5 Things You Need To Know About Getting Your Hair Done At A Beauty School

We all know that getting a haircut regularly at the salon puts quite a dent in our wallets. Add in the occasional blowout, root touch-ups, and specialized services such as keratin treatments, and you're looking at hundreds of dollars. While taking care of your hair is definitely worth the big bucks, did you know that there's a much more budget-friendly option? Many may not realize that you can get a cut or color at beauty schools at highly discounted prices while helping out a novice hair professional at the same time.

Going to a newbie can be admittedly nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to your precious hair. That's why we reached out to celebrity makeup and hair artist Jenna Garagiola, who shares her expertise on Instagram, to learn everything we needed to know about beauty-school services. According to our expert, there are many perks to seeing a soon-to-be licensed hairdresser, but it's not as much of a cut-and-dry experience as a regular salon visit.

There may be a time when you want a last-minute trim and just happen to walk by a beauty school advertising its services. While pop-ins are acceptable, Jenna Garagiola exclusively told Glam that it's not always guaranteed that you'll be seen. "It depends on each school's policies, but most beauty schools accept walk-ins if they have space, so it's kind of like trying your luck at brunch without a reservation. You might get seated, but don't be shocked if there's a wait," she shared.

Your best course of action is to make an appointment, Garagiola advised us. "That way, you know you're locked in, and you'll save yourself from waiting around like you're at the DMV," she added. And if you're booked for a certain service, you won't be hit with any surprises, such as a student needing to practice coloring when you simply need a cut. The better prepared you are, the better your results will be.

As mentioned before, one of the best parts about getting your hair done at a beauty academy is the huge price cut that comes with it. "Beauty school appointments are generally super affordable, like a fraction of what you'd pay at a regular salon. We're talking about serious budget-friendly prices, so it's perfect if you're trying to look fabulous without blowing through your shopping fund," Jenna Garagiola exclusively told Glam. Just how much money you'll save depends entirely on the school, but knowing that it's quite a big chunk is enough for us to make an appointment.

One thing Gargiola made sure to note was that you shouldn't skimp on tipping even though you're not at a regular salon. "Just because they're students doesn't mean they're not working hard to make you look gorgeous! So, bring some cash to show them a little love for their efforts," she advised us. After all, with such a steep discount, an extra few dollars wouldn't hurt.

The reason beauty schools offer cheaper services is that your hair is being worked on by a beginner. However, Jenna Garagiola exclusively told Glam that they're not completely without experience. "Before you worry about a first-day student running wild with scissors near your hair, know that these future pros don't start on real clients until they've been studying and practicing on mannequins (and probably some very patient friends and family) for a while," she stated. And by "a while," we're talking weeks and weeks of schooling.

"Students typically get about 300 to 500 hours of training under their belts before they even touch a real person's hair. So, by the time they're working on your locks, they've got a solid foundation and are closely supervised," Garagiola assured us. "You're in good hands!" And remember: When getting your hair done at a beauty school, the instructors monitor the students closely to make sure that the final result is perfect, so you don't have to worry about walking out with a bad 'do. Essentially, you're getting a discounted service with an expert's stamp of approval.

If you're looking for a trendy wolf cut or want pink-petal hair dye, a beauty school may not be a good option. "While you can get most cuts, colors, and styles at a beauty school, there are some limitations. You're probably not going to get the latest trending look straight off Instagram because that can be tricky and time-consuming for students who are still learning," Jenna Garagiola exclusively told Glam. "But if you're going for something classic like a cut, color, highlights, a blowout, you're golden."

As the students become more experienced, they may be able to perform more advanced services like balayage or shaggy layers, so don't discount beauty schools completely. However, if they're just starting out, you may want to stick with a trim or simple root touch-ups. "Just keep in mind that it might take a bit longer than usual because these students are making sure they get everything just right," Garagiola added.

When you make a hair appointment at a beauty school, be sure to allow some leeway in your schedule since the students are still learning. "It's like a training ground for your stylist-to-be, so things might take longer than a usual salon visit," Jenna Garagiola exclusively told Glam. And it's not just the hairstylists who need the extra time; the instructors make sure to assess the students' final work and have them make adjustments as necessary, which means you won't walk out with a less-than-ideal haircut.

Garagiola made sure to note that just because you're essentially a hair model doesn't mean you can't communicate your wants. "Don't be shy about speaking up if something doesn't feel right. These students are here to learn, and your feedback helps them improve," she insisted, adding, "So, be kind, be clear, and enjoy the experience knowing you're helping someone hone their craft while snagging a great deal on your 'do." And who knows? You just might find your forever hairstylist when they graduate and move on to an upscale salon — or even open their own.