Jose Antonio lived on the streets of Palma, Spain, for 25 years.
Jose, known affectionately as Josete by locals in his native Palma, spent 25 years living on the street. Salva Garcia, owner of La Salvajeria hair salon, invited Jose to come and get cleaned up.
When they uncovered the mirror to show him his freshly trimmed beard and lush brown hair, he began to sob. “My God… Is this me?” He exclaims in a video of the transformation produced by the salon.
Jose was a regular sight at the town square in Majorca
As he was: Jose Antonio, who has been homeless for 25 years, walked into the salon with grey unkempt hair and a straggly dirty beard.
Salva Garcia, owner of La Salvajeria hair salon, invited Jose to come in and get cleaned up for free.
He was well-known by locals and helped many park their cars in the town’s main square for a small wage.
His hair and beard were trimmed
Jose Antonio was offered the dramatic makeover by the salon owner who knew him from his day job working as an unlicensed car parking attendant to earn enough money for food.
New hairdress
This was no easy task, as Jose’s long and scruffy hair – including his beard – had to be chopped and tamed.
Manicured look and stylish clothes
Jose’s hair was also dyed dark brown, since a more youthful appearance could help him find a better job.
Is this me?
Locals also provided Jose with a crisp new white shirt, and a pair of cropped red pants.
My God, this is incredible
He asked the salon’s mirror to be covered until his makeover was finished.
Where's your Ferrari, mate?
When they finally opened it, Jose was overcome by emotion and began to sob.
He was barely recognisable from before.
Still looking for work.
“My God… Is this me?” He loudly exclaimed.
It changed my life.
Brimming with joy, Jose hit the town, and flaunted all of his newfound ‘hipster’ glory.
“It wasn’t just a change of look.
New life.
It changed my life,” he told Spanish reporters about his transformation.
Locals had to do a double-take just to realise who he was, but showered him with compliments nonetheless