Affordable Beauty Services in Pasadena Help PCC Students Build Their Careers

High salon prices can make routine beauty services feel like a luxury. At Pasadena City College’s cosmetology program, members of the public can receive student-performed services—from haircuts to facials—at a fraction of typical salon prices.

By Melissa Michelson

Tucked away in the interior courtyard of PCC’s Community Education Center satellite campus on Foothill Boulevard, the student salon offers haircuts, coloring, styling, facials, manicures, waxing and other cosmetology services. The salon serves the public on a walk-in, cash-only basis, with advanced students providing services under instructor supervision while newer students practice on models.

The full list of services is posted outside Room 135 and on Instagram @pcccosmoclub, but when a woman’s haircut with shampoo and blow-dry at a regular salon costs upwards of $75—plus tip—the prices at PCC’s student salon are substantially lower:

• Haircut, shampoo, blow-dry: $16
• Balayage: starting at $60
• Basic facial: $10
• Makeup (client brings own foundation): $20
• Manicure: $8 for regular polish; $16 for gel
• Keratin treatments: $150
• Eyebrow/upper lip wax: $6

One thing to keep in mind is that this is an educational endeavor first and foremost. A subtle plea for patience is printed on the price menu: “Please remember, all work is done by students.” Most services require more time than they would at a salon, which, depending on one’s priorities, may be good or bad.

Clients must be at least 8 years old, and seniors age 60 and over receive a $1 discount. Bills over $20 are not accepted.

Hours open to the general public vary by semester and may differ by service. Walk-in and appointment hours, including evening and Saturday availability, are updated each semester. Before visiting, check the salon’s Instagram for the most current schedule and service availability. On your first visit, pick up a brochure for a convenient reference to hours and services. Keep in mind that some services may have earlier cut-off times than the posted closing time.

During a visit, students disinfected tools between clients and consulted with instructors, who observed their work and evaluated their techniques.

During appointments, students worked carefully, consulting instructors when needed and taking time to explain each step of the process. For budget-conscious clients, PCC’s cosmetology program offers a lower-cost alternative to traditional salons. Those willing to spend a little more time in the chair can receive a range of beauty services while helping students gain hands-on experience.

This article was featured in our July 2026 print edition.