When pre-teen girls as young as five 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. Prices range from $8 to $20 per kid. Painting flowers and hearts on their nails is popular, although at Nail Tech they can also choose up to three polish colors including Pompeii Purple, Sonoran Sunset and "I'm not really a waitress" red. Here's a list of schools hosting the parties. Check Tuesday's Variety 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.
