Even before the recession, I was always looking for a bargain or a way to save a buck. I use coupons and I’m on every e-mail list imaginable. So in light of the economy, I thought I’d pass along a few ways to save money on your beauty rituals.

I think we women owe it to ourselves to splurge occasionally and get pampered. I get an amazing $22 pedicure that lasts three to four weeks. If you find someone good, you don’t have to go as often. A lot of my friends drop serious money on their hair. I’ll admit that my haircuts aren’t cheap but my stylist “gets” my hair (it has a mind of its own) and that’s why I see her and only her.

Where I do save money is on my highlights. In my opinion, highlights can’t really be screwed up…and if by some chance they are, they can be easily corrected. Whereas, if you get your hair cut and hate it, you just have to wait for it to grow back out. So, I get my highlights done at one of the hair schools here in Atlanta—we have an Aveda Institute as well as a Paul Mitchell school. I think I pay about $40 (as opposed to $100-$300) and I’ve never had a bad experience. I once had a friend say, “Your color looks so good! You got that done at a school?” A student does the actual highlighting but an instructor oversees the process and checks in from time to time. You might be there a little longer than if you went to a salon and saw a pro but the money I save makes it all worth it. In addition to color and chemical services, both schools also do haircuts and those average about $15.

The Aveda Institute also offers spa services at reasonable rates. Another way I love to be pampered is with a massage. They’re a real treat, but they can also be real expensive! Recently I discovered two local massage schools where you can get a one hour massage from $25-$40. That is such a bargain! One of the schools even does facials and body treatments.

If anyone wants contact information for any of these schools, just let me know and I’ll be happy to provide it! And if you’re not in Atlanta, just try doing an Internet search for massage or hair schools in your area.

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