Would you/have you been to a college salon....

[AuntyJackiesBrothersSistersBoy]

I’m tired of paying so much money for my hair. It’s shoulder length, one length and I have a half head of foils every 3 months. I used to pay £90 but, in the past 18 months, it’s increased to £143. I can’t afford it. I can’t justify it as I’ve better things to spend my hard earned cash on. A friend has said she pays £30 for cut, colour and blow dry, at the local College training salon. I’ve looked online and it looks just like a posh salon.

Would you go to a trainee? My hair isn’t in some fancy style so, I’m kind of thinking “what could possibly go wrong?” Presumably, the students are supervised/under tuition?

Not sure what to do.

Yes go! Its fabulous and all the students are supervised. The only caveat is that it does take a lot longer because they are concentrating so hard.

If you’re very concerned, ask to book in with a level 3 class as they will be more experienced rather than starters.

I'm actually going tomorrow! I am having a professional hairdresser but it's still half the price of my normal salon for colour.

Depending on what you want and if nothing too major I'd prob use a trainee as I imagine the qualified hairdressers are keeping an eye the whole time anyway!

I only go to college salons, some are free - I think they are great, I have a couple near me, also good for beauty treatments.

I think people are mad not to use them, and the ones near me struggle to find enough models.

Yes I have!

The tutor is walking around supervising everything. In my experience the lady that did my hair did take more time than usual, however, this was just because she wanted to get it right. Which she did.

When I was at uni (and so had lots of time, little money), I used to go to a training salon and it was brilliant. I had very long hair, and if you let them do a 'hair up' they would do everything else for free as they needed the examples for their folios. On one occasion when I had booked a hair up for a ball I got a fully trained hairdresser who was getting her bridal qualification and had the most amazing style.

Hmm I've been considering this too. How much longer are we talking? I normally fit a cut and blow in my lunch hour. Don't fancy taking the afternoon off to save money

I’ve had my hair permed twice at our local college salon, only cost £15 a go! They do take a little longer but if you factor that in then go for it!

Ive tried 2 different beauty colleges. I think if you are used to 'the salon experience' then you may be dissappointed. They are 16-18yr olds and they may not be used to being slick and customer service focussed. But thats just my experience. Im sure teenage girls these days now visit salons as customers themselves more thsn they did 10 yrs ago. And so they know how to treat a customer

Yes, she was a mature woman supervised by the tutor , took longer but I get an excellent cut for £6

I work in a college and use our salon for both Hair & Beauty. I do use mainly Level 3 learners but eyebrows and quick fringe cuts I'm happy with Level 2. They do take longer but are well supervised and I've only had one haircut that I was unhappy with. I've had this from hairdressers before when I've been paying high prices. Had lash extensions last night and they look great

Ahh, that may be the problem, for me. The time element. Of course, I hadn’t considered that.

Thanks for the tip on Level 3 students.

I used to go in London when I had time off. I did take ages but cost wise very economical.

Best haircut I had was from a student at the local college. She actually listened to what I wanted and took the time to concentrate.

Am all booked in, for next Tuesday morning 😊. I asked for a level 3 student and I’ve had my patch test. I did try to contact several mobile hairdressers but not one got back to me....they must be so, so busy. Should have been a hairdresser!

My mum has had a few proper hair disasters there... but keeps going back!

@Zippy... 😐

Sorry aunty. I hadn’t read the full thread. My mums had at least 3 bad hair colours/lights there but keeps returning. Probably because it’s so much cheaper. But she’s never been happy yet. Maybe she’s just been unlucky. I hope yours goes well. Sorry to have put a dampner on it. Bring photos (Pinterest) be specific.

Another one here that is a big fan! I've used our local training college for years and it's especially nice nowadays as it's had a massive makeover and is really glam.

I did have one nightmare cut which was a cross between a mullet and a bob but one issue in many years is not too bad. I usually go for a full head of highlights and a cut and as others have said, it does take a while but I just factor this in and it's worth it for the massive price reduction.

I also agree to ask for a level three and that sometimes it isn't as professional as a usual salon (I.e younger students bickering) but overall it's well worth it. Hope that helps!

Thing is, I simply cannot afford to spend what I spend, four times a year. I have to hope. I’m thinking that if I just have a T section for regrowth dine and an inch off, all round, how hard can that be? It’s kind of hair dressing 101, isn’t it? (I know nothing of hairdressing but, I don’t have any fancy style. No layers.

This is it, but quite a bit longer now.

To be fair I’ve had Hair disasters at reputable salons too.

Your hair is lovely. Hope it goes well.

Yeah, @Zippy. I’ve paid a lot of cash for a hair cock up in the past, too. I’m glad to be getting it done. Thanks

I’m considering this! Thinking of visiting for a manicure or something first to scope it out! Cut and blow dry for £8.50 and a full head of highlights is £25. I don’t normally get anything fancy done, but would love an excuse to go to the hairdressers more often!

I have a hairdresser who comes to the house - very experienced , ex senior salon colourist who changed to this way of working to fit in with her own DD. I pay £75 for a cut and foils which is way below the local rate - she has no overheads like premises or utilities etc, only her car and product supplies. This may be a way of getting a good result at a significantly reduced price ?

@Etymology... I was there this morning and it wasn’t what I expected at all. Also, there is a barbershop next to the salon which looked fabulous. DH said he might go cause he has a meltdown when he gets his hair cut. He thinks he should pay the same as he did in the 80’s 😄

Aunty was it nice? Would you go back? I’m always keen to have nice things for little money!