BAY AREA SCHOOLS OFFER MAKEOVER, BEAUTY BARGAINS

The bad economy has a lot of people thinking twice about spending money on themselves. But, a new crop of beauty schools here in the Bay Area can help you look good without the guilt.

The Paul Mitchell School in Pleasant Hill offers cuts, color and perms at cut-rate prices. According to the school's Admissions Director, Erin Brunt, "it's a fun place to be, and it's only $10 to get a haircut. So it's a win-win situation."

Beauty schools are suddenly big business in the Bay Area. In the past year, three schools affiliated with major beauty companies have opened their doors.

The Cintas Aveda Institute on Kearny Street in San Francisco offers makeup applications, waxing and facials, in addition to an array of hair cutting services. All services are done with Aveda products, and, as at all the schools, students are supervised.

According to Admissions Director, Michelle Perroton, students "have to check in with their educator when they start the service and when they complete it, so if anything needs to be adjusted the educator can help."

In Santa Clara, the Academy for Salon Professionals features Redken products. Haircuts start at $10. Color starts at $20. The school also offers manicures, facials and waxing.

Massage therapists also have to learn on someone. At the National Holistic Institute in San Francisco, you can get a relaxing Swedish or Shiatsu massage for $35.

For cheap manicures, head to San Francisco's Mission. Students at the San Francisco College of Cosmetology offer $5 manicures and $10 pedicures.

A few words of warning: at all these schools, the students have varying levels of experience, so you might want to ask for the most advanced student you can get.

And, what you save in dollars, you could spend in time. A student typically takes twice as long as a professional to do the same job.