Jan Strimple was his muse
Dallas hairdresser Paul Neinast was found dead Thursday in Turtle Creekapartment
On the night he died, stylist Paul Neinast (right) attended a party hosted byDriven magazine.Photo by Danny Campbell
Stylist Paul Neinast (center) at party for Driven magazine with editor AnthonyIsambert, at right.Photo by Danny Campbell
Paul Neinast, a hairdresser and owner of the Neinast Salon on Luther Lane, was found dead in bed in his Turtle Creek apartment on Thursday; he was 59. The cause of his death was undetermined, but an autopsy was scheduled for Friday.
A native of Denison, Neinast opened his first salon in 1978 and cut hair for celebrities such as Linda Gray, Bruce Jenner and Olivia Newton John. He also worked with modeling agencies in Dallas such as Kim Dawson and Paige Park, and was featured in publications such as Vogue, Town and Country, Harper's Bazaar, In Style, Nylon, Allure, GQ, and Time.
A colorful figure with golden locks and flashy clothes, he made appearances on local TV stations as well as national shows such as Good Morning America and the Charlie Rose Show.
His most enduring client was Dallas model Jan Strimple, with whom he worked since 1980. Strimple told D that Neinast was at a Christmas party the night before he died:
What we know so far is that he was at a Christmas party last night and came in after 1:00 am his normal laughing and happy self. When he didn’t show up to work today his assistant couldn’t reach him so she called his building and ask them to check on him. Cynthia said he was in bed when they found him.
If there is anything comforting that would be that whatever occurred he died in his sleep. I took Paul to dinner a week ago and know that he was in a calm and in a good space in his life. He was happy with its balance and looking forward to kicking in the marketing of his product line now that he was feeling energized and in good health again.
The party that Neinast attended was an anniversary party for Driven magazine. Editor Anthony Isambert requested that attendees who took photos post them on his wall as a tribute.
