South Philly’s Chop Shop celebrates Halloween with zombie haircuts for UNICEF [video]

     Hair stylist Ruki took more than Kevin Breen bargained for at the Chop Shop's Halloween event to benefit UNICEF. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

    Hair stylist Ruki took more than Kevin Breen bargained for at the Chop Shop's Halloween event to benefit UNICEF. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

    The Chop Shop on South Street celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Halloween event featuring stylists in zombie make-up modeled after the popular AMC show, “The Walking Dead.” The salon donated half of their proceeds from the day to UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.  The event also welcomed trick-or-treaters and featured live music on the street. 

    Chop Shop owner Kathy Thomas remembers trick-or-treating for UNICEF as a kid, but hasn’t seen many people doing it lately, so she decided to bring it back through her shop.

     Loyal customers were “a little hesitant when they came in,” said Thomas.  “But they’ve been our clients for a long time and they’re enjoying the fun of it!”   Chris Poulsen stopped in for a quick clip and was delighted to be catapulted into the Halloween spirit and also for his haircut to be supporting UNICEF.  “It’s cool when you see anybody, especially a cute hair dresser already, get made up. It’s always fun.” Kevin Breen had no idea the Halloween party was taking place, but joined the fun when his zombie stylist streaked his face with blood after she found out he was about to go trick-or-treating with his fiance’s nephews.   Stylist Diane Precht opted to dress not as a zombie, but as a zombie slayer. 

    She’s especially excited that after 25 years of being open, the Chop Shop is still offering ten dollar haircuts.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal