The beauty is in the bargain
Even Brad and Angelina would agree -- it's fun to save money and bag bargains. Sure, everyone knows that Supercuts offers discounted haircuts, and department stores provide free cosmetic makeovers. But chances are, you didn't know about these great local ways to improve your image -- and make your bank account look even better. Here are private-jet services -- at coach prices -- that celebrities and mere mortals can enjoy. -- DEBBI K. KICKHAM
Boston's best-kept secret is the wealthof beauty bargains at Blaine, the beauty school, with six locations in Boston,Waltham, Malden, Framingham, Lowell, and Hyannis. All Blaine student clinics/salons offer discounted cuts, styling, perms, relaxers, facials, and manicures; the locations in Lowell, Waltham, and Hyannis even have an aesthetics clinic,for more comprehensive treatments such as waxing, seaweed wraps, and Shiatsu massages. Facials start at $10; hairhighlights, at $45; and hair color, at just $20. A one-hour massage is $40. A shampoo, cut, and blow-dry is -- are you sitting down? -- just $5. Even better, all prices are cut in half when you purchase Blaine's special 50 percent-off gift card that can be redeemed all year long. All students, who have put in 250 hours of training and are supervised by licensed instructors, use hair products by Redken and Regis Designline . Facials, such as those offered in the sunny Waltham salon, incorporate Dermalogica products and are as luxurious as those on Newbury Street (complete with hand massages with lavender oil). www.Blainebeautyschools.com
Salon Mario Russo offers training nights, when stylists and assistants learn new cutting and coloring techniques. These students need models -- this means you. On such training nights, partial foil highlights that usually sell for $165- to -$265 can be had for about $55; and cuts that regularly go for $250 cost only $30. mariorusso.com
Training sessions are also held at Vidal Sassoon salon. Every Friday at 5:45 p.m., walk-ins can visit the salon for a free consultation, at which time they can
book a training session with a student stylist. Appointments are then made for the following week and must be booked
in person. Starting prices are as follows: cuts, $20; color, $25; full or partial
highlights, $40. Permanents are always free and some blow - dries are complimentary, too. Student and children's discounts of 20 percent and 30 percent, respectively, are offered Tuesdays through Thursdays. sassoon.com
Getting married? Then visit Gaston Safar's Salon A Cote -- pronto! If you are a previous client, the salon will do your hair for free on your wedding day, as a special thank you. How long do you have to be a previous client? "It doesn't matter," says Safar, a charming Frenchman who hails from Marseille. "We'll do whatever the bride wants," no matter if it's a cut, color, styling, or updo. salonacote.com
Here's another idea that will save you
a pretty penny. Armando Cassano , who hails from Naples, studied haircutting in Italy and opened his Dedham salon eight years ago. He just expanded it to a day spa offering manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, massage, and hair extensions.
It's in a great location near Fox-25 TV, which is why Cassano used to style hair for Jodi Applegate (a former Boston TV anchor). This month Cassano is offering two special promotions: if you book a facial you receive a free brow - waxing. Plus, first-time clients receive a 25 percent discount off any facial (which regularly costs $65). armandocassano.com
Catherine Hinds beauty school offers student clinics, where they perform services under the supervision of an instructor. Facials start at $24; waxing, at $4. Makeup application is $10 and spa services such as body wraps, are $48. (Quick! Someone please tell Ugly Betty.) catherinehinds.edu
You'll be rubbed the right way when you discover that students at the Massage Institute of New England offer one-hour Swedish massages for just $35. Advanced therapeutic, and deep-tissue treatments cost $40 and $45, respectively. Hours are Monday-Saturday, and evenings until 7:30 Mondays-Thursdays. mine-massageinstitute.com
Count your blessings -- and your pennies -- because at The Beauty Connection in Brookline and Newton, you'll save 5-25 percent on beauty products. Best-selling fragrances include Shalimar , Dolce & Gabbana , Carolina Herrera, and Armani. Haircare lines include Redken, Terax , Phyto , and Rene Furterer . It's a great place for lotions, potions, notions, and nostrums.
