Homeless Man’s Unbelievable Makeover is a Life-Changing Transformation

homeless man makeover

Jose Antonio, affectionately known as Josete by locals, has spent the last 25 years of his life living on the streets of Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The former electrician, who lost his job in an accident, suffered from a long period of depression and was working as an unauthorized parking attendant to save money for a room when fortune came his way.

Every morning when Salva Garcia, the owner of La Salvajeria hair salon, let the 55-year-old park his car, he joked with him about cutting his long, unruly hair. Eventually, realizing a change in his appearance could help him secure employment, Jose Antonio agreed. What happened next is incredible.

The entire transformation was captured in the short film, El Espíritu de la plaza (The Spirit of the Square), which aims to show how altruism can be life changing.

Jose Antonio had been living on the streets of Palma di Mallorca for 25 years after losing his job and a long battle with depression.

homeless man makeover

In order to get a full-time job, he knew it was time for a change in his appearance. Luckily, La Salvajeria hair salon offered to help tame his unruly hair and beard.

homeless man transformation

The salon, which was celebrating three years in business, wanted to use their talents to do something special for the man locals call Josete.

homeless man makeover

They even dyed his hair brown to give the 55-year-old former electrician a more youthful appearance.

homeless man transformation

homeless man transformation

Jose Antonio, who didn't look at himself until the makeover was complete, couldn't believe his eyes. “My God… Is this me?” he exclaimed.

homeless man transformation

Complete with a new white shirt and pair of red pants, he transformed into something of a hipster, with locals not even recognizing him.

homeless man transformation

The miraculous transformation took place in July 2015, but is going viral thanks to a recently released video about the makeover. “It wasn't just a change of look. It changed my life,” Jose Antonio shared with reporters.

homeless man transformation

Currently, Jose Antonio is still looking for work, but is no longer on the streets. The salon revealed that a private company, which wishes to remain anonymous, has provided financial assistance.

homeless man makeover

h/t: [Bored Panda, A Plus]

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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