With so many beauty schools in the Twin Cities, nearly everybody has one close to home or work. Prices are low if you're willing to be a guinea pig for students. And they're even lower if you catch the monthly special. Here are a few for October:

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. Iso perms for $18, relaxer to straighten wavy or curly hair $26, and Keratin straightener for $48. Keratin is a new high-end process that reduces curl and eliminates frizz.

A standard salon price is about $250.

CENTRAL BEAUTY SCHOOL

538 S. Main St., Suite 110, Cambridge, Minn., 763-691-1431; 2933 Pentagon Dr., Minneapolis, 612-781-3619, www.centralbeautyschool.com. A spa manicure, shampoo and style for $29, haircuts $9 and a facial, shampoo.

ST. PAUL COLLEGE

235 Marshall Av., St. Paul, 651-846-1329, www.saintpaul.edu. Haircuts for $2.50 through Wednesday.

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