I recently realized that I live fairly close to a cosmetology school that offers prices that are about half of what I currently pay for salon services... Does anyone have experience with going to a place like this vs an actual salon?
The timing of appointments has never worked for me, but I'd totally do it. I have friends who have and I've also had friends who were in cosmetology school and always working to get people to come out because they can't get their certificate until they do so many hours of styling/cutting.
But yeah I go to great clips as it is and I only go a couple times a year and my cut is pretty simple.
They're independent stylists who rent the space, which means less overhead and lower prices. The lady I go to also offers hours on Sunday mornings, which are the best time for me to go.
I had my hair curled for an event and the students did an excellent job. Their professor took an interest in my hair and I got a lot of personalized attention. I haven't tried a salon for cuts/color yet, but I wouldn't be opposed to it. I actually used to get my nails done all the time at a cosmetology school. It was exceptionally clean and the school gave out a bottle of OPI with the service. It cost substantially less than a fancy spa and also less than a strip-mall type nail salon. You might want to try getting your nails done or another less "permanent" service first so that you can check things out.
I use to go to one. Basically you are getting what you would get if you went to a Best Cuts. Allow at least double the time you normally would for getting your hair cut. The students don't cut as fast as an experienced stylist (which is expected) and then the instructor will come over and review it and make any fixes. I was in there once for 4 hours to get a haircut & highlights and I have a really short hair (almost pixie). I thought I had a good haircut until I took advance of a groupon for a local salon & they fixed my hair from going to the school. After that, I've decided, I can buy generic food, off name brand clothing & find other ways to save money. But a good hair cut is worth the money. Some salons will charge you less if you walk out with wet hair instead of having your hair styled. So that is a great way to save money at a regular salon.
The cosmetology school near me also does nails. You might want to go and have your nails done - that will give you an idea of what you see, how those leaving with haircuts look etc. If your hair style is simple, you may have better results than if you have hair that requires more attention. and skill.
I have one very close to my home. One thing I don't like are the hours. They are open Monday through Friday but close by 4 or 430pm. Closed on weekends too. They are available in the evening by appt, I just haven't bothered to try.
I have an Aveda Institute school near me and absolutely LOVE them. I get my hair colored there and trimmed (remove split ends). Not only are they cheaper than going to a salon, but they do a much better job in getting the right color than any other salon I have been to. I have a "red base" to my hair, which apparently makes it difficult to color correctly.
Re: Cosmetology School Hair?
If your hair style is simple, you may have better results than if you have hair that requires more attention. and skill.