Recently, I went with some friends of mine for a little well-deserved pampering. I have lived my whole life without some luxuries that other women consider routine: manicures, pedicures, facials, etc. On a tight budget, who can afford to have someone else fuss over you?
In my town there is a technical school designed mostly for high school kids who want to get some career training. One area of the school is cosmetology. The cosmetology school offers fantastic discounts on most salon services. Though, not only are your stylists students, they teenagers. But, if you are willing to be a guinea pig, then you will save a huge amount compared to salons.
My friends and I decided to go to the school for its “Queen for the Day” service. The Queen for the Day package includes a manicure, pedicure, facial, hair wash and style for only $35. Of course, nobody can beat that–not even a traditional cosmetology school. We had a lot of fun as we chatted through three hours worth of pampering. My favorite part of the experience was receiving my first-ever facial. Who knows if I’ll ever get another one in my entire life, but it was definitely a divine experience.
Of course, the quality of service you would receive at any school is probably not going to be as good as you would receive at a salon. After my first experience I learned that it is especially important to let the students know exactly what you want. Remember that your stylist is not too experienced and probably needs a little more explanation from you in order to really understand what you are looking for.
If you are like me and never thought you could afford luxury treatment, check in your area for a school like this. But, you know, I’m still not sure that I would go there for a hair cut.
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