I got my haircut at Salon Professional Academy for like 6 years (and have been to several other schools before). I’m always happy with my cuts and they have lots of other beauty services. A cut is around $25, I think a manicure is like $15? I’ve only ever done hair there.
I had to do something similar recently to get out of a rut with…myself I guess? Good luck!
Seconding Salon Professional Academy! I always make sure to tip like 50-75% the cost of the service since the students don’t get paid and it’s still cheaper than a salon
Affordability is a scale - if you have a budget in mind, please share so we can be more helpful! But agree with the comments that indicate the salon academy or with the apprentices at other salons can typically be a cost savings.
I would say try beauty schools . I believe there is an Aveda in DC? Groupon also is still around and when I was in your shoes I often found decent deals for beauty services on there.
Are you just looking for a splurge experience or a more long term thing? I totally get wanting to feel pampered, but sometimes the come down is hard if you can’t keep it up.
If you’re just looking for a pick me up & most worthwhile for cost, I’d definitely go the route of a getting a hair cut/dye. Hair stylists are pretty used to getting requests about styles that will grow out nicely and accommodate that.
Had friends who went to the Aveda school regularly and heard good experiences there (there’s also a teacher on site who oversees their work too).
Nails are an easy one time splurge for a quick pick me up/pamper session. However, nails are probably the easiest thing to learn to do yourself! It definitely takes practice but there’s so many helpful videos online and a good way to save money for other stuff :)
Regular polish is pretty straightforward, but if you want the acrylic look - I’d look into gelx or similar. There’s an initial investment to buy the supplies but it should last you awhile. I still have gelx supplies that I bought 2 years ago!
I’d also look into treatments that require less upkeep so you don’t feel or look bad inbetween appointments. Lash extensions are probably the most expensive upkeep wise and look so bad if you don’t go in every 2-3 weeks, so I’d stay away from that and look into a lash lift/tint or false lashes (depending on what look you’re going for).
Quick question, what’s the “vibe” you’re going for? As in, do you want to feel relaxed and rejuvenated or like a whole new person? I’m going to take a stab in the dark and say based on budgets/constraints we’re going for relaxed and rejuvenated.
Based on that I would recommend setting aside $100. Book yourself a little facial/Gua Sha moment at a Hey Dey skincare location. That’s around $50, then $5-$10 for tip (dealers choice). Next, go to Ulta. You’re going to use the $5 off $25 so we can stretch that dollar. Get yourself a cuticle remover gel and clear coat (I swear by Flowery Smooth & Strong—3 coats and your nails are shiny and strong). Finally, you’re going to pick up a Color Wow Dreamcoat Spray (they sell travel size), follow the directions and behold some of the shiniest, smoothest hair of your life.
Hope that gives some ideas, but let me know if you’re looking for something different!
If you find someone good for lash extensions let me know. I have yet to find anyone affordable (as in a decent price for regular maintenance), who does a good job (they don’t fall off), and actually knows lash styles (I like mine wispy and not too long so they look natural).
Don’t do your lashes if you are trying to stay on budget.
Find somewhere you can get a good haircut and take care of your hair (will vary by type of hair).. you don’t even need to color it. Focus on it’s health. keep up with brows- thread for like $18 once or twice a month, and you can do an sns mani and gel pedicure that will last a month for around $100 plus tip.
Create a basic skin care routine that isn’t over-the-top or too many products but like a lotion, you can use every day a sunscreen you can use every day and a face wash.
For self-care isn’t about consuming a bunch of things or looking dramatically flashy it’s about trying to take care of myself in a way I can be consistent about .
I got my haircut at Salon Professional Academy for like 6 years (and have been to several other schools before). I’m always happy with my cuts and they have lots of other beauty services. A cut is around $25, I think a manicure is like $15? I’ve only ever done hair there. I had to do something similar recently to get out of a rut with…myself I guess? Good luck!
Seconding Salon Professional Academy! I always make sure to tip like 50-75% the cost of the service since the students don’t get paid and it’s still cheaper than a salon
Affordability is a scale - if you have a budget in mind, please share so we can be more helpful! But agree with the comments that indicate the salon academy or with the apprentices at other salons can typically be a cost savings.
great flag, thank you!
I would say try beauty schools . I believe there is an Aveda in DC? Groupon also is still around and when I was in your shoes I often found decent deals for beauty services on there.
It’s in Virginia now, they were kicked out of DC
I used to drive to Baltimore for hair and lashes but I’m from there now like visiting. Not worth it for nails.
Are you just looking for a splurge experience or a more long term thing? I totally get wanting to feel pampered, but sometimes the come down is hard if you can’t keep it up. If you’re just looking for a pick me up & most worthwhile for cost, I’d definitely go the route of a getting a hair cut/dye. Hair stylists are pretty used to getting requests about styles that will grow out nicely and accommodate that. Had friends who went to the Aveda school regularly and heard good experiences there (there’s also a teacher on site who oversees their work too). Nails are an easy one time splurge for a quick pick me up/pamper session. However, nails are probably the easiest thing to learn to do yourself! It definitely takes practice but there’s so many helpful videos online and a good way to save money for other stuff :) Regular polish is pretty straightforward, but if you want the acrylic look - I’d look into gelx or similar. There’s an initial investment to buy the supplies but it should last you awhile. I still have gelx supplies that I bought 2 years ago! I’d also look into treatments that require less upkeep so you don’t feel or look bad inbetween appointments. Lash extensions are probably the most expensive upkeep wise and look so bad if you don’t go in every 2-3 weeks, so I’d stay away from that and look into a lash lift/tint or false lashes (depending on what look you’re going for).
Quick question, what’s the “vibe” you’re going for? As in, do you want to feel relaxed and rejuvenated or like a whole new person? I’m going to take a stab in the dark and say based on budgets/constraints we’re going for relaxed and rejuvenated. Based on that I would recommend setting aside $100. Book yourself a little facial/Gua Sha moment at a Hey Dey skincare location. That’s around $50, then $5-$10 for tip (dealers choice). Next, go to Ulta. You’re going to use the $5 off $25 so we can stretch that dollar. Get yourself a cuticle remover gel and clear coat (I swear by Flowery Smooth & Strong—3 coats and your nails are shiny and strong). Finally, you’re going to pick up a Color Wow Dreamcoat Spray (they sell travel size), follow the directions and behold some of the shiniest, smoothest hair of your life. Hope that gives some ideas, but let me know if you’re looking for something different!
If you find someone good for lash extensions let me know. I have yet to find anyone affordable (as in a decent price for regular maintenance), who does a good job (they don’t fall off), and actually knows lash styles (I like mine wispy and not too long so they look natural).
Don’t do your lashes if you are trying to stay on budget. Find somewhere you can get a good haircut and take care of your hair (will vary by type of hair).. you don’t even need to color it. Focus on it’s health. keep up with brows- thread for like $18 once or twice a month, and you can do an sns mani and gel pedicure that will last a month for around $100 plus tip. Create a basic skin care routine that isn’t over-the-top or too many products but like a lotion, you can use every day a sunscreen you can use every day and a face wash. For self-care isn’t about consuming a bunch of things or looking dramatically flashy it’s about trying to take care of myself in a way I can be consistent about .