Beauty schools are a great resource for scoring affordable beauty treatments. You can even book an appointment online at a lot of beauty colleges. Be sure to sign up for their email or mailing list where you'll find even deeper discounts during special events.

While the services available at these colleges can be worked into just about any budget, here are a few tips to make sure that your new look turns out perfectly.

Ask for a senior student

Students who are in their last year of beauty school are going to provide the closest to professional-level services. These students know what their strengths and talents are, and will try to perform services in their areas of expertise. Senior students are more comfortable with each process and will take less time to complete your appointment.

Ask for a student who specializes in or is considered gifted in the service that you are requesting

You may have to wait longer to snag an appointment with a coveted student stylist or esthetician, but the results will be well worth the wait. Clients even follow these rising stars to their first spa or salon. You can get beautiful and creative results by requesting these students, as well.

Leave more time for your appointment

Services performed at beauty schools take longer than they would at a professional salon. This is because the students are trying to make their work perfect, as they are being graded for each service. A good rule of thumb is to figure on twice as long as your normal beauty appointment would take.

Bring tons of pictures

It's a smart idea to bring pictures of the look you want when visiting any salon, but especially when you are soliciting the services of students. Bringing photographs will also help the instructor see if your student needs to make any adjustments.

Don't be afraid to ask an instructor to fix a mistake

This is a learning experience for the student. Sometimes what should be an adorable bob turns out looking more like a pageboy. If you aren't happy with the way the appointment is going or with your final results, don't be afraid to have your student flag down an instructor. The instructors are there not only to help and grade the students, but also to make sure that you leave happy.

With a little bit of planning and patience, you can be beautified and pampered for practically pennies.