the families have gone out of their way to say the hair looked great. I am so meticulous. I want to make sure every hair looks perfect.
How much do you get paid?
Fifty dollars a head.
How much do you charge in your shop, for the living?
Forty dollars. But the dead people are only paying once.
hey, i really want to get into doing “dead heads” i am a hairdresser and sure could use the extra cash, iw as affraid of doing one for my first time but after reading your “blog” i feel a bit better i just hope i can get into a funeral home doing this. i just have a question, do you just go when they need you? i love doing hair but sometimes to escape for the hussle and bussle it would be great!!! thanks
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I just want to say that I’ve been styling the dead for about 2 months now. I’ve done about 10 heads and I must say that I agree with you. It’s very peaceful and it leaves me with a warm feeling because I’m helping the family to end this portion of their lives. That way they’ll remember how good their loved ones look the last time they saw them ever. I’m usually scared of everything but, I must say, I’m pretty comfortable with it. Sometimes I’m in a room with like (at the most) 6 people and when I walk in its kind of overwhelming but then I relax. I talk to them and the only difficulty is trying to view looking down to make sure everything is right. I do the hair and eyebrows and I’m a perfectionist so its extra hard but in the end, its very nice and all are happy and satisfied. Keep up the good work because its truly a blessing in disguise.
oh yeah…I only get paid $35 per head…maybe I should push for $50. lol
Hello,
My name is Diandra Bias Im living in Augusta GA. I went to school for cosmeetology. I havent passed my state board. I really want to do dead people hair. I called around to different funeral home in my area. Came u tell me what more I need to do .
Thanks
Thanks so much for your story. I have a dear young friend, who is also a client, who recently died. The family asked if I would do the hair and eyebrows for her. Of course I said yes immediatly, then realized I had never done this before. So I was glad to know that its not that different and now I am wondering if I, too, would like this as a side job. See that friend of mine, Cara, still bringing me goodness and direction even in her death….
Hi im a 20yr old and my aunt asked that i perform services on her hair when she passed. She died last summer and i did indeed do her hair. I actually was creeped out because the funeral home just left me downstairs with other dead bodies and i was just trying to talk to my aunt and pretend like she was just asleep. It turned out pretty good and i thought she looked more like her self once i finished. She was young but she was sick. I couldnt do my grandma’s hair though. I went to cosmetology school but i dont have a liscense. i want to pursue this but HOW?
I have been styling the deceased for about a year now and have styled probably about 10 ladies. I started it because I own my own salon and was asked by my living clients that when they die they want me to style there hair. It takes getting used to, but like the other gals have said, you are doing them a favor by making them look presentable one last time for their friends and families. I too get paid $35 just to stlye i have colored and that of course was more.
Usually, in the Funeral business, you are required by state law, to have an embalming license along with a 2-year degree from college, to even touch a corpse; this is a really ‘different’ story. Hopefully neither of you get caught, because a license is required, unless there is some rule in another state in which I am not aware, but in California: No license = hefty fine. Oh, a Cosmetology license won’t suffice to be a mortician, you must attend Mortuary school. Don’t violate state laws, folks