Beauty on a budget secrets revealed

LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI) - Times are tough right now, and for many people the extras in life have fallen by the wayside. However, there are ways you can still primp, relax and look good on a budget.

You don't have to shell out $50 for a pedicure or $80 on a massage. The secret to beauty on a budget lies with beauty schools.

"Some of the services are discounted at greater than half-price at some of the salons," said Schelene Plant, cosmetology supervisor at Euphoria , Lincoln Tech's salon.

Since students need to practice on real-life customers, Euphoria and many other beauty schools offer deep discounts for those willing to sit in the chair.

"A friend of mine introduced it to me and I tried it and loved it," said customer Donna McDaniel.

Eyewitness News checked around other local beauty schools and just look at the deals:

• Manicures - $4
• Massages - $20
• Hair cut and color - $24

If you are worried about a beauty nightmare, rest your head. By the time the students are working on the beauty floor, they're one step away from graduation.

While there are many benefits, there are some downsides to pampering on a budget. Appointments are necessary, and some of the schools have limited times when they perform certain services, like massages.

If something goes wrong with one of the treatments, many of the schools will ask customers to give them a chance to fix what may have gone wrong, and if they're still not happy, refunds are obviously an option.