Dollars & Sense: Beauty school birthday parties on a budget

Preteen girls can have local beauty schools host their birthday parties and get their makeup (if Mom allows), hair and nails done for $8 to $20.

By John Ewoldt, Star Tribune

Last update: September 6, 2009 - 10:51 AM

When preteen girls as young as 5 get their first manicure, pedicure or updo at birthday parties held in Twin Cities' beauty schools, it's all about making them feel special and beautiful. "It's a girly thing," said Becky Carver of Nail Tech and Beauty School in Oakdale. Prices range from $8 to $20 per kid. Painting flowers and hearts on their nails is popular, although at Nail Tech they can also request up to three different polish colors, including Pompeii Purple, Sonoran Sunset and "I'm not really a waitress" red. Here's a list of schools hosting the fun. Check Variety on Sept. 15 for a list of beauty school bargains for adults.

AVEDA INSTITUTE

400 Central Av. SE., Minneapolis, 612-331-1400. Cost: $15 per child includes hairstyle, makeup touchup and nails. The birthday child gets a crown and lip gloss.

CENTRAL BEAUTY SCHOOL

538 S. Main St., Suite 110, Cambridge, 763-691-1431; 2933 Pentagon Dr., Minneapolis, 612-781-3619, www.centralbeautyschool.com. Cost: $8 and up depending on age. Starting price includes a mini updo and mini manicure.

EMPIRE BEAUTY SCHOOLS

Bloomington, 952-881-8662; Eden Prairie, 952-906-2117; St. Paul, 651-209-6930; Spring Lake Park, 763-717-1903; www.empire.edu/mn.html. Cost: $15 per child for updo or style, nail polish and makeup. Every sixth child gets free services.

HASTINGS SCHOOL OF BEAUTY

221 E. 2nd St., Hastings, 651-437-1225, www.hastingsbeautyschool.com. Cost: $8 each for kids 12 and younger includes a hairstyle and a choice of makeup or polish.

MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF BEAUTY

20186 Heritage Dr., Lakeville, 952-469-4545, www.mnschoolofbeauty.com. Cost: $20 for hairstyle, polish or nail art and makeup or $25 for updo, polish change and makeup.

MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF COSMETOLOGY

1750 Weir Dr., Woodbury, 651-287-2180, www.msccollege.edu. Cost: $12 for kids 8 to 12 for two services or $16 for three services.

NAIL TECH AND BEAUTY SCHOOL

6993 N. 35th St., Oakdale, 651-777-0274. Cost: $15 for manicures, pedicures and facials.

PRO-IMAGE BEAUTY SCHOOL

759 N. Milton St., St. Paul, 651-488-3028, ext. 1, www.proimagebeautyschool.com. Cost: $10 for nail polish and updo.

REGENCY BEAUTY INSTITUTE

Blaine, 763-784-9102; Burnsville, 952-435-3882; Maplewood, 651-773-3951; Minnetonka, 952-697-3000, www.regencybeauty.com. Cost: $11 for kids 12 and younger for an updo and polish or $14 for updo, polish and makeup.

SALON PROFESSIONAL

ACADEMY

4411 Winnetka Av. N., New Hope, 763-504-2772, www.tspacademy.com. Cost: $15 each for kids 12 and younger; includes three services.

ST. PAUL COLLEGE

235 Marshall Av., St. Paul, 651-846-1329, www.saintpaul.edu. Cost: Prices vary.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. If you spot a deal, share it at www.startribune.com/blogs/dealspotter.

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