
As busy moms, many of us dream of a day of self-care, filled with saunas, pedicures, facials, and a deep massage.
Yet, such dreams can be costly.
A simple polish pedicure is at least $45.
A massage costs a minimum of $1.50 a minute, a microdermabrasion, no less than $100.
And a facial can set you back $70 – $300, depending on complexity of application and the desired results.
So, if you’re planning even half a day at a salon, a realistic budget would be $350, plus tips for each service.
For many, this is not an expense we can realistically add to our budget on a regular basis. Even once a year for a special occasion may be too much for many.
However, local beauty schools in Fargo provide most cost-friendly alternatives to the city’s top salons, and still offer quality service.
Beauty Schools in Fargo
The Salon Professional Academy
4377 15th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103 | (701) 451-9100
The Salon Professional Academy (SPA) is centrally located off 13th Ave S and 45th St in Fargo. They offer appointments and walk-in services, but appointments are recommended for all services.
The SPA’s services include haircuts and coloring, skin treatments, waxing, massages, manicures, and pedicures for all ages.
Over the years, I’ve booked appointments for manicures, pedicures, massages, skin treatments, and even a haircut. However, it is the pedicures that I keep coming back to each spring and summer.
I typically elect for the basic pedicure ($33; one hour) service as it provides ample cleaning exfoliation, without all the optional upgrades (gel, paraffin, mask, art, etc.).
At the start of the service, clients select their polish color from a large inventory of Tammy Taylor polishes, though you can also bring in your own polish (for those selecting a signature or luxury pedicure, you get to keep the bottle of polish).
The pedicure starts with a soak in a traditional, massaging pedicure chair. Followed by a nail cleaning and trim, then a full foot and calf exfoliation accompanied by a light massage. The painting process includes a base coat, polish, and topcoat.
While all services are provided by students (under the supervision of licensed educators), there have been very few instances where I left disappointed. And because the services are intended to be a learning opportunity for students, the costs are significantly lower than professional salons.
To compare SPA pricing to standard salon pricing, their prices start at:
- $32 for a simple polish pedicure and $42 for a gel pedicure
- $0.75 a minute for a traditional massage
- $62 for a microdermabrasion
- $30 for a Dermalogica® facial
Elite Massage Academy
1121 Westrac Dr Suite 202, Fargo, ND 58103 | (701) 205-2404
The Elite Massage Academy (EMA) is located off 13th Ave S, just north of Scheels Home & Hardware. They offer a variety of massages, from traditional relaxation to specialized cupping massages.
Just like at the Salon Professional Academy, all services at EMA are done by students under the supervision of licensed educators.
I booked my first appointment at Elite Massage Academy on a complete whim. The Salon Professional Academy was between semesters, so they couldn’t offer any appointments for nearly four months. As someone who utilizes massage for pain relief, I couldn’t afford to wait that long.
That first appointment was nearly two years ago, and I have continued to use EMA exclusively for my massages every 6 – 8 weeks.
What I appreciate about this EMA over other massage schools is the environment. When walking into the office, it immediately feels like you’re in a salon, not a school.
A receptionist who checks you in before you are escorted to a private room for your massage (not all massage schools offer a private room; some use a large room with spaces separated by dividers or curtains). Each massage I’ve had was conducted in a professional manner by students who demonstrated sound knowledge of the human body.
At the end of the massage, the massage tech student offers a list of recommended stretches to address problem areas, as well as a recommended timeline for the next massage.
To compare EMA pricing to standard salon pricing, their prices start at:
- $25 for 60-minute last-minute massage (usually in the next 24 hours, when available)
- $0.75 a minute for a traditional massage, with a free add-on (cupping, hot stones, hot towels, hypervolt, or heated neck wrap) available with each massage
Josef’s School of Hair, Skin, & Body
3223 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103 | (701) 235-0011
Another beauty school in the metro is Josef’s School of Hair, Skin, & Body. Like its counterparts, it is located along 13th Ave S and is directly south of Elite Massage Academy.
They offer a variety of cosmetology services including haircuts and colors, waxing, chemical peels, eyelash extensions, nail services, and massages.
I visited Josef’s nearly 15 years ago when they had a location in downtown Fargo. At the time, I received my best haircut to date for a low cost of about $12. While I haven’t returned, their current prices have me thinking a return visit may be warranted.
To compare Josef’s pricing to standard salon pricing, their prices start at:
- $13 for a haircut, shampoo, and style
- $75 for a microdermabrasion
- $24 for a simple polish pedicure
- $0.58 a minute for a traditional massage
With many of these beauty schools in Fargo offering the same services as a professional salon, a half-day of pampering may, in fact, be attainable on a budget. Where is your go-to for a little (or a lot!) self-care and pampering?