Beauty Makeover on a Budget

ALERT: This post contains “before and after” photos…please do not be alarmed by the “before” photo.  I am being extremely brave by posting it, haaaaa!!

Last Saturday, I had one of the best “me” days I have ever had.  Back in December I won a Twitter contest/giveaway from @TUBC to receive the first ever #TUBCmakeover!  I won a haircut, color, manicure, and pedicure from Tricoci University of Beauty Culture.  It turned out to be a full day of beauty and total relaxation!

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is a beauty school founded by Mario Tricoci but is also a salon.  The students get salon training alongside qualified instructors and patrons get outstanding beauty services at a fraction of salon prices.  There are several locations throughout Illinois to choose from.

Tricoci University uses quality Redken hair products and OPI nail products exclusively.  There is an expansive menu of salon services to choose from including hair styling, color, facials, body treatments, manicures, and more.

I arrived at 9 a.m. on Saturday and was greeted with smiles and treated so sweetly by everyone.  I chose my Violet Red hair color and was on my way to a new ‘do before I knew it!  Even though the salon was very busy, the atmosphere was never hectic or rushed.  That bugs me sometimes, when you are trying to get your hair done and feel like you are being thrown around, hustled, and bustled just to get you out of there.  I really enjoyed talking with my girls, Ellie and Brittany, and the other students as well.  It was refreshing to be around young ladies (and men) who were excited about their day and their futures.

I loved that the instructor got involved and was a huge help with my cut when I expressed what I was looking for.  The communication factor was excellent, which is so important when you are getting your hair done.  I am absolutely in love with my cut and color, it is exactly what I wanted!

After my hair cut and color was complete, I was off to my pedicure.  It was incredibly relaxing to just sit in a big comfy chair and have a sweet girl to pamper your feet and legs with all the special scrubs and lotions, complete with massage.  Last but not least, my manicure was the final touch.  If you are curious, I opted for Rainbow Connection by OPI on my toes and Wocka Wocka by OPI on my fingers.  These are two shades that I do not have at home so it was perfect!

Here are those “before and after photos” so that you can see how awesome my hair turned out!

BEFORE

AFTER

While it was a six-hour day of beauty, the only thing I noticed was that I was having the best beauty day.  Oh, and I felt a little hungry too after six hours!  If you are in the Chicago Metro area, or near Peoria or Rockford, you should stop in and see all that Tricoci University has to offer.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.  For reference, my full day would have cost me $80.00 (haircut, color, manicure, pedicure).

A big thank you to Tricoci University of Beauty Culture for this amazing day.  Follow @TUBC on Twitter, maybe they will run this contest again! UPDATE:  There is a makeover contest going on right now and ending February 27, 2012!!  Check their Twitter timeline to find details.

Have you ever frequented a student salon before?  If so, what was your experience?