TIPS FOR YOUR TIPS, FACE AND ACHING BACK

• Less is less. A simpler salon in a middle-class neighborhood charges less.

• Try independents or one-person shops for less overhead.

• Ask about new-client or volume discounts. Jon Charles salon in Uptown Minneapolis offers a 25 percent discount on services for new clients. The salon also offers discounts for pairs such as friends or mother-daughter.

• Ask about package specials. John Zeches Skincare in St. Paul offers "Buy 4, get 5th one free" on all services (www.johnzeches.com).

• Try half-hour massages or facials.

• Check the salon or school's website for deals. Minnesota School of Cosmetology in Woodbury often puts coupons on its site.

• Try the training salons at Ficocello's (Snelling Av., St. Paul) or Rocco Altobelli (Snelling Av., St. Paul) or ask at your salon about students or new hires who charge less.

• Put this on your calendar: Spa Week (Oct. 13-19). Pay $50 for treatments that regularly cost up to $150 at seven local salons, including reVamp and Salon 2000. Go to www.spaweek.org/spas/minnesota for a complete list.

JOHN EWOLDT