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[title]Academy of Cosmetology and Esthetics/Paul Mitchell Partner School
Under the supervision of a certified instructor, students at two levels are on hand to tend to you. Phase-one students offer a wash and blowout for just $10, and you can add on a cut for $15. The students in phase two provide the same services for $12 and $20 respectively. Sit back and relax with a free five-minute scalp treatment with every haircut. 187 New Dorp Ln at 9th St, Staten Island (718-979-9001, theacademynyc.com)
Carsten Institute of Cosmetology
Make an appointment with graduating students from this reliable institute and pay only $20 for a haircut. Coloring is cheap too: Single process starts at $39, partial highlights start at $39, or full highlights start at $54. 22 East 17th St between Fourth and Fifth Aves, second floor (212-675-4884)
Parlor
Call and answer some quick questions with the receptionist to register for Parlor's education days (Mondays). If you're selected, you'll receive a cut ($20) or color ($30--$50) by one of three apprentices or the salon's new talented stylist. 102 Ave B between 6th and 7th Sts (212-673-5520).
Younghee Salon
Submit your name and hair type to this trendy salon for a $15 signature cut, and wait for one of Younghee's eight stylists to give you a call. 64 North Moore St between Greenwich and Hudson Sts (212-334-3770, youngheesalon.com)
Beehive Salon
On Mondays and Wednesdays, you can receive a low-cost cut ($40) from any of the new stylists at Williamsburg's Beehive Salon. When you're there, ask a stylist for a punch card, and when you rack up ten visits you'll earn a half-priced haircut. 115 North 7th St between Berry and Wythe Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-782-8376, thebeehivesalon.com).
Empire Beauty School
Get a wash, cut and blow-dry at the exceptionally low price of $8.32. (Random number, we know.) Just add $5 if your hair lands below your shoulders. 22 W 34th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-923-4000, empire.edu)
Aveda Institute New York Inc
Book an appointment for a $20 cut, wash, blow-dry and styling from this botanical beauty product leader and you'll get complimentary aromatherapy (the products smell that good) and phototherapy thanks to the sunlight that beams through the salon's large windows. Appointments are accepted Tuesdays through Saturdays. 233 Spring St between Sixth Ave and Varick St (212-807-1492, avedainstituteny.com)
Atlas Barber School Inc
This friendly barber school offers men a quick, cheap shave ($2), and cuts and shampoos (plus blowouts) for both sexes ($5 each). 34 Third Ave between 9th and 10th Sts (212-475-1360, atlasbarbersch.com)
Style and Smile Salon
Though Igor, the owner, isn't exactly full of smiles, his styling skills aren't too shabby. To entice passersby, there's a neon sign in the window that announces whether or not he's in at the moment, but walk-ins aren't out of luck if Igor's out—there are plenty of other speedy cutters on standby. Cuts start at $16 for men and $20 for ladies. 167 W 21st St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-813-6925)
Astor Place Hairstylists
This Astor Place institution started in 1947 as a five-chair barbershop and has since grown to include 75 chairs. And somehow, it manages to retain a familiar, old-timey feel. You can't make an appointment; just take a number and wait outside with the crowd. (Sundays are typically less crowded, and the wait rarely exceeds ten minutes.) Haircuts take 20 minutes or less and start at just $15. They also offer perms, color, braiding, extensions and Japanese straightening—all at equally reasonable prices. It's exactly what you'd expect from a small-town barbershop. 2 Astor Pl at Broadway (212-475-9854, astorplacehairnyc.com).
Jeffrey Stein Salon
Receive 30 percent off all services when booking an appointment with one of Jeffrey Stein's junior stylists. 685 Third Ave at 43rd St (212-557-0005).
Louis Licari
Make an appointment to be a hair model at this chic salon for a $35 cut with a trained assistant instead of the typical cut, which ranges from $130 to $300. They accept models every Monday at 5:30pm. 693 Fifth Ave at 54th St (212-758-2090, louislicari.com)
Paul LaBrecque Salon
Assistants get to practice every Monday and Tuesday night from 6 to 9pm. During this time, you can sign up for $20 cuts, $30 color and $40 highlight sessions. 171 E 65th St between Lexington and Third Aves (212-988-7816, paullabrecque.com)
Priv Salon
If you can wait two to three weeks for a cut, call to make an appointment with Priv Salon, and when they get to your name, you'll receive any service by an assistant for the reduced price of $35. Hair model sessions are Wednesday 6--7pm. 310 West Broadway between Canal and Grand Sts (212-274-8888, privesalon.com)