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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (April 28, 1988)
Death is not an excuse for messed-up hair By William Rudolph Suff Reporter _ Even in the midst of life, we are in death. And even in the midst of death, the same problems are faced in life. Not only does the family of the de ceased have to endure choosing a coffin and making the burial arrange ments, but they also face the problem of arranging the body for burial. Along with the burial clothes comes the problem of hair. And at this step in the final journey, often a hair stylist will be called in to help prepare the body for the funeral. Deborah Crawford, owner of the Phoenix, 3810 Normal Blvd., has assisted twice at pre-funeral stylings. Although she hopes not to have to do any more, she does believe that the process is necessary. The process may be slightly odd, said Crawford, but “it’s kind of nice to help them (the deceased) and help the family” by fixing the hair for the last time. Generally when a loved one dies, stylists talk to the family of the de ceased to get an idea of how to arrange the departed’s hair. This is done in order to make the deceased appear as he or she did in life. But the way to achieve this is very differentfrom Crawford’s usual salon jobs. For one thing, stylists cannot rely on Paul Mitchell or Prell. Con ventional shampoos pose problems for the hair of the departed, since hair after death doesn’t have the same organic composition. Instead, stylists use rubbing alcohol to wet the hair down. Besides getting the hair into a manageable state, alcohol has the bonus of drying quickly and taking curls instantly. As far as curling goes, Crawford has found that dead hair curls better by setting with rollers rather than with a curling iron. Sty lists especially need to exercise caution when using an curling iron. In life acurling iron bum can produce a nasty scar; after death, it’s a different story. Since the body no longer repairs itself, any kind of bum will produce a very noticeable raised spot on the skin. And as one might expect, “people do notice.” Usually an employee of the funeral home will assist in the process to help the stylist rinse the alcohol into a pan and help compensate for the fact that the dead customer can’t hold his or her head up. Stylists don’t usually put make-up on the deceased’s face. If the departed was a customer, however, Crawford said the stylist may advise the funeral home on the person’s appearance in life. But because the morticians sometimes stitch the mouth shut and since a heavy base is often used to mask the signs of a particularly pain ful death, whoever applies the make up must be careful not to wind up with a clown-like effect. The purpose of the entire process is not to create a new style or tiy innova tions on customers who can’t com plain, said Crawford, but to leave the person looking natural and to help the family and friends through a difficult time. Crawford said the way the body appears during a funeral can have a lasting effect “That is unfortunately the last picture they (family and friends) carry around of that person ... you want to get it so they look as they did in life. You want to leave them with a comforting memory.” Costello & Associates ThelvxlikK‘rOOs)iai<fte»ytoget asitMouse Tor a bmtoJ true order your Jostens coiege ring through your xyster* sale*. 'epresentat rve or the bookstore With your ring you win receive a cer til cate entitlrig you to a Kodak KAOO i.arnera lietai value approumatety S59) Mai ( r '*»/ camera wii tie sent to you upon reiept <J the certitcate J( )STENS A M ( MICA & COLLEGE * I N G Offer good thru Sat., May 7, 1988 Op*n Mon-Frl. 9-5 30 Sat 9-5 30 Thur* "til 9pm More than ever, | more than a Bookstore. 1300 0 Street (402)476-0111 During the Past School Year, Godfather's Pizza is Giving You "An Offer You Can't Refuse.® I $3.99* I Medium Cheese Pizza (Eat In or Carry-Out) $4.99* Medium Cheese Pizza Delivered (*To take advantage of these offers, please ask for this special w hen < rdering.) At these prices, most places would give you a stripped-down pizza, but not Godfather's Pizza. Our pizzas are loaded with real cheese, our special sauce and any of you* favorite toppings for only $.74 per topping. i So take a break from the books and Stop by or call i Godfather's Pizza. Just tell us you want... "An Offer I Can't Refuse." Godfather's ■^IgPizza. 12th & Q • 474-6000 N. 48th & Vine • 466-8264 S. 48th & Hwy. 2 • 483-4129 Not valid with other offers, coupons or promotions. We reserve the right to limit quantities.