Where To Get Low-Cost Haircuts, Massages & Salon Services

You don’t have to pay big bucks to get a haircut, facial, mani-pedi or massage. Cosmetology and massage school students need real-world experience to accumulate enough hours for licensing. That’s where school salons come in. A haircut (including shampoo) and blow dry can start as low as $10.

Or how about a spa pedicure with mask and scrub for $19, hair color for $38 or a 60-minute massage for $50? At most school salons the menu of services is comprehensive and cost a fraction of the usual retail price.

No worries about someone accidentally lopping off your long locks or dyeing your hair bright blue (unless that’s what you requested). All services are performed by students under the direct supervision of a licensed instructor.

The only trade-off may be some patience on your part, as some students, especially those early on in their training, may need a bit more time to refine their technique.

Here’s a list of beauty and massage schools across the Front Range offering their services to the public. Check each website for current pricing.

Get a hair cut or style for a fraction of the cost at a cosmetology school salon. Source: 123RF

Aurora

Avalon Institute

Location: 2231 S. Peoria St., Aurora, 80014

Phone: 303-752-1560

Services Offered: Hair, nails, skin

Booking: Call for an appointment or book online.

Empire Beauty School

Location: 16800 E. Mississippi Ave., Aurora, 80017

Phone: 720-823-3806

Services Offered: Hair, nails, skin

Booking: Call for an appointment.

Pickens Technical College

Location: 500 Airport Blvd., Aurora, 80011

Phone: 303-326-3012

Services Offered: Hair, skin, nails

Booking: Open Monday to Friday. Call for an appointment.

Denver

Aveda Institute Denver Salon and Spa

Location: 801 Kalamath St., Denver, 80204

Phone: 303-567-7500

Services offered: Hair, skin, massage

Booking: Open Monday to Saturday starting at 9 a.m. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.

Know before you go: Only the guests receiving services allowed on the clinic floor. Spa packages available.

Emily’s Salon & Barbershop

Run by cosmetology and barbering students under the supervision of licensed instructors at Emily Griffith Technical College.

Location: 1820 Lincoln St., Denver, 80203

Phone: 720-423-4798

Services Offered: Hair, skin, nails

Booking: Typical operating hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with intermittent breaks. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.

Know before you go: Not all services are available at all times, so be sure to ask when making your appointment. All prices subject to increase depending on hair length, thickness, and existing or previous chemical processes. Children should not be left unattended during your appointment. Cash, Visa and MasterCard accepted. No bills over $20.

Manicures and pedicures are a popular option at beauty school salons. Source: 123RF

Lakewood

Paul Mitchell The School

Location: 405 S. Teller St., Lakewood, 80226

Phone: 303-233-1733

Services Offered: Hair, skin, makeup

Booking: Open Monday to Friday. Call for an appointment or book online.

Know before you go: Choose between Phase One Clinic Classroom or Phase Two Clinic Classroom. Phase Two are part of an accelerated program with higher-level technical skills.

Littleton

Beautiful You Skincare Academy

Location: 8321 Sangre De Cristo Rd., Suite 300, Littleton, 80127

Phone: 303-268-9161

Services Offered: Facials, waxing

Booking: Book online.

Empire Beauty School

Location: 8996 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, 80123

Phone: 720-823-3807

Services Offered: Hair, nails, skin

Booking: Call for an appointment.

Stacy James Institute

Location: 8555 W. Belleview Ave., F16, Littleton, 80123

Phone: 720-762-4676

Services Offered: Hair, nails, skin, tanning

Booking: Open Monday to Friday. Call for an appointment or book online.

Longmont

Berkana Institute of Massage Therapy

Location: 703 3rd Ave., Longmont, 80501

Services Offered: Massage

Booking: Open on select weeks, Monday through Thursday evenings, starting at 4 p.m. Sessions are booked online by appointment only. No walk-ins.

Know before you go: Offers 60-minute massages throughout the student terms in the Spring and Fall. Also 90-minute massages at the end of the student’s program. All of the student massages are $55 per hour. Tips are not accepted or expected.