Editing Embalming (section)

==Grooming==
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[[File:Mortician's resorative tools.JPG|thumb|Restoration tools, [[Museum of Funeral Customs]]]]

Every case is different, and different embalming professionals work in different ways.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nguyen |first=Terry |date=2019-10-16 |title=The art of doing makeup on a dead body |url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/10/16/20902833/mortuary-makeup-dead-body |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=Vox |language=en-US}}</ref> Common grooming practices may include combing and styling the hair and applying cream or emollient spray to the skin to maintain hydration. The deceased will then be dressed and makeup may be applied to mimic natural coloring or the deceased person's typical styling.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tunell |first=Alix |title=This Is What It's Really Like To Do Makeup... On Dead People |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/mortician-embalming-makeup-process |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=www.refinery29.com |language=en}}</ref> Hair gel or [[baby oil]] is applied to style short hair; while hairspray is applied to style long hair. Powders (especially [[baby powder]]) are applied to the body to eliminate odors, and it is also applied to the face to achieve a matte and fresh effect to prevent oiliness of the corpse. Makeup techniques may include using an airbrush to evenly apply product, using mascara to add volume to eyelashes, filling in eyebrows with pencil, and using lipstick or gloss to add color to the lips.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hou |first=Kathleen |date=2013-10-29 |title=A Mortician's Beauty Secrets |url=https://www.thecut.com/2013/10/morticians-beauty-secrets.html |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=The Cut |language=en}}</ref> Mortuary cosmeticizing is not done for the same reason as make-up for living people; rather, it is designed to add depth and dimension to a person's features that lack of blood circulation has removed. Warm areas – where blood vessels in living people are superficial, such as the cheeks, chin, and knuckles – have subtle reds added to recreate this effect, while browns are added to the palpebrae ([[eyelid]]s) to add depth, especially important as viewing in a [[coffin]] creates an unusual perspective rarely seen in everyday life. During the viewing, pink-colored lighting is sometimes used near the body to lend a warmer tone to the deceased's complexion.

A photograph of the deceased in good health is often sought to guide the embalmer's hand in restoring the body to a more lifelike appearance. Blemishes and discolorations (such as bruises, in which the discoloration is not in the circulatory system, and cannot be removed by arterial injection) occasioned by the last illness, the settling of blood, or the embalming process itself are also dealt with at this time (although some embalmers utilize hypodermic bleaching agents, such as phenol-based cauterants, during injection to lighten discoloration and allow easier cosmeticizing). It is also common for the embalmer to perform minor restoration of the deceased's appearance with tissue building chemicals and a hypodermic syringe. Tissue building chemicals (Tissue Builders) become solid with the introduction of liquids such as water or interstitial fluids. Commonly the area where the sphenoid and temporal bones meet; this can also be referred to the temples. In the event of trauma or natural depressions on the face or hands, tissue builder can also be utilised to return those regions of the face to the expectations of the family.