What if I told you that you could get a facial, pedicure, haircut, massage and three course gourmet meal for $69? Would you believe me? As of two weeks ago, I wouldn’t believe it either.
But let me rewind a bit….
I never buy cosmetic or self-care luxuries. On average, I get my haircut once a year and that’s usually when my mom is in town and thinks my hair is too shaggy and she agrees to pay for it. I also get a pedicure about once a year, when I’m visiting my mom in LA so we can have some ‘girl time’. Once again, she spoils me. I haven’t had a facial and massage in years (even though I LOVE them), mostly because the cost is so prohibitive.
About two weeks ago, I realized it’s been about a year since I cut my hair. My hair was starting to look dingy, like a particularly long, scraggly rat-tail. Knowing that my mom wasn’t coming up any time soon, I had to face the music. Buying my own haircut. My boyfriend had recommended a beauty school in the area and said they were great and super affordable.
Turns out the beauty school offered haircuts for $10! So I indulged, and today I spent a whopping $10 to get my hair did, cutting off all that nastiness. I feel great! All the compliments I’ve receive don’t hurt either! I can confidently say that I felt completely comfortable at the school and that it was professional, welcoming and exceeded my expectations. They do take a little longer than usual as they have teachers by their side providing on-site instruction. Nonetheless, I was still out of there in two hours and it was relaxing and fun! I found out the beauty school has a full service student salon as well—and has facials for $13 and pedicures for $12!
In my research, I also found a massage school that gives 45 minute massages for $25! The local culinary institute also offers a three course lunch for only $9. I am so excited about all of this! I will spread out the treats in the coming months, but I am just glad they exist. Although on one hand, I feel we are taking advantage of student labor, in these cases it is great hands on experience for them, and benefits the public! Win!
Let’s look at the costs:
Haircut at school = $10 *Professional Haircut= $25-$100
Massage at school = $25 Professional massage= $60-$100
Pedicure at school =$12 Professional pedicure = $20
Facial at school = $13 Professional facial = $35-$100
Gourmet lunch at school = $9 Professional gourmet lunch = $20-$40
*There is quite a range even within professional level businesses.
Even at the lowest margin, the professional services would be $160 up to much more! That’s a savings of $91 at least. I feel like I’ve hit luxuries-on-the-cheap gold here. I’m lucky to live in a city that offers all these things, but I am sure similar places exist in other cities.
Have you ever gone to a school for a professional service? Do you have any other tips for getting luxuries for less?