The main thing that sets college students apart from the rest of society, aside from the ability to ace a test while still partially drunk, is their tendency to fall into debt during their four years in school.

Financial problems for a college student are inevitable; aside from the astronomical cost of school (thanks to the California public school system), we must pay for housing, food, books, and manage to maintain a somewhat active social life, including dinners and bar tabs. With all of these inescapable expenses, the thought of adding the superfluous cost of your typical beauty regimen is as unappealing as attending an 8 a.m. class on Monday morning. As a result college females are left with chipped nails, split ends, and skin that is rougher than your grandmother’s elbow; clearly this is an Earth-shattering epidemic that must be solved.

If you are fine looking like somebody took a hacksaw to your toenails, you can stop reading now. For the rest of you broke college students who are yearning for spa pedicures and fruit-acid facials, dream no more. These tips and tricks will allow you to indulge without sinking your debt even deeper into the abyss.

Nails: A typical manicure costs between $10-$15. Chances are they chip within in a week, forcing you to go back for a polish change a mere seven days later. Rather than getting your nails done weekly (amounting to about $60/month), opt for a gel manicure, costing around $25 and guaranteed to last for up to three weeks. Go once a month to cut manicure costs in half, not to mention eliminate chip-anxiety.

Hair: Unless you’re Superwoman it’s guaranteed your hair is going to grow to gnarly lengths with ends split further than the distance from California to New York after spending ten months in school. However, if you’re used to the cushy hair salons you frequented back in high school, Supercuts’ $15 haircut just isn’t going to, er, cut it for you. The solution? Request a junior stylist at a high-end salon. These apprentices are in the process of being trained by senior stylists, giving you high quality service for half the price. Festoon Salon in North Berkeley and Keter Salon on Fourth Street both offer junior stylist programs, just to name a few.

Facials: Your best bet to score deals on services like facials and massages is through websites like Groupon or Lifebooker. Purchase discounted beauty packages in advance and save them for times of need, such as the mandatory post-finals facial. Lifebooker is currently offering an extensive list of facial services for under $100, all within the San Francisco area. Can’t find a deal you like? In the meantime, create your own spa day with a homemade oatmeal and yogurt facemask.

Makeup: Although somewhat frivolous, it’s always a nice treat to get your makeup done professionally before a party or big night out. Rather than shelling out upward of $50 for a set of smoky eyes, take advantage of the free makeup trials at Benefit on Fourth Street. If you can’t get a trial without purchasing an item, pretend you are in the market for a new eye palette; the stylists will be jumping all over you to prove how “amazing” their product is. After having your eye makeup done at Benefit (and escaping without actually buying the product), move down the street to Mac Cosmetics and employ the same tactic, this time pretending you need bronzer or lip gloss. You’ll be taking the 51B bus back to campus with a fully made-over face and an equally full wallet. Devilish, but it works.

Happy Pampering!

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