Residents of Barnes Place, a senior living home in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, got a special treat for Valentine’s Day. Cosmetology students from Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center spent the day pampering them with hair and makeup makeovers, making them feel beautiful and appreciated.
The event, held on Tuesday, gave 21 seniors the chance to enjoy personal beauty treatments, including professional hairstyling, makeup, and a special photo session. For the seniors, it was a rare opportunity to get a full makeover, and for the students, it was a chance to practice their skills on real clients.
Key Takeaways
Cosmetology students from Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center provided Valentine’s Day makeovers to senior residents at Barnes Place, boosting their confidence and enhancing their appearance.
- Students provided professional hair styling, makeup application, and photography sessions to 21 seniors.
- The event fostered connections between young cosmetology students and elderly residents through shared stories and personalized care.
- Future plans include additional collaborations for beauty and wellness events at Barnes Place.
A day of beauty and happiness
For Marjorie Ahrens, who usually styles her hair, the makeover was a pleasant surprise.
She received a touch of dark red lipstick from student Mia Will and a fresh hair color change to soft mauve by Olivia Pescatore-Kubecki. Looking in the mirror, she smiled and said, “It’s fantastic!”
As she watched her eye makeup being applied, she commented, “That brush is really soft,” clearly enjoying the process. The makeover wasn’t just about looking good—it was a time for the seniors to relax, feel special, and boost their confidence.
Beyond the beauty treatments, the event gave residents a chance to spend time with young people, share stories, and remember past beauty routines they may not have done in years.
Personal beauty styles for everyone
Each resident got a makeover suited to their style. Some wanted a natural and simple look, while others chose bold lipstick and dramatic makeup.
“Some prefer natural makeup, others opt for something more glamorous,” said Madysen Klimek, a student from Greater Latrobe Senior High School. “It’s fun to see their faces light up when they look in the mirror.”
As the seniors sat in the styling chairs, they shared stories from their younger years, reminiscing about their favorite beauty looks. The students listened, learning more than just hairstyling—they learned about the lives and experiences of the people they were working with.
Gentle hair care for delicate hair
One of the main priorities for the students was ensuring that the seniors were comfortable. Many of them have delicate hair and sensitive scalps, so the students used extra care and gentle techniques.
June Ashton, a 102-year-old Army veteran and one of the oldest residents at Barnes Place, had her hair softly curled by student Bailey Legge. Every movement was slow and careful to ensure Ashton felt no discomfort.
For the students, this was an important lesson—learning how to work with elderly clients and style hair in a way that is both beautiful and comfortable.
It’s fun, instead of Valentine’s Day being sad because many of them don’t have a spouse
Jen Ezykowsky
Building connections through beauty
This makeover day was not just a one-time event. It was part of a larger partnership between Barnes Place & the Eastern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center.
For months, the students have been visiting the facility regularly, offering hair and nail care to residents. These visits not only provide beauty services but also give seniors an opportunity for social interaction.
“This is something meaningful for everyone involved,” said Jen Ezykowsky, the activity director at Barnes Place. “It’s fun to brighten up Valentine’s Day for residents who might feel lonely without spouses.”
For the students, it was also a valuable learning experience, preparing them for future careers in the beauty industry.
“It’s heartwarming to see everyone smiling and enjoying themselves,” said Alexis Williams, who oversees the cosmetology program. “The students are learning so much, just as much as the residents are enjoying the experience.”
Capturing the special moments
To make the day even more memorable, digital media students from the technology center took professional portraits of each resident after their makeover.
The students plan to return soon with printed copies of the photos, so the seniors can share them with their families and friends.
This was the third year Barnes Place has hosted a glamour photo shoot, but this year was extra special with the addition of full beauty makeovers. The combination of hairstyling, makeup, and photography made it a day the residents will never forget.
Some people like more natural makeup, others like it more glamorous
Madysen Klimek
Beauty and self-care at any age
More than just hair and makeup, the event focused on the importance of self-care. Many seniors find it difficult to maintain their usual beauty routines due to mobility issues, health conditions, or lack of resources.
The students shared easy hair care tips, recommended soft brushes, and suggested lightweight makeup that would be easy for the residents to use on their own.
Feeling good about how they look can boost confidence and mood, making these small acts of beauty care more important than they seem.
Looking forward to more special events
The success of the Valentine’s Day makeover event showed just how valuable these interactions are. Both Barnes Place and the Eastern Westmoreland Center plan to continue working together on more beauty and wellness events.
Plans include facials, hand massages, and skincare workshops to give the seniors even more opportunities for self-care.
These events are about more than just beauty—they bring warmth, connection, and appreciation to the seniors living at Barnes Place.
As the smiles remained long after the final photo was taken, it was clear that the event was about much more than makeup. It was about making every resident feel special, valued, and beautiful in their way.
