They’re still learning the tricks of the trade, but if you visit one of the several cosmetology schools in Calgary for a haircut from a registered student, you’ll not only have a quality, professional experience, you’ll also save a little money.
Aveda Institute Calgary
The Aveda Institute is one of the premiere schools for students interested in hairstyling. These students learn from some of the top names in the industry, including celebrity and runway stylists. In Canada, there are Aveda Institutes in Calgary as well as Vancouver, Toronto, Winnipeg and Victoria. The Calgary school offers a hairstyling diploma and an advanced certificate program for stylists who are already licensed.
Services offered: Visit the Aveda Institute on Stephen Avenue for a haircut, highlights, botanical therapy treatment, upstyling, colouring or perms from an up-and-coming stylist.
At the Calgary salon, there are four levels of service offered: the Institute Level (these are students in the midst of finishing a 12-month diploma and are supervised by an educator); the Academy Level (these are newly accredited stylists who are supervised during appointments); Junior Educators who are mastering their craft; and Aveda Educators who provide the top level of service.
Haircut pricing: Haircuts start at $20 for the Institute Level.
Make a note: As students are still learning, know that your appointment will take a little extra time if you book at the Institute Level or Academy Level. These stylists are supervised and will provide a high level of service, but just make sure you’re not in a rush.
225 8 Ave. S.W., 403-264-5070, avedainstitute.ca
Delmar College Salon and Spa
This post-secondary institution has been teaching students about hair and esthetics since 1950. Hairstyling students at this institution go through the 1,400-hour program that includes theory and practical sessions in the salon.
Services offered: A range of services is offered in the Delmar College salon and spa. Hair services include haircuts, blow-dry and styling, beard trimming, bang trimming, extension consultations and the addition of hair accessories. There’s also colouring, highlights and chemical relaxation. Spa services include waxing, manicures, pedicures, teeth whitening and more.
Haircut pricing: Women’s haircuts cost $17.
Make a note: If you’re interested in tape-in hair extensions, know that that service is offered here for a fraction of the cost at other salons.
5915 1A St. S.W., 403-264-8055, delmarcollege.com
EvelineCharles Academy Student Salon and Spa
The EvelineCharles Academy was founded in 2005 by Eveline Charles herself, a well-known Canadian stylist, shortly after she founded the EvelineCharles Salon and Spa. There’s one academy here in Calgary and one EvelineCharles Academy in Edmonton.
Services offered: Hair services include cuts, styling, chemical texturizing, colouring, and hair and scalp treatments. In the spa there are also services for hand and foot care, skin care, waxing and tinting.
Haircut pricing: Women’s haircuts start at $20.
Make a note: You’ll find monthly offers on the EvelineCharles Academy website for ECA Beauty Pass holders. (You can buy the pass for $30 and it’s valid for one year from the purchase date.)
510 8 Ave. S.W., 403-571-5666, evelinecharles.com
MC College
MC College is a cosmetology school offering courses in hairstyling, esthetics and fashion. Over its six locations across Canada, MC College has more than 79,000 square feet of instructional space and trains more than 700 students each year. You’ll find the salon on the first floor of the three-storey Calgary campus.
Services offered: The MC College salon offers colouring (including highlights, lowlights, bayalage and corrective colour), cuts and styles, beard trimming, texture (like perms, extensions and chemical straightening), and hair and scalp treatments. The spa offers additional services.
Haircut pricing: Women’s haircuts start at $15.
Make a note: All colour and texture services include a haircut and style without an additional cost. (Check here for more specials.) Also, the MC College Salon and Spa offers birthday parties for kids and teens. There are hairstyle and nail polish parties for kids up to 16, and hairstyle and makeup application parties for kids ages 11 to 16.
1023 7 Ave. S.W., 403-290-0051, mccollege.ca
TC Hair Studio Akademy
This beauty school has been teaching cosmetology students for more than 14 years. It offers the 1,400-hour accredited diploma in hairstyling as well as courses in advanced haircutting, hair colouring, hair styling and makeup. Visitors can also opt for a service from a fully qualified stylist or stylist educator for a higher cost, or go with the student price list.
Services offered: There are haircuts, colouring, highlights, perms and hair extensions offered at TC Hair Studio Akademy.
Haircut pricing: Women’s haircuts start at $18.
Make a note: You can really relax and unwind here. You can get a 20-minute scalp massage and hair wash for $15, or a hot towel, deep treatment and blow dry for $15.
201, 6008 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-460-5919, tochair.caÂ