Scissor sis make-up... paid for by you

Inmates learning new skills ahead of release

TAXPAYERS forked out almost €30,000 for hair and make-up products for women prisoners at a Dublin jail over the past four years.

A total of €8,505 was spent on the likes of foundation, mascara and hairspray at Mountjoy’s Dochas Centre in 2019.

And cosmetics used in a beauty training programme cost €6,592 in 2018 – €3,384 more than what was spent in 2017.

Scissor Sister Charlotte Mulhall is among those learning how to do manicures, apply make-up and give relaxing facials as part of one of the modules.

Details released under a Freedom of Information request by the Irish Sunday Mirror reveal the spend on hair products far exceeds make-up costs.

Last year, €6,679 was spent on hair products compared to €1,826 on make-up.

And in 2018 it was significantly lower at €246 for beauty items compared to hair products at 25 times more at €6,345.

The beauty school, which has been dubbed “Head and Shoulders” by prisoners, teaches inmates techniques in make-up application, how to give facials and hairstyles.

A source said: “The hair and beauty course is very popular and it’s becoming increasingly more so as the years go on.

“The women get through a huge range of skills including how to do up styles and how to apply make-up professionally.

“Even after the classes have ended each day, prisoners can spend hours practising their newly-learnt techniques on fellow inmates.

“Some of those doing the course are naturals, including Charlotte Mulhall.

“Many hope to use the course as a stepping stone for when they are released to pursue a career in the beauty industry.

“Many women who have court hearings ask the other girls in their class to do their hair and make-up for their day in court.

“Some of them look absolutely stunning when they are being led into the court. It’s a great course for the women to do as it keeps them out of trouble.”

A spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said: “The Dochas Centre provides certified training to prisoners in City and Guilds Entry level and Level 1 in Hairdressing. The training includes a range of topics relating to hairdressing and through this prisoners develop the core skills required for the purposes of providing them with the confidence to develop their abilities in hairdressing, technical and professional skills.

“It is the hope of the Irish Prison Service these skills may improve their chances of gaining employment upon release.

“The Education Centre in the Dochas Centre provides both Personal Care QQI classes and Personal Care & Presentation classes as part of the education programme.”

Many women who have court hearings ask the other girls to do their make-up

SOURCE ON HOW INMATES TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BEAUTY SCHOOL