The physical and emotional price of unchecked stress can be high, but relief doesn’t have to be.
Don’t let a tight budget waylay personal pampering. A number of local cosmetology and haircutting schools offer punch-card deals and discounts to keep spa services affordable for the masses.
And with spring just around the corner, there’s sure to be an array of seasonal beauty bargains. The Denver School of Massage Therapy’s popular “2 for 1” deal, for instance, is happening soon. And the high-end Matthew Morris Salon — in the spotlight these days because of its owner’s current spin on Season 3 of Bravo’s “Shear Genius” — will be participating in “First Friday” each month with parties and special offers.
1. Denver School of Massage Therapy
It’s not unusual to see a line of customers waiting at 7:30 a.m. to get into this school’s weekend massage therapy clinics. Only walk-ins are accepted for the clinics, which run from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and feature a 50-minute massage for $25. Get on the school’s e-mail list to receive $5 off coupons and notifications about two-for-one specials. Ongoing promotions include a referral program in which current clients who refer new clients can earn a complimentary massage. 8991 Harlan Street, Suite B, Westminster, 303-426-5621; 14107 E. Exposition Ave., Aurora (shown on map), 303-366-4325
2. The College of International Esthetics Inc.
Seniors get 10 percent off on Tuesdays at this school specializing in skin treatments from eyebrow waxes and chemical peels to full-body mud wraps. Sign up for its e-mail blast to get information about special promotions. Appointment-only service times are available 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Walk-ins are accepted on Monday. 7330 W. 52nd Avenue, Arvada, 720-540-0333,
3. Aveda Institute Denver
Great prices and natural products derived from plants and flowers draw bargain-hunters to this downtown Denver beauty school on the 16th Street Mall. Haircuts are $15. Services are by appointment only. Because students in training perform the work and instructors do frequent checks, it’s recommended to clear up to two hours for a service. 700 16th St., 303-567-7500,
4. Emily Griffith Opportunity School
At Emily’s Day Spa, clients can take advantage of $15 facials. The school offers spa services, as well as cosmetology and barbering for men, including shaves. 1250 Welton St., 720-423-4924,
5. Lake Steam Baths
Separate days for women and men make “schvitzing,” or restful soaking, comfortable in this 83-year-old spa fashioned like a traditional Russian bath house. Guests have access to a cafe, whirlpool baths, sauna and steam room, a locker and a towel for $15. Massages are $30 an hour. Ladies Day’s (Monday and Thursday) feature $10 exfoliating soap scrubs. Purchase a punch card, and save $1 per visit, getting six days for $84. Make an appointment for massage services. Walk-ins are accepted. 3540 W. Colfax Avenue, 303-825-2995,
6. Paul Mitchell The School
Walk-ins have made business brisk since the Denver area’s first Paul Mitchell school opened in November. So an appointment is essential. “We’ve been booked up daily,” says Jessica Borrego, service desk clerk. A basic hair cut and style is just $10; perms start at $30. Allow three hours for a color service (starting at $25) and 90 minutes to two hours for hair cuts. 405 South Teller St. (in Belmar), Lakewood, 303-233-1733,
7. Antoine Du Chez Academy
Different levels of students means numerous, affordable price options for clients. For example, a haircut could run from $14 to $25, depending on which student is available for the service. 870 S. Colorado Blvd. #B, 303-733-9798,
8. Empire Education Group
Only $5 for a hair cut? How about $20 for color? This school has has five campuses — in Aurora, Arvada, Lakewood, Littleton and Thornton. Appointments are taken Monday-Friday, and walk-ins are accepted on Saturdays. Clients have two chances to get in: from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:15 to 8:30 p.m. “It’s definitely a learning environment,” says educator Johnna Pasquan, adding that a normal 30-minute haircut might take an hour. The schools offer special packages each month. The location on the map — one of five Empire schools in the metro area — is at 8996 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton. Call 866-232-2771 to find a location near you, or visit .
Sheba R. Wheeler: 303-954-1283 or swheeler@denverpost.com
