edit: So nobody would be able to take photos to make posters, coffee mugs, etc, if the subject has any copyrighted design implemented on their body, unless they pay a licensing fee to the copyright holder?
I imagine this would hinge on whether hair can be considered a tangible medium.
> If someone had a special makeup job, could the makeup artist copyright the makeup job?
I see this as the same issue as tattoos - even though makeup is generally considered a temporary thing, that doesn't minimise the copyright applicability - assuming that skin is considered a tangible medium.
Similar body issues: Piercings, studs, etc where the overall arrangement and application may be considered a unique work of art.
I'd be interested to know if the absence/removal of something would constitute a work of art being recorded in a tangible medium - i.e a particularly unique style of hair plucking (eyebrows, say).
I assume the company claiming copyright ownership just wants $$