Beauty Schools: Pretty on the Cheap

In a pinch, aesthetics and massage schools offer affordable relaxation and beauty services.

By Lisa Kasanicky

Beauty schools just aren't what they used to be. No overly coiffed, bubble-gum-snapping high school dropouts with bad attitudes. No ma'am. These days, breaking into the spa business is as serious as a heart attack (okay, a mild heart palpitation). And with the Valley's bursting-at-the-seams spa industry, top beauty and relaxation schools aren't hard to come by. That's where we come in. By offering deeply discounted spa treatments to the public, the future aestheticians and massage therapists of the world can gain practical, hands-on experience.

For discounted skincare services, you can't beat the treatments offered at these Valley aesthetics institutions:

IMAJ Institute, Scottsdale
Among the nation's premier laser and clinical aesthetics training schools, IMAj has helped to shape the medical spa industry through research and education for more than 20 years and offers a modern, energetic setting for high-end cosmetic treatments like microdermabrasion and collagen treatments. Ask about their MedSpa Membership Program, which allows a select number of members to take advantage of a wide range of medically supervised skincare and anti-aging services for a substantially discounted flat monthly fee.

Kar-Che' The Professional Career Center, Mesa
With a curriculum geared toward more of a clinical skincare approach, Kar-Che' The Professional Career Center has been churning out highly sought aestheticians for more than eight years. Most of the 16 treatment spaces offer semi-privacy, and services span the gamut from the traditional to the progressive with treatments like ultrasonic exfoliation and non-surgical face lifts. Facials start at $40, peels and microdermabrasion at $100 and waxing at $12. Best bet: Enroll in the case study program and get 50% of all traditional treatments and 75% off the $100 advanced treatments. Case study participants work with one student and must commit to coming in every 7 to 10 days for a designated period.

Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics, Tempe
Grounded in the holistic side of skincare, the Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics (SWINA) offers seven completely private, Zen-like treatment rooms including a Vichy shower room and a "Hollywood hall" for mineral makeup applications. Facials start at $25, body treatments at $45 and if you're up for something different, try threading (starting at $7) or an Indian facelift treatment ($50). Best bet: ASU students can present their ID and get a facial for $15.

The Skin & Makeup Institute of Arizona, Peoria
The founder of the Skin & Makeup Institute, Pamela Springer, has got it going on. She's been on Oprah for heaven's sake. Doesn't that say it all? The new spacious digs in the Arrowhead area offer an elegant spa facility with semi-private treatment areas. The Scottsdale location, a landmark for more than five years, is no longer open to the public and is relocating to a new location currently under construction in the Gilbert/Chandler area. Facials start at $30, mineral makeup applications at $25 and body treatments at $35. Best bet: The Party Girl Package, which includes a spa facial, makeup makeover and custom-made lip gloss for $50 each person, up to six people.

More Valley beauty and massage schools:

Arizona School of Massage Therapy, Tempe and Phoenix
A skilled massage therapist has got to start somewhere and rumor is that some of the best start here. Fifty-minute massages start at $25 and are offered on weekends only.
Artistic Beauty Colleges, locations statewide
Manicures start at $7, pedis at $15 and haircuts at $7 with walk-ins welcome.
Classic Beauty College, Phoenix
Manicures start at $7, pedis at $17 or with the online "A Beautiful New You" coupon, get a manicure, pedicure, deep condition, haircut and style for $19.95.
Cortiva Institute School of Massage Therapy, Phoenix and Scottsdale
Formerly Phoenix Therapeutic Massage Colleges, services start at $30 with a student and $40 with a licensed therapist.
Earl's Academy of Beauty, Phoenix and Mesa
Earl's is the place for the cheapest nail services on earth. Manicures start at $6, pedis at $16 and the brave-hearted can get a haircut and style for $8.
Kohler Academy, Scottsdale
Haircuts starting at $10 and facials at $30 in a contemporary, no-tipping facility.
National Aesthetics Institute of Scottsdale, Scottsdale
Facials and body treatments start at $45.
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Tempe
Next door to the Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics, SWIHA offers 60-minute massages at $30 with a student or $40 with a licensed therapist. Get $5 off your first visit.
The Bryman School of Phoenix
Massage therapy students put their skills to task in a semi-private, supervised clinic. Services start at $25 for an hour massage.
The Studio Academy of Beauty, Chandler
Cosmetology services with haircuts starting at $10, nail care at $8 and facials at $25.